OTTAWA — Barney and Cisco helped a lot of children through their grief Thursday.
The two horses obviously didn’t have much to say, but they were key parts of the Grief Trails program at Challenged Champions Equestrian Center, located outside Ottawa on Road 6.
The program show allows children, ages 6 to 12 years old, to learn through horses about the importance of communicating emotions and needs to others. The program is sponsored by Bridge Bereavement Services, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System.
The day also helped the children come together with their peers in an encouraging environment and participate in activities that helped them express their feelings, learn effective communication tools and have fun at the same time.
Rachel Peterson, 8, of Findlay, rides a horse named Cisco, lead by Jenny Snyder, during the grief trails program at Challenged Champions Equestrian Center in Ottawa. The annual event is sponsored by Bridge Bereavement Services.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2016/07/web1_Grief_Trails_Program_01co.jpgRachel Peterson, 8, of Findlay, rides a horse named Cisco, lead by Jenny Snyder, during the grief trails program at Challenged Champions Equestrian Center in Ottawa. The annual event is sponsored by Bridge Bereavement Services. Craig J. Orosz | The Lima News
Maliki Gunn, 11, rides the lead horse named Barney along a trail during Grief Trails offered to area youths Thursday to work through grief by spending time with horses.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2016/07/web1_Grief_Trails_Program_02co.jpgMaliki Gunn, 11, rides the lead horse named Barney along a trail during Grief Trails offered to area youths Thursday to work through grief by spending time with horses. Craig J. Orosz | The Lima News
