In south Texas, an equestrian therapy operations feels the sting of shutdowns but thanks to the local government, they are back in the saddle.
Jocelyn Zorrilla has operated an equestrian therapy business for ten years in Reynosa, Mexico, Ciudad Rio Bravo, Mexico, and in Palmview, Texas. She says that she sees it helping kids with developmental disabilities as well as kids without them. However, COVID has complicated this year. She notes, “It has been the most complicated year with the pandemic and the rains.”
Earlier in 2020, she had to close down due to COVID-19. Also, a lot of parents canceled classes for their kids, but then she had some good luck. The local government allowed her to reopen using face masks and hand sanitizer.
“We have an advantage that this is outdoors and the classes are with social distancing, since they are personalized classes,” she adds.
Not only was it important to reopen for financial reasons, but the services provided to these children are necessary. According to Zorrilla, “If they don’t take therapy, they can reverse or get stuck.”
She is thrilled that the children are back on their sessions and advancing.