GEORGETOWN, Ind. — It looks like your typical red barn on a gravel road, in Georgetown, Indiana, but inside, you'll find a hidden gem for kids and adults with special needs.
It's called Arami Acres, or as its owner calls it, "her little piece of Heaven."
It's a safe space for kids like Jackson, Abbie and Oliver, who come to Arami Acres to see Ms. Cindy and her horses. She provides the added support these families need, especially for those who traditionally don't have access to this kind of therapeutic resource.
"Our program has grown faster than we ever imagined," owner Cindy Sauer said.
Sauer, who has a background in speech and hearing, creates tailor-made lesson plans for each person based on their specific needs, whether it be physical, mental or emotional.
"We come here because we all have this common ground," Sauer said. "We have children with some type of special needs, with struggles and limitations, but there are so many victories."
She witnessed those victories firsthand with her daughter Sarah, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 7 years old. It was then, when they discovered the healing power of horses.
Sarah's biggest motivation to get through the radiation was knowing she was coming home to hers. It sparked the foundation for this equine-assisted learning facility as soon as they moved to Indiana.
"We said, if it's not here, we're going to bring it here," Sauer said.
She opened the indoor riding arena in 2017.
"It's been a perfect fit," Kaitlyn Fair said.
Her son Oliver began attending two years ago, and struggled with a speech delay.
"I'd tried different things through the school systems and nothing was working. He wouldn't talk and we were just grasping for straws on what to do next, and then we came out here, and Ms. Cindy took the time, and taught him how to use his tongue," Fair said. "Not only does she teach Oliver, she's taught me how to teach him."
It's that one-on-one time he can't get in a typical classroom. And this brings a whole new meaning to teacher's pet.
"Being able to do it on a horse, just slowed things down," Fair said. "They're more connected."
Today, Arami Acres serves close to 100 riders every year, from 2 to 58 years old.
"All too often, what happens when they age out of school? Where do they go? What services do the families have?" Sauer said.
There's no charge to saddle up here, thanks to a village of volunteers. The majority of the costs are shouldered by Cindy and her husband, along with generous donations.
"She is impacting so many lives in such a big way," Fair said. "I mean look at today. Look at all the walks of life! And it's so cool to be a part of and witness."
You can help Arami Acres continue its work through volunteer work. Sauer said there's always room for more horse leaders and side walkers.
And if you're able to give, Thursday is Louisville's biggest day of online giving, with Give for Good Louisville. Just search for Arami Acres.
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