Animal-Assisted Therapy Program at Duck 'N Stables in San Benito Transforming Lives

Recent heavy rains dampened the grounds at Duck 'N Stables in San Benito, preventing horse riding activities on Wednesday. Despite this setback, the stables were abuzz with the sounds of clucking chickens, nickering horses, and the occasional moo of a cow.
Therapeutic Interaction with Animals:
In a heartwarming scene, 11-year-old Kassidy Salazar from San Benito carefully groomed a 9-year-old quarter horse named Honey under the guidance of Melody Cantu, an animal-assisted facilitator. The program, led by A Stable Learning, LLC, focuses on providing activities and interventions for at-risk individuals, including children, young adults, and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the owner and director, Raul Garcia, the aim is to teach life and coping skills using animals to address daily life challenges.
Tailored Interventions:
The program tailors interventions to suit the specific needs of each individual, tracking progress through detailed notes after each session. Partnered with Rio Grande State Center and Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, A Stable Learning, LLC receives referrals for clients who could benefit from animal interaction therapy.
Horse Connection:
Clients can choose from a variety of animals like horses, cows, bulls, chickens, and ducks to work with at the stables. Pamela Garrett, the owner, highlights how clients often form emotional connections with horses, choosing one that they connect with on each visit. Through horse riding lessons and basic horsemanship teaching, the program has helped individuals with ADHD, ADD, and autism find a different mode of engagement and learning.
Positive Impact:
Maryssa Torres, a 15-year-old from Raymondville, found joy and purpose in caring for the animals at the stables. With dreams of becoming a veterinarian, Torres expressed how interacting with the animals made her feel alive, productive, and happy despite the challenging circumstances. Animal-assisted therapy at Duck 'N Stables is proving to be a transformative experience for individuals seeking mental health support in the post-COVID era.