JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville and the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) have launched a new partnership to bring equine therapy to children receiving animal-assisted therapy.
The collaboration will feature miniature horses from NFSSE’s Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center visiting Nemours Children’s regularly to provide equine-assisted activities.
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These sessions are part of Nemours’ Assisted Dog and Pony Therapy (ADAPT) program, which supports children with chronic medical conditions through animal-assisted therapy.
In a news release, Nemours said the partnership ensures consistent access to trained therapy horses and handlers, which enhances both therapeutic continuity and safety for the children.
The partnership also offers opportunities for NFSSE students to engage with Nemours Children’s services, promoting inclusive, community-based care.
Supporting the program’s expansion, the Rotary Club of East Arlington donated a specially designed miniature horse trailer to NFSSE. This trailer will transport therapy horses from the equestrian center to Nemours Children’s, allowing the program to reach more children in the community.