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Northern Michigan Equine Therapy: Horses Healing Humans

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Some people choose to do therapy at a clinic, others choose to do therapy in a barn and on the back of a horse.

“We’re just like any other rehab facility but our facility is in a barn and my therapy mat is a horse’s back,” says founder of Northern Michigan Equine Therapy Courtney Sumpter.

This Boyne City non-profit is giving hope to families in Northern Michigan, helping people with disabilities conquer mental, physical and emotional disabilities all while riding a horse. One of these clients is Claus Nowell, who suffered a traumatic brain injury almost 5 years ago in an auto-related accident.

Claus’ father, Richard Nowell was unsure what his son’s future would look like. “We were pretty much told that if he made it he would never function – he wouldn’t know anybody, remember anything.”

Northern Michigan Equine Therapy is putting a spin on rehabilitation where they let the horses take the lead and do the healing.

“By putting Claus on a horse I’m giving him symmetry of that right/left. He’s getting that constant input to the brain of right left and rhythm – freedom of movement. That doesn’t happen when you have a cane or a walker or are in a wheelchair. The second you’re up on the horses back you’re receiving movement – that’s freedom,” says Sumpter.

Claus’ father Richard says that this program since day one has lifted the family’s spirits. “Pretty much since the day we got here Claus has been very comfortable here. He loves the horses, everybody that works here – it’s just very refreshing being here.”

This organization comes full circle, letting Sumpter combine her love of horses with her occupational therapy job. “It’s a labor of love and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

If you want more information on the organization

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