Struggling Steed "Clem" Offers Solace to Individuals Grapple With Personal Suffering and Trauma
Rescued Thoroughbred Horse Clem Finds New Purpose in Equine Therapy
In a heartwarming tale of resilience and second chances, a retired Thoroughbred horse named Clem has found his final calling as a participant in an equine-assisted therapy program.
Clem's journey began in a farm in Virginia, where he was rescued alongside 79 other horses due to neglect, disease, and starvation. After retirement from racing in April 2008, Clem, who had four races at Penn National under his belt, was accepted into the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's racehorse/prisoner program.
However, Clem's path was not without its challenges. A catastrophic injury to his left hind leg, sustained in a freak accident, left him with an old injury that makes him unrideable. The doctor's prognosis was grim, giving Clem less than a 50 percent chance of survival due to contamination. But Clem's spirit proved stronger than the odds.
Today, Clem is a part of the nationally recognized equine therapy program, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). He is being used in the equine-assisted therapy program called Through the Gate at Bowles Knob Farm, where he helps prisoners learn new skills and break down emotional barriers.
Clem's soft, kind eye and acceptance of people in his space make him a real standout in equine therapy. He has encouraged a nursing student trying to overcome childhood abuse issues, and his presence in therapy sessions has been instrumental in helping clients work through emotional issues in their psychological work.
The person who guided Clem to his final area of work is not specified in the provided information, nor is the exact date when Clem began his psychological work. However, it is clear that Clem's story is a testament to the growing field of mental health treatment, which provides an opportunity for horses like him who've run out of career paths.
In a tragic turn of events, the owner of the farm where Clem was rescued was arrested and charged with 27 counts related to animal abuse. Despite this, Clem's story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of love, care, and second chances.
As Clem continues his work in equine therapy, he is not just a horse, but a symbol of resilience, healing, and the power of the human-animal bond. His story is a reminder that every creature, no matter how seemingly broken, has the potential to find its purpose and make a difference in the world.
