SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Riding Centers

Students looking to bring mini therapy horse to school, routinely

By TANA ROSS
from The Magnolia Potpourri - Updated: 02.10.09

It did not follow them to school but students at Nichols Sawmill Elementary want Tess, a miniature horse, to visit them on a regular basis. The little horse that can, one of a stable full of equine therapy horses at S.I.R.E. in nearby Hockley, has a hoard of fans at NSE since visiting last December as part of a Gifted and Talented Community Problem Solving Program.

“My students choose this project after visiting S.I.R.E. (Self Improvement Through Riding Education),” fifth grade gifted and talented teacher Cherrie Edwards said. “When Tess comes into a school she becomes quiet, responsive and she knows she is a teacher.”

S.I.R.E. is a therapeutic riding center that uses horses to help children with disabilities. Tess was selected by Edward’s students to interact with eight students in NSE’s Life Skills class, and the results were remarkable.

“It was amazing. It was the gifted and talented group that did everything to bring her here,” Sarah Berry who teaches the class said. “And, we were fortunate to be on the receiving end.”

Edwards and Berry said interacting with Tess can help each child with special needs reach their full potential. In addition, Tess “listens” to students read and even helps them turn the pages with her nose.

“She can be used to teach all the TEKS for special needs kids,” Edwards said.

TEKS is the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills identified by the Texas Education Agency for each grade level and program in state’s public school.

“Tess helped my students learn how to fasten a buckle and groom themselves,” she said. “Brushing her mane and tail gave them a chance to work on their motor skills. She also helped them relax and had a calming affect as well.”

The gifted and talented students even named their project after Tess using the acronym T.E.S.S. for Therapeutic Education for Special Students.

Project almost did not happen:

But before finding Tess, the gifted and talented project almost did not happen. Although the students were set on adopting the equine therapy program, more than 200 S.I.R.E. clients were already booked. Then someone told them about Tess.

“If we hadn’t learned of her we wouldn’t have known where to go,” Edwards said. “There are other projects but nothing that meant as much to the students.”

The miniature horse proved to be a custom fit from the very start. Because Tess is small, she is not intimidating and easy to hug. In fact the only problem encountered on her first visit to the NSE Life Skills class last year happened when one student veered from his tasks, opting to hug Tess instead.

“All the students did every thing their teacher asked of them when Tess visited, but one little boy,” Edwards said. “Halfway to his seat he ran back, threw both arms around Tess and kissed her on the forehead.”

Looking at photos of Tess’ visit last December, Dominic Hawkins a kindergartener in Berry’s class recalled the day.

“With Tess I’m happy,” he said.

Students raising funds:

Visits from Tess cost an average of $350 per hour and students involved with Project T.E.S.S. are working to raise funds over and above the grant monies they have already earned. This Thursday, Feb. 12, a fundraiser, Showdown at the Magnolia Corral, will pit staff of Magnolia West High School against staff from Magnolia Junior High School on the court. The basketball benefit game event from 6 to 8 p.m. will take place at Magnolia Junior High School.

Former Harlem Globetrotter Paul “Showtime” Gaffney will be the guest referee for the game and Tess will make a special appearance. A live half-time auction will feature a signed guitar from Clay Walker. Edward’s students contacted the country-western singer for the event.

“You could say that Tess is only affecting a small population of students, but the truth is my gifted and talented students who have worked on the project will never be the same,” Edwards said. “In truth, the whole school has been affected by her visit.”

Tickets for Showdown at the Magnolia Corral are $5 for adults and $2 for students and are available at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets call 281-851-6557.

Showdown at the Magnolia Corral

Nichols Sawmill Elementary students invoved in the gifted and talented T.E.S.S. projected aimed at bringing aminiature horse to visit Life Skills students at NSE and Bear Branch Elementary School are hosting a fundraiser.

What: Basketball game, Magnolia West High School staff vs. Magnolia Junior High School staff

When: Thursday, Feb. 12

Where: Magnolia Junior High School

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Special guest: Former Harlem Globetrotter Paul “Showtime” Gaffney

Food/drink: Concession stand open

Tickets: Available at the door, $5 for adults; $2 for students

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