Former Racehorses Offer Therapeutic Benefits at the EALC

Danni Canfield was looking for appropriate horses to use in her Equine Assisted Learning programs. This search brought her to LongRun, an organisation that trains and places retired racehorses, and Danni ended up acquiring horses that had graduated from LongRun's program.

Danni Canfield is never quite sure whether the retired racehorses or the participants in her Equine Assisted Learning programs benefit more from their interactions and the unconditional love the horses provide.

When Canfield took over the already established Equine Assisted Learning Centre (EALC) in 2019, she was looking for a breed of horse that would be well-suited for the programs offered at the facility in Ontario.

This search for the right horses became even more important in 2022 when the centre expanded its offerings to support people dealing with mental health challenges, ADHD, and an autism spectrum disorder.

Canfield's quest to find the appropriate horses for EALC's needs led her to Facebook, where she discovered a page dedicated to one of the most respected horse retirement and adoption organisations in the world.

Racehorse adoption program

Danni Canfield explained that she learned about LongRun, an organisation established in 1999 that holds the distinction of being Canada's first industry-funded racehorse adoption program. Canfield said they had to fill out an application and write about what they were looking for, their programs, and themselves. Shortly after, Lauren, the LongRun farm manager, reached out to Canfield and said they had several horses that might be a good fit.

This turned out to be exactly what everyone was hoping for. The first LongRun horse to come to the Equine Assisted Learning Centre (EALC) was a chestnut gelding named Gold, who had been donated to LongRun by Hall of Fame trainer Josie Carroll and owner Earle Mack. Gold, who was bred in Ontario by the Track West Syndicate, had raced under the name I Love Gold.

In the following years, Canfield welcomed more LongRun graduate horses to the EALC facility in Priceville, a village about two hours northwest of Woodbine Racetrack. Additionally, two more ex-racehorses were placed with family members.

Danni Canfield has seen the positive impact that the retired racehorses have had in their new roles at the Equine Assisted Learning Centre (EALC).

Canfield noted that her two nieces have also adopted horses from LongRun. One of the horses, Silent Friend, was donated to LongRun by trainer Mike Doyle and owner Scott Abbot. This horse went to Canfield's young niece who is facing some life challenges. Canfield's other niece, who is also dealing with life challenges, adopted a horse named Crash from LongRun. Canfield has been pleased to witness the strong bonds that have developed between her nieces and these LongRun horses.

Lauren Millet, the LongRun farm manager, shared that Crash, who was donated by Brian Cullen, Sheldon Pettle, and trainer Steve Attard, is one of her favourite horses to have come through the LongRun program during her time there. Unfortunately, Crash had tried to jump out of a paddock early on, making him no longer suitable for riding. Yet, Millet described Crash as very sweet, kind, and eager for human attention. While Millet was not actively searching for a home for him, she knew he would be perfect for Canfield's niece when Canfield inquired about a non-ridable horse. This intuition proved to be correct.

Millet recalled how when Danni brought her niece to meet Crash on the farm, Crash instantly bonded with the niece. Millet said it was like Crash knew he could help the niece, and she needed him just as much as he needed her. Millet was very happy that Crash was able to fulfil the role Millet knew he could.

Canfield was impressed by how quickly each LongRun graduate was able to transition from the high-intensity world of competitive racing to a much more leisurely pace.

Two horses, Stop Who's That and Celebratory, are also part of the EALC program after being donated by their previous connections.

Canfield explained that the horses they receive from the racetrack quickly adapt to their new life of being paired with a single human. Canfield can see the horses' demeanour change as they understand their new purpose.

Canfield has firsthand experience with the healing power that horses can provide.

Early Experience with Horses

Canfield's connection to horses began at a young age through showing horses and has been a constant in her life ever since.

As a teenager, Canfield faced challenges like parental abandonment, frequent moves, and low self-esteem. Horses have always been a source of support for her during these difficulties.

Over time, Canfield developed a particular fondness for Thoroughbred horses. She finds them to be very intuitive and perceptive of human emotions, sensing when someone is having a bad day.

Canfield sees this therapeutic connection between Thoroughbreds and people regularly at EALC. They work with a variety of clients, including those on the autism spectrum, non-verbal individuals, and people with conditions like Down Syndrome and Schizophrenia. Canfield is very selective about the ex-racehorses they bring in, ensuring they are gentle enough for their programs.

There are many powerful moments of connection between the horses and program participants that aren't always captured on camera. But Canfield also sees the benefits extend beyond just the clients, as family members like grandparents will come to interact with the horses as well, finding it just as therapeutic.

Canfield is inspired by witnessing these meaningful interactions between people and the horses on the EALC grounds.

Expanding the Programs

Canfield is planning to expand the offerings at the farm beyond the current programs. One idea she is considering is adding drop-in hours that would allow people to come and spend time interacting with the horses, such as petting them or simply talking to them.

If Canfield needs to add more horses to her herd, she plans to turn to the LongRun program again. Canfield speaks very highly of LongRun, praising the quality of their facility and staff. She appreciates how careful they are in placing their horses and how supportive they are, checking in regularly and feeling like family.

Canfield views her own horses with great fondness, describing the Thoroughbreds' emotional sensitivity and how they will engage with the program participants, lowering their heads to invite people to come to see them. She regularly hears from people about how amazing, full of personality, and loving the horses at EALC are.

This is exactly the kind of connection and experience that Canfield wants everyone who comes to EALC to have. Despite the challenges the participants may be facing, Canfield believes there is a profound moment when the human and horse truly connect. She is deeply grateful for the kindness and gentleness of the Thoroughbreds, and the amazing impact they have on the people in their programs.