In Rafina, Greece, Gentle Carousel Greece is a charity that is home to nine miniature therapy horses, bringing joy to children and adults alike through therapeutic visits. Founded in 2014 by Mina Karagianni, the charity now faces significant financial challenges despite providing invaluable support to thousands—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns severely disrupted operations.
The horses, specially trained for therapy, have had a profound impact on children with special needs, encouraging tenderness and spontaneity. However, Karagianni, who has been funding the entire operation from her own resources, is now overwhelmed by debt and struggling to meet operational costs.
While the horses’ presence has been transformative, especially in hospitals and care homes, Karagianni is concerned about the program’s sustainability and aims to secure the support needed to continue their vital therapeutic work.
For further details, read the full article by Elena Becatoros on the Associated Press website here.
A Few Words About Equine-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health
Equine-assisted therapy is an innovative approach that assists individuals seeking help for emotional or behavioral problems. Although a horse barn might not seem like a conventional setting for intensive mental health work, many individuals experience significant improvements through this therapy. Typically, equine-assisted therapy is a collaborative effort between a mental health professional and a horse specialist, focusing on learning to care for specially trained therapy horses rather than riding them. This unique approach not only promotes healing and emotional growth but also encourages the development of essential skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and confidence. For more information about equine-assisted therapy and its benefits, you can check out this detailed article on WebMD: What is Equine Therapy?.
