For a while, the only animal sounds coming from the Equine Therapy Center at St. Joseph’s Indian School came from our therapy horses. It was common to hear Pony Boy let out a neigh when he commanded a snack, or a whinny from Gramma when she was keeping the rest of the herd in line.
But there are more sounds coming from the center now, so much so that we’ve turned the chorus into a little rhyme:
Down at the therapy barn, the horses nicker low,
While the donkey fires a hee‑haw like he’s running the show.
The goats add goofy bleats that bounce from wall to wall,
And the chicks go cheep‑cheep like they’re hosting roll call.
The bunny stays silent, but he’s clearly in command,
Surveying the chaos like he’s in charge of the barn band.
It’s a wild little chorus drifting far across the yard,
Healing sounds sweet, even if the soundtrack’s a bit bizarre.
While that rhyme is all fun and games, beneath all that barnyard music, something meaningful is happening.
These animals, from the gentle giants to the tiniest chicks, help our students practice confidence, feel calm and experience connection. Caring for the critters also teaches responsibility, as students participate in grooming and feeding the animals.
“This is us branching out and exploring with the kiddos,” said Patty, St. Joseph’s Equine Specialist Lead. “We’re showing them other types of animals there are on farms, what each one looks like and how they react to people and other animals.”
And if you were to ask our Lakota (Sioux) students what they think of all this fluffy, furry, feathery chaos, they would say they LOVE it!
“I am so happy we got [the rabbit]! I held him in my arms and he was so soft and cuddly. I also love petting the baby goats!” said Kimimela, a St. Joseph’s student.
And while the barnyard soundtrack brings plenty of smiles, the real magic is in how the animals help our students grow and spark their imaginations.
“What matters most is how much our students light up when they’re with the animals,” said Patty. “A horse, goat or even a tiny chick can help a child feel calm, confident and seen in a way that’s hard to put into words.”
Whether a child is learning to read horse body language, regulate big emotions or simply breathe a little easier, the Equine Therapy Center has become a place where healing doesn’t always take place quietly. Sometimes it nickers, bleats, cheeps … and occasionally lets out a very enthusiastic hee‑haw.
Learn more about the Equine Therapy Center by visiting our website today!
