Nyla and Miles were dealing with a lot. Their parents were divorced, then their mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. A local non-profit organization connected the children with an animal camp at Fieldstone Farm, hoping that the company of horses and other kids facing similar circumstances would help them heal.
Nyla and Miles loved the experience so much that they continued with weekly riding lessons at the farm, which is one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the U.S. Three years later, the siblings are accomplished riders, trotting and cantering around the arena. Along the way, Nyla’s confidence grew, helping her navigate the responsibilities of being the oldest child in a single-parent household where her mom is fighting cancer. The horses also give the children comfort. Miles says that when a horse wraps its head around him, it feels like a “nice big hug.”
Then there are the people of Fieldstone, who strive to help the children feel secure. “The staff and volunteers give them that motherly, aunty kind of love,” says their mother, DeVonna, adding, “Fieldstone provided stability in a world where we weren’t sure what was happening next.”
Today, DeVonna’s treatments have been successful and the whole family is feeling optimistic about a bright future. The horses at Fieldstone will continue to be there for Nyla and Miles, and for hundreds of others dealing with emotional issues, neurological disorders, mobility issues, and developmental challenges. Children, youth, veterans, and seniors can all find comfort and hope at Fieldstone.
