104 Preston Street
Hartford, CT 06106
September 30, 2020
Mrs. Amy Boutilier
Sport and Medical Sciences Academy
280 Huyshope Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Dear Mrs. Boutilier,
My capstone project will be a campaign focusing on Awareness of Animal Assisted Therapy: therapy used to help people who are suffering from trauma or abuse to relax, minimize stress, and offer a sense of safety and unconditional acceptance that puts therapy at ease. Animal therapy is also used as assisting aid for people with disabilities. I have identified Ebony Horsewomen Equestrian Therapeutic Program in Hartford, CT, Ebony Horsewomen's “mission and goal are to use equine-assisted therapy and equine-assisted growth and learning to empower youth toward their successful lives, deter destructive behaviors, to build leaders and increase academic achievement”. The program helps children confront any fears or insecurities they have while encouraging youth to learn how to maintain control, work through their feelings, and move towards healing in spite of any underlying lack of confidence or hurdles in life. COVID has been traumatic for many families and children around the world. COVID closed down schools and programs that were safe places for children, provided positive environments and services for children. As a City of Hartford resident, I experienced a very empowering program at Ebony Horsewomen Equestrian Program; riding horses provided me with a sense of safety, calmness, stress free, reassurance, nurturing, and peace. I chose this to be my capstone because as a young adult who's struggled with their mental health and tried one on one therapy with a psychologist, I always felt like I was being judged. When first participating with Ebony Horsewoman I was at the age where I understood why I was never going to see my father again and heavy bullying from my school peers. It felt amazing to talk to someone that won’t judge you and comfort you, and I found that comfort into horses.
I began to research therapy methods; animal therapy piqued my interest. The two most common animals used in therapy are dogs and horses. My research question is: What are the benefits of animal therapy? Why someone should look towards getting an animal, especially during a pandemic. Why is it important to talk about your mental health during a time like this. I plan on collecting data from mental health professionals, talking to equestrian riders and trainers, looking at other research and data, and having photos taken of the interactions between the horses and children.
I have identified Ms. Patricia Kelly, Founder and President/CEO of Ebony Horsewomen- 337 Vine Street Hartford, CT 06112 860-293-2914. My learning stretch will be public speaking because throughout my school experience, I was never given the opportunity to talk in a class setting with peers, so it will be a lot of pressure on me to have all eyes on me. Another learning stretch that I will like to overcome throughout my experience with capstone is fundraising and creating a campaign because it will be my first time ever doing it. What I plan to do to overcome these learning stretches is ask for guidance and tools for the campaign, and gain confidence within me for public speaking.
Hartford, CT 06106
September 30, 2020
Mrs. Amy Boutilier
Sport and Medical Sciences Academy
280 Huyshope Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Dear Mrs. Boutilier,
My capstone project will be a campaign focusing on Awareness of Animal Assisted Therapy: therapy used to help people who are suffering from trauma or abuse to relax, minimize stress, and offer a sense of safety and unconditional acceptance that puts therapy at ease. Animal therapy is also used as assisting aid for people with disabilities. I have identified Ebony Horsewomen Equestrian Therapeutic Program in Hartford, CT, Ebony Horsewomen's “mission and goal are to use equine-assisted therapy and equine-assisted growth and learning to empower youth toward their successful lives, deter destructive behaviors, to build leaders and increase academic achievement”. The program helps children confront any fears or insecurities they have while encouraging youth to learn how to maintain control, work through their feelings, and move towards healing in spite of any underlying lack of confidence or hurdles in life. COVID has been traumatic for many families and children around the world. COVID closed down schools and programs that were safe places for children, provided positive environments and services for children. As a City of Hartford resident, I experienced a very empowering program at Ebony Horsewomen Equestrian Program; riding horses provided me with a sense of safety, calmness, stress free, reassurance, nurturing, and peace. I chose this to be my capstone because as a young adult who's struggled with their mental health and tried one on one therapy with a psychologist, I always felt like I was being judged. When first participating with Ebony Horsewoman I was at the age where I understood why I was never going to see my father again and heavy bullying from my school peers. It felt amazing to talk to someone that won’t judge you and comfort you, and I found that comfort into horses.
I began to research therapy methods; animal therapy piqued my interest. The two most common animals used in therapy are dogs and horses. My research question is: What are the benefits of animal therapy? Why someone should look towards getting an animal, especially during a pandemic. Why is it important to talk about your mental health during a time like this. I plan on collecting data from mental health professionals, talking to equestrian riders and trainers, looking at other research and data, and having photos taken of the interactions between the horses and children.
I have identified Ms. Patricia Kelly, Founder and President/CEO of Ebony Horsewomen- 337 Vine Street Hartford, CT 06112 860-293-2914. My learning stretch will be public speaking because throughout my school experience, I was never given the opportunity to talk in a class setting with peers, so it will be a lot of pressure on me to have all eyes on me. Another learning stretch that I will like to overcome throughout my experience with capstone is fundraising and creating a campaign because it will be my first time ever doing it. What I plan to do to overcome these learning stretches is ask for guidance and tools for the campaign, and gain confidence within me for public speaking.