Horses help tots learn to read
It’s been a number of months since Tales for Tots, a consortium of likeminded organizations and individuals has been established. By working together it is the group’s mission to facilitate and connect others who are creating effective ways to inspire children to read at as early an age as possible. The target population is 0 to 3 years old. That’s why they are contemplating a special equine assisted learning program called “Hopie’s Haven,” otherwise known as “Au pays de Hopie” offered by Eliane Crematy.
Once a civil servant at the International Development Agency in Ottawa, Crematy says that her life-long love affair with horses lured her to Eponaquest workshops in both Arizona and then Maine. The Eponaquest workshops designed by Linda Kohanov are the foundation to the work that Crematy does in her non-profit organization. The avid equestrian says that her service is basically a branch of Tejas Animal Refuge based in Ontario. “Horses have always been a part of my life. I completed a program called FEEL, which stands for Facilitate Equine Experiential Learning. It is a leading edge modality for developing human potential whereby participants learn to create a horse-centred, experiential learning environment that supports personal growth.”
Two weeks ago, Crematy, with the help of Sally Harrington-philipo of Rivercross Farm in Brigham, paid a visit to CPE La Passerelle des Mousses in Knowlton with two American miniature horses — Abraham and Sara. It was an event intended to test the waters. With the support of Tales for Tots it is hoped that “Au pays du Hopie” will become a regular feature at the daycare because both educators and members of Tales for Tots see the connection between horses and children. It is Crematy’s goal to eventually offer free sessions for children and adults with mental disorders. “Horses are very sensitive and emotionally connected animals. They have the ability to sense our emotions and respond in a very comforting and supportive way.”
Judith Duncanson is a member of the Knowlton Literary Association. She is
thrilled that Tales for Tots is pulling together so well and in such a short period of time. “The secret has been that we have brought together a number of local women’s organizations who are doing wonderful work in the community (and not just women's organizations as the Yamaska Literary Festival covers all segments of the population). All these groups are doing wonderful work in their specific areas but never before have they banded together for a cause so close to everyone's heart.”
Duncanson pointed out that studies reveal that if children are not read to and introduced to books in their first three years, they are at a disadvantage. “They absorb material at a much slower rate and are not as verbal. By the time they get to kindergarten they are behind and often never catch up. The reality is that statistics show a high percentage of functionally illiterate people in this region, greater in the English-speaking community than with the French.” Duncanson underlines the critical relevance of emotional attachment to living beings and that the horse is a wonderful idea.
“My journey with horses began at riding camps in Quebec when I was very young,” explained Crematy. “My interaction with horses not only helped me to move through my own challenges but it also brought more healing and joy into my life than I ever imagined possible. Recognizing the significance of my own experiences, I then set out to find a way to share this healing and joy with others.”
Horses are intuitive and are known to communicate with people and they are good listeners. When sometimes a child might be too shy to speak to another person or read out loud, they are able to with a horse. Gary Millar runs a horse therapy program for children including those with autism near Fort Saskatchewan and knows that horses are great teachers. “They are doing a far better job than I thought they ever could.”