Ihhashi Ithembalethu (Horse is our Hope) is a local Non-Profit Company, set up in 2021 to promote and enable donors to get behind and support Dayspring’s equine therapy programme. Since 2006, the Dayspring Equestrian and Animal Farm have been offering free horse-riding therapy sessions to children from Thuthukani Special School.
Equine therapy helps children with cerebral palsy by improving their muscle tone, strength and balance. Whilst autistic children benefit from the stimulation of their sensory systems, which in turn improves their social skills and communication abilities. The programme has seen children previously unable to sit up in their wheelchairs to being able to sit up after strengthening their core during the rides, and other non-vocal children starting to express themselves as soon as they climb on their horse. Most importantly is the smiles on the faces and the joy of the experience emanating from the children that makes this endeavour to worthwhile.
One of the young learners bonding with her horse
