MUSEUM MONDAY — Robyn Knecht
Equine Therapy — Meet Our Horses

To the Lakota, a šúŋkawakȟán — horse — is a relative. A four-legged friend and companion that provided transportation, friendship, and pride. The horse is revered for its grace and bravery.

Today, many Lakota people still look to the horse to provide healing from trauma, anxiety, and mental and emotional distress, among others.

Healing from internal or external wounds was the purpose behind launching the equine therapy program at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Now in the program’s second year, it continues to grow. Last year, horses had to be transported to and from campus for therapy sessions. Now, horses live on the north end of campus, creating the opportunity for more students to take part in the equine therapy sessions.

In this presentation, Robyn Knetch, Director of Counseling & Service at St. Joseph’s Indian School, and Patty Coleman, Equine Specialist Caretaker will talk about the importance of equine therapy in the lives of our children.  Participants will also be invited to tour our future horse barn complex site.