PORT TOWNSEND — A therapeutic program that puts people with disabilities on horses has become an essential part of their treatment, according to both the program’s sponsor and participants.

“There is a real benefit to them coming here,” said Mary Nepute, program director for the six-week Salish Spirit summer program held on consecutive Wednesdays at Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St.

The equine-assisted therapy program is in the fourth week of its fourth year, with sessions ending July 26.

Immediate effect

The positive effect is immediate, according to those close to the program.

“He is very ill at ease in the world,” Sabra Hernandez of Seattle said of her 17-year-old son, Griffin Bailey.

“When he gets on the horse, you can see it in his face and he calms down. It’s really quite magical.”

Big success

Nepute said that one of the program’s biggest successes is a 41-year-old woman who has been riding for two years.

“The first time she was out there, she was fearful and clinging. Now she’s out there waving her hands,” Nepute said.

Those who can benefit from the program include people with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, genetic anomalies and developmental delay, as well as motion issues, where a short ride on a horse can strengthen muscles and improve their control, Nepute said.

Current participants include seven or eight adolescents and four adults.

Two participants come from Seattle and one from Port Angeles, Nepute said.

The remaining ones are local and include two from the Jumping Mouse Children’s Center who have emotional issues.

A nonprofit, the Salish Spirit organization is partially funded by United Good Neighbors and the Port Townsend Rotary with a $50 registration fee being the only charge to participants.

It has a five-member board of directors and 12 volunteers, some of whom overlap.

2017 season

Because only two sessions remain this year, the volunteer roster is full but the program is recruiting for the 2017 season, Nepute said.

Nepute, 72, is a retired district judge in the Houston court system who moved to Port Townsend five years ago to get out of the hot weather.

“I feel blessed to be able to enjoy the clean air and water, cool temperatures and freedom from traffic and freeways,” she said.

She also brought her horse.

“I do this because I get immense fulfillment out of seeing a rider smile or laugh,” she said.

“I watch them become more confident week by week along with the bond that develops between the rider, the volunteer and the horse.”

For more information, go to www.salishspirit.org.

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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.