 Samuel* always felt different. Other kids didn’t seem to understand him, and no matter how hard he tried, he struggled to relate to them. When he got excited, his energy bubbled over, sometimes overwhelming those around him. He talked too fast, moved too much, and reacted too strongly. Other children pulled away, and eventually, he found himself standing alone on the playground more often than not. Even at home, companionship eluded him—the family cat, sensing his intensity, spent most of its time tucked safely under the bed. His parents, desperate to find something that would help him connect with the world in a way that made sense to him, brought him to equine-partnered play therapy. At first, Samuel didn’t understand why the horses wouldn’t stay near him. Just like the kids at school, they ran away when he ran toward them. He wanted so badly to be close to them, but the more excited he got, the further they retreated. Mama Mia, a miniature horse with a heart as big as her name suggested, became his silent teacher. Unlike people, she didn’t judge or scold—she simply responded. When Samuel rushed toward her, she turned and walked away. When he slowed down, softening his energy, she paused, ears flicking in his direction. With time, Samuel started to notice these small changes. The moment he caught himself before moving too fast, Mama Mia would linger just a little longer. When he approached her with calmness, she stayed. The more he observed, the more he adjusted—not because someone told him to, but because he wanted to. The transformation didn’t happen overnight, but one day, something remarkable occurred. Samuel came home from therapy, and for the first time, the family cat wasn’t hiding. Instead, it sat at the edge of the hallway, watching him. A few days later, it crept into his lap. Samuel beamed, gently stroking its fur, suddenly understanding something profound—his energy mattered. Not long after that, his mother got a call from his teacher. Samuel had made his first friend at school. It wasn’t because someone had taught him social rules or given him a list of steps to follow. It was because he had learned—through Mama Mia’s quiet patience—how to listen, how to adjust, and how to connect in a way that felt real. For Samuel, this wasn’t just about learning self-control. It was about discovering how to be himself in a way that brought others closer instead of pushing them away. And it all started with a miniature horse who simply waited for him to figure it out on his own. At STEPS With Horses, moments like these unfold every day. Because sometimes, the best lessons in life don’t come from words—but from the quiet, steady presence of an equine partner willing to show the way. To work with Mama Mia in counseling, fill out our Counseling Interest Form To support Mama Mia's work, join Mama Mia's Carrot Club *Name and details changed to protect client privacy and identity. Photo does not depict real client.
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