Nemours Children’s Health Partners with North Florida School for Equine Therapy

Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville has announced a new partnership with the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) to introduce equine therapy for children receiving animal-assisted therapy. This collaboration aims to enhance the therapeutic experiences of young patients by incorporating miniature horses into their treatment programs.

The initiative, which was officially launched on October 17, 2023, will see horses from NFSSE’s Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center regularly visiting patients at Nemours Children’s. This program is part of Nemours’ Assisted Dog and Pony Therapy initiative, designed to support children with chronic medical conditions through engaging and interactive animal-assisted activities.

According to the announcement, the partnership ensures that children have consistent access to trained therapy horses and certified handlers. This arrangement not only enhances therapeutic continuity but also prioritizes the safety of the children involved. The inclusion of these gentle animals is expected to foster emotional connections and improve overall well-being among young patients.

The collaboration also opens doors for NFSSE students, allowing them to engage with the services offered at Nemours Children’s. Such interactions promote a sense of community and inclusivity, enriching the experiences of both students and patients.

To support the expansion of this program, the Rotary Club of East Arlington has generously donated a specially designed miniature horse trailer. This trailer will facilitate the transportation of therapy horses from the equestrian center to the healthcare facility, enabling the program to reach a larger number of children in the Jacksonville area.

In a statement, officials from both organizations expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with NFSSE, bringing the joy and therapeutic benefits of equine therapy to our patients,” said a representative from Nemours Children’s Health. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrating innovative therapeutic options to enhance care for its young patients.

The launch of this equine therapy program reflects a growing recognition of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy in pediatric healthcare. Research has shown that interactions with therapy animals can lead to improved emotional resilience, reduced anxiety, and enhanced social skills among children facing medical challenges.

This initiative underscores the commitment of both Nemours Children’s Health and NFSSE to provide comprehensive, community-based care that addresses not only the physical but also the emotional needs of children. As the program develops, it is expected to make significant contributions to the well-being of many young individuals in the community.