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Horse therapy visits Heartland Academy

Heartland Academy’s children had a unique visitor last week, Moon Shadow, a miniature service horse in training.
Moon shadow visited the children along with his trainer and Education Director Debbie Garcia-Bengochea from Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.
A new book, written by Debbie Garcia-Bengochea and titled “Mercury & Sirius” was shared, a story about two different animals becoming best friends.
The prekindergarten class with the headteacher and Asstistant Director Stephanie Jacobs and the afterschool class and headteacher Amber Embry had a chance to get an up-close look at Moon Shadow.
“Moon Shadow ducked in and was reading the book along with Colette Coleman, Kynlee Barnes, and Kadence Taylor,” Tammy Smithers with Heartland Academy said.
“All proceeds from the book sales will go to the nonprofit, Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.”
Photos of some of the Heartland Academy’s children and Moon Shadow are currently up for consideration to be published in a national animal magazine “Simply Pets.”
“Heartland Academy is so excited to learn more about this service and its animals,” Smithers said. “Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses is a nonprofit and totally run by volunteers. The horses (also) visited the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Shriners and the V.A.”
Smithers said the horses helped children and parents cope after the Sandy Hook tragedy, the Gatlinburg fires and more.
“Heartland Academy hopes to partner in the future with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses to help raise money for such a worthy cause,” Smithers said. “An organization whose main members are hands-on in the community and brings calmness to so many situations.”