When God Closed Doors: How Equine Therapy Opened a New World for our kids
In 2020, we were handed a diagnosis for our daughter Kinnen: autism. The immediate prescription? Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. 40 hours a week, 20 hours minimum.
But there was one problem.
No one was taking new clients. I’m sure you remember how accessible things were that year. (haha) I made call after call, leaving messages that went unanswered. And with every closed door, I felt the anxiety building. What was I going to do? How was I going to help her? This was the only option I was handed. I can feel the frustration all over again as I write this.
Diagnosed over a zoom call.
Mailed an 80 page evaluation and protocol but given zero follow up, assistance or guidance past the pages at the end indicating names and numbers to call. Who were these people? What did they do? I had to research every line, one by one, make call after call, only to be met with silence.
I know that sounds dramatic, but it is the God’s honest truth. No one out of a dozen or more, called me back. No one was taking new clients.
But deep down, a quiet voice kept whispering: this isn’t it. ABA is not it.
I didn’t have the language for it yet, but I knew ABA wasn’t Kinnen’s path. What she needed wasn’t found in a sterile room with data charts and endless repetition. What she needed was connection, confidence, and healing in her whole self. Entire body, mind, and spirit work.
Looking back now, it’s easy to see that God was closing those doors for us so we wouldn’t step through one simply because it was what we were told to do. The door He wanted open, was one I had never even heard of before.
The Day We Found Heart of a Warrior
When a friend suggested equine therapy, I was intrigued but hesitant. Could horses really help my daughter communicate? Could a barn full of animals help us calm the storms we faced every day?
Our first attempt with a local farm led to another “no.” We had visited, interviewed, even picked our start date. Then the call came. Covid had them closing doors too. I was feeling so defeated.
If you have read our book: Joy in the Journey, this was all happening around the time of all our sleepless nights, indescribable meltdowns and my ultimate match with depression. I desperately called out to the Lord to bring us someone to help. In His perfect timing, through an instagram request, a girl knew a girl, who knew a girl, and we discovered Heart of a Warrior Farm.
Kinnen became their very first special needs rider. I still remember our first visit: she clung to my leg, hid her face, and cried. But little by little, the barn became her safe place.
Today, five years later, Kinnen’s transformation is nothing short of miraculous.
Her meltdowns are much more rare.
Her communication went from a handful of words to speaking all the time (now I’m not saying the farm cured her ability to talk, we did a lot of other work here, but it did play the role of building her confidence, which was a major battle won in development of her speech.)
Her confidence in her own body grows with every ride and she is at such peace on her horse.
And the program is now thriving. After meeting Amber and Kai their Playnasium we mentioned that this farm was just down the road and they must go see it! Since then, Kai, Amber’s son, has found his own strength and joy here too. Together, our families have watched our children flourish in ways we never imagined. Kai even participated in his very first horse show this Summer and got a ribbon!
Why Equine Therapy? 7 Transformative Benefits for Kids (and Adults!)
Equine-assisted therapy isn’t just a “cute” alternative. It’s a powerful tool with research-backed benefits for anyone—especially individuals with disabilities or special needs.
Here’s why:
Builds Core Strength & Balance
Riding engages the core, improves posture, and helps with coordination—essential for children with physical challenges.Encourages Emotional Regulation
The rhythmic movement of a horse has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping reduce anxiety and aggression.Fosters Communication & Social Skills
Whether it’s giving commands, following instructions, or simply connecting with the horse and volunteers, riders gain confidence in communication.Promotes Sensory Integration
The sights, smells, and textures of the barn create a rich sensory environment—perfect for helping kids process sensory input in a safe, controlled way.Teaches Responsibility & Empathy
Grooming and caring for a horse fosters a sense of responsibility and builds compassion for others.Creates Community & Belonging
Families often feel isolated on their journey with disabilities. At the barn, you find “your people” who just get it. I can’t express this enough. The relationships we have found feel like family. We aren’t alone and we are all cheering for each other.Opens Doors to Inclusive Opportunities
Equine programs often lead to participation in Special Olympics, adaptive horse shows, and other community events designed for riders of all abilities.
From Fear to Freedom
“You know, she never needed ABA therapy,” I said to one of the volunteers recently. “Well—I mean, they said she did. But then we found you guys and every need we had was met here, and more.”
Equine therapy wasn’t what the books recommended. It wasn’t the “typical” route. But it was Kinnen’s route. It has also been Kai’s now, and that’s what matters.
Our family will forever be grateful for Heart of a Warrior Farm—for the people, the horses, and the healing they’ve given our very special children. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I would strongly argue that what it really takes is a farm.
Ready to Saddle Up?
If you’re in the Columbus area, check out Heart of a Warrior Farm. If not, there’s likely a therapeutic riding center near you. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. You just might find your breakthrough in a barn.
Til Next Week, Cake Pops!
xoxo The Lemon Cake Girls
