Page 11 - Graypvine December 2020

Presley Rutherford combines 11

passion for kids and horses

Growing up around horses in Virginia, Presley and learning all kinds of new things like sign language
Rutherford was pretty young when she realized she to communicate with these extraordinary kids,” said
wanted to work with horses and people. Presley. “The horses open up a whole new world to
“I had opportunities to pursue horses in competitive these kids, and they absolutely love grooming, riding,
settings, but I learned very quickly that I had a and just spending time with our horses. Every therapy
different passion,” recalled Presley. “I wanted to session is personally tailored to each child’s needs.
combine what I had learned with a way to help “Every session is a memorable moment. I’ve had
people and make a difference.” the same kiddos in my sessions since August and
Presley, a Gray Intern and Civil Engineering student they all have made large personal gains. It’s incredible!
at the University of Kentucky, started working on a One of the kids was very unresponsive, and he
horse farm at the age of 15. A few years later, she wouldn’t talk or use sign language when he first
met Allie Barnett, the founder of a non-profit called came. Now he will sign for the horse to walk and stop
Safe Haven Equine Ministries. Allie’s goal was to build as well as use physical commands. He also is starting
a place where kids who had experienced trauma to try to say the words ‘walk on’ because he loves to
could come for at least one hour each week. Many ride his horse, and now he will sign ‘bye’ to me.”
of the children were foster kids, and their time with Justin’s Place, its horses and volunteers like Presley
the Safe Haven horses helped them learn emotion make a huge impact on the children in their program.
control, decision making and independence. Presley The kids are able to form bonds with both the animals
volunteered at Safe Haven for five years, and when and the volunteers.
Allie accepted a position in early 2020 at Justin’s “Another instance that just makes my heart melt is
Place, a therapeutic equine farm, Presley began a kiddo who asks his horse to stay with him for the
volunteering there. At Justin’s Place, located in remainder of his session, every session, because he
Wilmore, Kentucky, Presley works with kids who have loves the horse so much,” said Presley. “This kid says
Down Syndrome or are on the Autism Spectrum. the horse ‘should get playtime too’. I stay with the
These children benefit greatly from spending time with horse for the remainder of the session, so the boy
horses and taking riding lessons. can still hang out with his new best friend (the horse).
“I help with as many riding lessons I can in a week, Every second is a heartwarming memory with these
along with helping train new volunteers, horse care, kids, horses, and team.”