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This practical knowledge, acquired through two field experiences and a senior practicum, is a substantial part of their education in the social work program at MVNU. These experiences help students develop their professional skills, learn about the variety of people they may work with in the future, make connections for future employment and become familiar with community resources.

Working with children with developmental disabilities will be a new experience for both Stoever and Zarley; one to which they both look forward. “I learn more and more each time I go,” said Zarley. For Stoever, there is a personal connection as she has a family member with a disability.

According to Diane Fitzgerald, program director at EAT, the impact volunteers have on the students is irreplaceable. “Our volunteers help create an environment of safety and trust. They understand their importance as the students have unconditional trust for the volunteer’s ability to help them.”

A member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), EAT uses horses as therapy for developmentally disabled children to improve their quality of life. Whether playing games on the ground with the horses or actually riding, students learn skills that carry over into all facets of their life. They build relationships with the horses and volunteers, and often experience improved social skills and physical ability.

EAT’s volunteers also learn and grow through these experiences. Volunteers participate in ongoing training and new volunteers work with seasoned helpers as they learn their job. “One aspect of training,” said Fitzgerald, “is to do simulations in which the volunteers are impaired in some way, such as sight, to give them an understanding of what their students are experiencing.”

Stoever and Zarley will start out their volunteer experience learning how to help someone with a disability groom a horse. They will also work as a side walker for a horse and rider during class to assist the student and provide safety. Back on campus, they will participate in a seminar with their fellow classmates to help them process what they’re learning in the field and connect it with their coursework.

All of this is critical to their effectiveness as social work professionals, according to Trudy Singletary, director of field placement for MVNU’s Social Work Department. “Our goal for the students is not only to have them interact with the clients, but their families as well and to learn how these challenges affect them. It’s very important that they gain the understanding that each person has strengths regardless of their physical or mental limitations.”

For both girls this field experience offers a chance to grow in their ability to help children with developmental disabilities and increase their effectiveness as social workers; all while serving the student riders at EAT. “I wanted to see what it was like to work with children who have special needs,” said Stoever. “It has been a very good experience that I will carry with me into my future career.”

For more information about EAT, visit www.equineassistedtherapy.org or call toll-free 1-877-815-4042. For information about MVNU and its social work program, visit www.mvnu.edu or call 1-866-462-MVNU.