People in recovery build relationships through equine therapy in Amelia County

AMELIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Those in a substance abuse treatment program say they're ready to take on the world after meeting and learning from horses on an Amelia County farm.

For a month, people in the program said they have learned something about themselves through equine therapy at Spur'n Up Hope, which offers healing to those in recovery.

On Wednesday, Sept. 24, the latest group finishing the life skills program had Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin stop by to commemorate another step in the recovery journey.

"Just watching that self-esteem and the smiles on their faces for people that don't think they matter or that they're worthy of help, that they do matter," said Lee Williams from Spur'n Up Hope.

It's a bittersweet end to a month-long program at the farm. Once a week for the last month, those apart of the organization Art of Recovery have visited, walked and cared for the horses.

Some at the beginning were intimidated, but now an invaluable relationship has been made -- not only with the barn staff -- but with the horses too. The horses taught lessons to those in the program on how to be patient and how to trust people again.

First Lady Youngkin spoke about her first-hand knowledge of how meaningful the experience of being around horses can be.

"I would ride. I would ride a friend's pony. I would go to a free horse clinic or camp or any place I could be around them, I would be around them," First Lady Youngkin said.

Those who have visited over the last month said they want to come back time and time again.

"I felt the first day here they [the horses] could sense when I was nervous, and they could feel that," said Amanda Tansey, who was attending the program over the last month. "As I was working with the same horse, I felt more comfortable, and I feel like the horse was feeling more comfortable with me and letting me pet it more and all that. We were bonding."

Those interested in learning more about Spur'n Up Hope can visit its website and Facebook.