| The Special Needs Student |
 Justin and Quincey To begin with, we are all special needs students when it comes to working with animals! Having said that, Labrador Hill provides a unique learning environment for both young and older students who find mainstream educational settings taxing and non-productive. Individual self-expression is central here, whether outdoors or indoors. The student who finds communication difficult, or whose mode of communication is "different", is given the opportunity to exist for a time in a natural setting with creatures who themselves struggle to communicate with humans. The result is freedom and relaxation for both-rare indeed in our goal-oriented society. Sarah Rabinowitz Mognoni Private Horsemanship and Art Instruction for Special Needs Students available by arrangement. To request information please send an e-mail to
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A letter to Sarah written by Justin's mother... I would just like to thank you, Sarah, for the beautiful work you do. My son is traumatically brain injured as a result of intensive and experimental treatments for leukemia. Prior to age 5 when his three year intense regiment began he was perfectly fine. Because of cranial radiation and chemotherapy that crossed the blood/brain barrier he is neurologically and perceptually impaired. He is 23 now, yet has not had much of a quality of life. He spent about a year as an out patient recently with brain injury rehab specialists. I am so very grateful to have “accidentally” found Labrador Hill’s article about the equine therapy. From the very first day, Justin has returned home happy and animated about which horse or other animal he may have worked with, rode or groomed. He is excited to go and looks forward to making a difference in the lives of these animals. I believe animals have an innate sense of the love and compassion that a human being has for them. Evidence of the animals responding to him and gaining trust has increased his confidence and value. It has given him a sense of purpose and has been rewarding. He has also brought his movie camera and sets that up as another modality or method of growth. The atmosphere at the farm is very calm. It is a wonderful place to be….just be….without pressure, hurriedness, and the “noise” of the electronic fast paced world we live in. Again, thank you Sarah for all you do in making a difference in the life of my son and the lives of your students and the animals. Sincerely, Cindy Binger |
