My name is Julia Bourcier, and I am honored to have this opportunity
to represent many of the incredible people who have shared their lives
with me. It is my hope that in telling my story, I may also honor
theirs.
As Windridge's Program Director, I am one member of an incredible
team that makes Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas,
Inc., all it is today. Windridge was founded in 1989 to serve children
and adults who have disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship
programs. Windridge combines a unique, effective form of therapy with caring staff
to provide an environment that challenges everyone and cares for people
physically, mentally and emotionally.
Windridge cannot provide perfect healing, but sometimes the
impossible does seem to happen. Often, in the rider's success, the
people around them also find a measure of hope. The horse's movement
helps with processing, communication and interaction because the
rhythmic gait helps the body set a tempo for its own systems. Often for
riders with disabilities such as ADHD or Autism, these normal systemic
rhythms have lost a consistent tempo which interferes with
understanding, learning and language.
Riding a horse may encourage
riders to speak or accomplish other, seemingly unrelated goals because
the interference from misfiring nerves has been reduced. For example,
one four-year-old boy said "Mom" to his mother for the very first time
this Mother's Day. Since infancy, this child has struggled to interact
with others, even his own parents. He babbled, but there had been no
discernable language. The first time he had actually attempted to say
"Mom" was on the back of his horse just days before. As you might
imagine, calling his mother by name was a greater gift than anything
money could buy.
Another child walked across Windridge's parking area
holding her father's hand. When she
was born, doctors offered no assurance that she would be able to walk.
It has taken much work and many years for her to reach this goal, but
today she walks. The horse has helped her reach this accomplishment
because its natural movement stimulates the rider's body in the exact
patterns of movement for walking. So, while a person is sitting astride
the horse, they are responding with the same muscles, body posture and
response against gravity that is required to take those first steps.
Windridge staff has been awed over the years to be a part of many
such stories. Seeing changes in people and the hope that a simple
possibility can bring has also brightened our lives. Our children and
our families have helped us see God in a more perfect light. They have
shared with us deep sorrow and great joy. We are honored to have been
able to share these journeys. (For more information, look for us
online at
http://www.windridgetexas.org)
I am also a student of LeTourneau University. I have
been amazed at the servant hearts of the dedicated individuals I have
met through this program. Through the course of my time in the
program, I have seen both students and faculty demonstrate faith in God
and a willingness to tackle difficult problems. The experienced faculty
and faith based learning at LeTourneau University provide a foundation
for education that is challenging and beneficial. I definitely would not
have gained the thorough education I have today or the ability to apply
this new knowledge without the faith, patience and dedication of the
faculty.
I believe that the education I have received at LeTourneau
University will provide a framework for future decisions and greater
effectiveness as a Windridge employee. An organization is only as great
as its people and the people are only as great as their willingness to
learn. Windridge and its staff have constantly worked to provide an
environment that encourages learning. The LeTourneau evening and
online program made
it possible for me gain an education that would otherwise have been
difficult or impossible while also serving at Windridge. I am thankful
for the combined opportunities of serving at a job I love and gaining
the education I need to be effective.
