Taz… therapy horse in Raleigh NC

Taz, therapy horse in Raleigh NC is in need of a little help himself this week.  Little Taz is my favorite therapy horse with Stampede of Love. Stampede of Love is the group of miniature horses that do local therapy work in locations like hospitals etc…  These sweet animals are the ones that I work with in my studio. Tara and I have a working relationship that I am so happy we have.  She and I are both covered by insurance and as I said they are therapy horses. This means they are used to being around lots of people, children included.  They are well socialized and travel often.  These dynamics help make it more safe for photographing them with children. Taz  and his crew bring smiles to children all over town.

This week Taz is sick and could use a little help.  Little Taz had a bout of colic.  He had to be rushed to the vet school for surgery.   His mommy and all of his supporters and friends have been very worried.  Looks like he started by being tubed which is no fun for the horses.  Poor guy, but thank goodness for the wonderful team at the vet school at NC State.  They really care about these very special miniature horses that make up Stampede of Love.  As a band of therapy animals  Raleigh NC, they bring lots of smiles to those in need of just that, a smile.

You might ask, what exactly is a therapy horse?  In Tara’s words, this is what being horse therapy is about.  You can follow this LINK to keep up with their escapades. I have to say that these guys have been my therapy on many occasions over the last six years.  They live right down the street from me and I met the group of therapy horses as Tara was taking them for walks.  It did not take long for me to fall for them.

What is horse therapy all about?

It’s wonderful mode of bringing pets & people together for healthy interaction. The benefits are countless. Medical research shows that animal therapy promotes shorter hospital stays, blood pressure reductions, socialization, mental & physical stimulation & an overwhelming sense of well being. In most cases children and patients excitedly anticipate their furry friend visits, thus giving more reason to feel happier, healthier & more alert. Animals have a way of accepting without qualification. Their acceptance is nonjudgmental, forgiving & uncomplicated by the psychological games people often play. They accept you the way you are.”

 

Taz is the sweetest and has always been my favorite therapy horse from the group.   He is beautiful and extra sweet, so good with young children. I hate to see him feeling so poorly.  This is what he usually looks like and I am so happy to have a great working relationship with his mommy Tara. They bring smiles to all of my children coming in for photo shoots with the safe and sweet minis.  Let me say this little girl had an experience I doubt she will soon forget. She is old enough to handle Taz on a lead line.  Tara, the handler during all of our photo shoots was able to supervise from a short distance.  This type of interaction was safe for the child because she is a bit older and builds confidence as well.  She was super excited.

Taz and his stall mates with Stampede of Love give to the community in children’s parades, visits to libraries for educational purposes.  In addition there are also many visits to the Ronald McDonald house and hospitals. A therapy horse is not just for a child. Horses make adults smile as well and sometimes that adult just may need a pick me up.  The photo below is from Tar and heart warming to me.

This time,  Taz and his mom need prayers and donations if anyone is so inclined.  A go fund me has also been set up to help them pay the huge expense of colic surgery. Tara does much volunteer work with these little guys, all with no financial goal, all volunteer.  Maybe some of the community could help give back.  Even small donations are greatly appreciated and add up.    

Thanks so much for those who have contributed.  Wow and Wow, brings a smile to my face.