Shannon’s FHTRC fundraiser

My Story: Helping Hearts Heal and Grow Through Horses

Becoming a therapeutic riding instructor wasn’t just a career choice — it was a calling. From the moment I first saw a child with special needs light up when they met a horse, I knew I had found something powerful: a space where healing, growth, and confidence could bloom in the most unexpected ways.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children and adults facing a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Some are learning to balance for the first time since a traumatic brain injury; others are discovering how to communicate through nonverbal connection with their horse. Whether it’s Therapeutic Riding (TR) or Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), each session is a journey — not just in horsemanship, but in self-discovery and empowerment.

What makes this work truly special is the partnership between rider, horse, and instructor. In the saddle, I’ve seen children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and ADHD develop stronger bodies and brighter spirits. I’ve seen adults rediscover hope after strokes, accidents, or emotional trauma. And I’ve seen families come together, witnessing their loved ones achieve things they never thought possible.

One of the most meaningful parts of my work has been my involvement with Stable Moments, a program dedicated to foster and adopted children. Here, horses become mirrors and mentors — helping these resilient kids build trust, regulate emotions, and develop life skills in a way that feels natural and nonjudgmental. For children who have known instability and trauma, the barn becomes a safe space. Each moment of care — grooming, leading, bonding — becomes a step toward healing and belonging.

This work isn’t always easy. It takes patience, adaptability, and deep empathy. But the joy of seeing a nonverbal child laugh on horseback, or a teenager finally feel seen and heard through their connection with a horse, makes every challenge worth it.

Therapeutic riding has taught me that growth doesn’t always come in leaps. Sometimes, it comes in quiet moments — a gentle brushstroke, a balanced seat, a shared breath with a horse. And in those moments, lives change.

Shannon Fox

Certified therapeutic riding instructor