“Before Frankie’s Corner, Jason did not have anything that was “his” in the activity department. Although athletic and a sports lover, team sports are not his jam at this point in life. Every sport he tried, he compared himself to his family members – and in his eyes he came up short. The pride that we all want for our kids, the innate self-confidence that it takes to be able to try new things and initiate conversations – these were qualities that has begun to slip away from Jason as he began to realize that he is different from others. As a kiddo with some neuro atypicality’s – language and sensory issues, as well as a pretty hefty case of inattentive-hyperactive ADHD – Jason doesn’t always make friends easily or feel very successful with things he sees his peers participating in.

Then Mr. Jermo, Max, and Bourbon the foal entered the picture. Jason learned about horses from the ground up, literally, stating with mucking stalls, learning about horse care basics, and progressing AT HIS PACE. Mr. Jermo astutely commented that Jason started out this program with a posture that made him smaller, less visible, and protected himself from being noticed. With each passing session, Jason has become more sure of himself with his horsemanship, his knowledge of what it takes to care for animals, the systemic progress of learning new skills, and quite possibly, a new way to communicate in horse language.

The excitement he feels after a session at Frankie’s Corner leads him to initiate a conversation about what he has learned and done. He stands a little straighter, is more attuned to those around him with their nonverbal communication, and he looks forward to spending time at “his” activity, where he can grow at his pace.”