Through extensive study of research from leading medical schools, SpiritHorse Therapeutic has developed specific methods for treating autism through equine-assisted therapy.

These methods have been utilized in over 30,000 sessions with children with autism during the past five years.

Following a study in 2009 by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center that showed statistically “Significant Improvement” in 24 children with autism through intervention at SpiritHorse, representatives from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, visited SpiritHorse for its spring, 2009 semester to study the results of the SpiritHorse program.

The study of 47 children with autism spectrum disorder, just released, also showed a statistically “Significant Improvement,” including nine children who, after 10 weeks treatment at SpiritHorse, measured nonautistic on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, a single-blinded measurement.

Charles Fletcher, founder and chief executive officer of SpiritHorse International, stated he was very pleased with this confirmation of the success of their work with children with autism spectrum disorder.

Fletcher stated the specific methods used to restart the development of a brain hemisphere are now being used successfully with patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, and cerebral palsy.

SpiritHorse at Black Fox has been fully licensed and accredited by SpiritHorse International of Corinth, Texas, and will adhere to specific guidelines and procedures for implementing the SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Program.

“We will remain true to the SpiritHorse mission to assist individuals with special needs in reaching their full potential through interaction with horses, without cost to the families we serve,” said Darlene Poteet, director of the facility and the local program.

“The annual Southeastern Autism Symposium at Lee University brings together resources highlighting interventions and programs available to those affected by autism,” noted assessment coordinator and graduate faculty member, Amy Beavers of the Helen DeVos College of Education at Lee University.

“Many families, educators, and physicians desire to more fully understand current issues and effective strategies in providing the best care for these individuals. We provide a venue for those in the community who share our passion to serve individuals with autism and their families, and so we’re delighted to include SpiritHorse At Black Fox as a vendor this year.

“We believe organizations like SpiritHorse At Black Fox are an integral part of the education and support of those affected by autism as they provide unique and valuable resources for these individuals.”

In these difficult economic times, the center’s income is very low and the organization is in need of help from the public. Donations may be made on their website at SpiritHorseTN.org, or checks can be mailed to SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding At Black Fox, 1223 Tunnel Hill Road S.W., Cleveland, TN 37311.