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Program Offers Lessons In Holding Your Horses

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By JOYCE McKENZIE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 3, 2007

Updated: 10/01/2007 08:00 pm

THONOTOSASSA - It's not uncommon for emotionally troubled kids, no matter how much they are hurting, to shudder at the thought of going through a self-help treatment program.

Joseph Callan, a Temple Terrace-based clinical social worker, should know. In his nearly 20 years of private practice, he has counseled countless children who have been victims of physical and emotional abuse. He also has worked with others who have suffered the loss of family members through death and divorce.

'Kids typically just don't like therapy,' Callan said.

There are exceptions. One is the Traverse program that Callan and Thonotosassa horse stable owner Glenda Henderson co-founded in 1993.

'It all started when I was seeing a kid in the office, and through my association with Glenda she started bringing him out here,' Callan said. 'By the end of the year, he rode in horse shows and won ribbons. He was really a changed kid.'

Traverse is an acronym derived from Trauma Resolution and Victims' Essential Recovery Services, and its treatment method is equestrian-based therapy.

Over nine months during the school year, a maximum of six children ages 8 through 16 meet for two hours twice a week at Henderson's stable, where they receive horse-riding instruction and participate in group therapy sessions. The latter are dubbed circle of friends meetings.

Parents are responsible for their children's transportation and must also attend a weekly two-hour interactive parent session intended to help deal with their children's problems and family issues.

Children build their horsemanship skills from the ground up, first learning about the animals' anatomy and how to groom them. They also are taught safety issues and the care and use of equipment used in riding a horse. The final step before they take control of the reins is to master how to lead and control the animals.

'This process helps them form trusting relationships with the horses and get them ready to ride by the end of October,' said program director Callan, who has a staff of three part-time workers and an arsenal of about a dozen volunteers.

Traverse participants and their parents must commit to complete the program and meet specific objectives laid out at the beginning.

'Each kid has to buy into the program and want to make a change,' Callan said.

A graduation ceremony is held at the end of the year in which the participants perform precision drills to demonstrate their horsemanship skills.

'It's a big deal,' Callan said, adding that Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies participate in the ceremony. 'At this point, the kids have developed a real sense of empowerment, as well as assertive but nonviolent ways to manage their horses.'

Henderson, whose family has owned the stables and riding range for almost 50 years, obtains permission from those who board their animals at the 5-acre facility to use their horses for the program. They receive no compensation for their services.

'My greatest reward is seeing children grow up and now volunteer to help kids and participate in the circle of friends,' said equestrian director Henderson, who is certified as a therapeutic equestrian instructor by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

She also feels a sense of accomplishment when the children who have graduated return to participate in Traverse's after-care program, offered the first and third Saturday monthly for kids to ride and interact with others who have been through the program.

Volunteer Allison Phlipot, 19, who graduated from the program six years ago, considers the people there 'family.'

'It's just the best group of real people who really care about people's lives,' said Phlipot, a retail manager who has taken some courses at Hillsborough Community College and has plans to return.

'When my parents couldn't help me, they were always here for me,' the Carrollwood resident said.
Callan requested that participants not be interviewed this early in the program.

Donors are crucial to the program because they help supplement the $45 weekly fee for children to attend.

Those interested in learning more about the program or donating to it can visit www.traversekids.org or call Callan at (813) 980-3488.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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