BY Harry Klein and Becca Wanatick / FEBRUARY 20, 2026
WAE to Create – February 2026
The values of community connections and facilitating meaningful social opportunities are at the core of the everyday practices at JSDD, the WAE Center, and JESPY. Opportunities to build friendships, participate in group activities, and feel a sense of belonging are not always easy to access outside of our individual programs. When the right environment, support, and resources come together, powerful experiences can happen. Members of JSDD, WAE Center and JESPY communities are now collaborating and participating in a new equine therapy program, an experience made possible thanks to a generous donor who deeply believes in the impact of shared activities and social opportunities for people with IDD. Equine Therapy of NJ in Long Valley is hosting our groups and providing an opportunity that offers so much more than just time with horses.
Harry Klein: “I had the genuine pleasure of joining our group at the Equine Therapy program today, and it was such a moving experience! I did not fully understand the depth of what our WAE participants were gaining (alongside the JESPY group) until I witnessed it firsthand. This was far more than spending time with horses; it felt grounding, reciprocal, and profoundly meaningful.”
From the start, there was a clear sense that the horses were not simply part of an activity; they were partners in the experience. The horses remained rooted in their space, and our members were invited into it. Everyone stood together in a circle, taking slow, grounding breaths to align both horses and humans. As the horses moved through the circle, they connected naturally with different individuals. The facilitators gently supported these interactions, but the relationships that formed between horse and participant were authentic and unmistakable. One horse seemed especially drawn to Kimmy, one of our WAE members participating in the program.
The group then moved into walking the horses around the paddock. Participants were divided so that WAE and JESPY members joined together with four individuals supporting each horse. Watching these powerful animals move calmly around the ring, surrounded by participants who were each contributing through touch and presence, was remarkable. Everyone had the opportunity to rotate positions, allowing them to support the horse in different ways. Daniel, who was initially hesitant to touch the horse, was offered the role of group leader instead. He accepted with pride and took his responsibility very seriously, carefully guiding the participants and horses around the arena, making sure to point out the areas to avoid along the way where there was “horse stuff” on the ground.
Grooming followed, and one of our WAE participants, Jamal, shared with complete joy, “This is my favorite part.” The atmosphere became quiet and focused. Participants engaged in gentle, intentional care, making eye contact with the horses, and forming connections that felt calm and powerful.
Kimmy asked if she could walk a horse independently. With encouragement from the stable staff, who have clearly built trust with the group over the past 8 weeks, Kimmy was afforded this opportunity. Leading a horse requires confidence and clarity, and while this was initially challenging for Kimmy, she persevered. When the horse hesitated, the facilitators did not intervene or take over. Instead, they coached Kimmy through the process. Kimmy found her own connection and authority. Watching her successfully guide the horse back and confidently call “Whoa” at the end was a truly joyful moment!
Afterward, we joined the rest of the participants for lunch. In a small, shared space, the connections formed in the arena continued to grow. WAE and JESPY members spoke easily with one another, sharing stories and celebrating each other’s accomplishments. When a JESPY participant mentioned winning first place in figure skating at the Special Olympics, the entire room erupted in cheers. Another WAE member recognized a JESPY participant from his local community, sparking a warm exchange. Despite the limited space, people shared table space graciously and included one another naturally. As we left, participants were saying genuine goodbyes and expressing excitement about seeing each other again next week.
It was a powerful reminder that this program is not only about therapeutic interaction with horses, but also about confidence, connection, community, and shared joy. We are so thankful to our generous donor for making all of these experiences possible!