Horse assisted therapy program changing lives in Palos Verdes Estates

A horse assisted therapy program is helping people with disabilities work on their emotional and physical well-being. It's called "Manes for Movement" in Palos Verdes Estates, which recently expanded.

"It is a very powerful tool for people with a variety of needs and abilities. It can bring so much joy and so much healing to the people who participate," said Dr. Erin O'Mahony, the founder and executive director. She started the non-profit almost eight years ago in a backyard barn. Since then it has grown thanks to space that opened up at Palos Verdes Stables.

"We already are expanding from 50 clients a week working to 65 and then from there the more horses we add and can support in our therapy herd the more clients we'll be able to serve too," she said.

Dr. Elizabeth Pauly is an occupational therapist who's seen different results out here with the horses as compared to in a traditional therapy setting. When we were there, she was working with a 13-year-old client.

"We're using the movement of the horse to kind of get his core muscles stronger, his head muscles, his shoulder, neck, all of that," said Dr. Pauly.

"It's more natural and it's such a sensory rich environment that we're able to kind of like work on so many different things," she said.

"It doesn't feel like a doctor's appointment. It doesn't feel like another therapy in a clinic. It feels like a fun recreational activity that is extremely powerful and profound in its effects on the brain and the body connection," said Dr. O'Mahony.

While most of their clients have cerebral palsy, they also work with those with autism and other needs, all with the goal of improving function and changing lives. A hundred percent of their clients receive subsidized fees and that's thanks to donations from the community and grants.