Dayspring Mission
To enhance the independence and life skills of individuals with disabilities through multi-level equine programs for our community
My daughter [Zoe] is 10 years old and I seriously believe one of her first words was “horse.” She has dreamed of horses, played like she was riding a horse, and has watched every television program she can get her hands on about horses! It is not financial feasible for our family to own a horse, nor do we have a place to safely keep one. My wife called to see what might be a viable option in order to give our daughter some exposure to what she loves so much. After talking with the Executive Director, we decided to take Zoe there to meet her and the horses and see about possibly becoming a “volunteer” family.
When we arrived, my daughter was quite timid but very excited at the same time. One must understand that she had very little self-confidence and an intense amount of fear as we began this endeavor! She had never been around or that close to animals of such size and capability. The Executive Director was as patient as anyone I had ever seen and took the time to show us around and introduce us to several of the horses. She also took the time to teach my wife and daughter how to groom and keep the horses calm while working with them.
Zoe took several lessons from the Program Director and we subsequently began making regular trips to Dayspring to help feed, groom, bathe, and care for the horses, as well as doing ranch chores. It has been incredible watching my timid daughter grow into someone with confidence. There is one particular horse, “Toots,” that my daughter regularly feeds, grooms, and rides that has become her favorite. The Program Director was an incredible teacher expressing knowledge and patience with my young daughter. Because of her direction, she has developed into a young lady with confidence and greater attentiveness. Thank you Dayspring for all you have done for me and my family
A proud father