Retiring Therapy Horses 

On May 20, 2006, at Special Olympic State Games held in Auburn, AL, two MGH therapy horses were honored for their contributions to the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrians of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind program located in Talladega, AL.  The two mares, a mother (Satin) and a daughter (Ceri), have been performing their duties as therapy horses for the past 12 years.  The two horses along with their owner, Program Instructor Gwen Corbitt, were honored at the State Games with NARHA ribbon medallions, a beautiful pictured plaque, and a very heart-felt beautifully written poem by one of MGH own volunteers, Carolyn Roberson.  Gwen was completely surprised and overwhelmed by the presentation and totally speechless, which is a difficult thing for her because she never stops talking.  Her comments later were, “I knew they were going home after summer camp this June and I’m making arrangements for them to come home, but I never thought about this being their last show with the kids until the announcement was made.  Thank you.” 

It was a very emotional experience for all who was there, but we would like to take a moment to recap a little on the service that Satin and Ceri have so willingly given to the program.  The two Arabian mares have long been a major backbone of the program.  They were brought into the program in 1994, four years after the program was piloted.  Both horses came from Texas where they were born and both have a background in Dressage.  Satin who is 27 years old, has been used in parades, set pivots in rodeos, did play-days, schooling shows, horse shows, drill teams, trail rides, and numerous pony rides to children at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX.  Ceri who is 20 years old, has followed in her mother’s hoof prints, but has also been on stage representing Sheppard AFB – MWR Division, been in a church play carrying children on her back through the chapel, but most importantly in 1990, she saved her owner’s life from another aggressive horse.  Satin was 15 and Ceri was 8 when they came into the MGH program and they have never stop giving of themselves.  They both have been used in hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, recreational riding, rider’s club, horse shows, parades, trail rides, driving, and they were both selected for the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, GA.  No matter what has been asked of them, they have willing given back.  It will be hard to replace these two dependable horses, but it is time for them to retire.  So let us take time to thank these wonderful mares for all they have done for the students, staff, and program of the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrians.  THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! 

Satin and Ceri will go home to live with their owner Gwen Corbitt.  Gwen’s plan for them is to let them frolic and play without any demands being put on them for a while.  She hopes to breed Ceri within the next two years.  Satin will just be a grandmother, hopefully and carry Gwen’s 20 month old grandson around the house.  Thanks again for sharing these two wonderful mares with our program.

God’s Chosen Few 

Horses are wonderful creatures
A gift from God above,
Sent down from Heaven to live on earth
To befriend us and share our love.

But there are certain horses
A very chosen few,
Who can be therapy horses
With a special job to do.

The therapy horse is quiet and calm
Patient, intelligent and true,
Both a mentor and a friend
To work the magic they do.

They help stiff limbs become more supple
And help the weak grow tall and firm,
The quiet and withdrawn begin
To reach out and to learn.

For what can be more special than
A child’s first word to you,
Or leaving the confines of a wheelchair
And be given four legs, not just two.

A horse gives a special freedom
To those who can’t hear or see,
Carrying them upon a journey
That sets their spirits free. 

Though they don’t have a diploma
Or a graduate degree,
A therapy horse understands and protects
The student with special needs.

 These horses develop body and mind
And awaken the spark within,
Disabilities become abilities, confidence and strength
So thanks to Satin and Ceri, our special equine friends.