Making Chatter Buddies at the Barn

A very special visit this summer

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Cartoon characters of a bear, a boy, a bee, and a horse next to a red wooden sign that reads 'Chatter Buddies at the barn'.

Therapy Strides’ pilot camp was honored to be featured in The Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board’s summer newsletter

“I could not help but to be moved as I witnessed the remarkable interaction between the children and their speech-language pathologists during their story time...I had an amazing time at camp. It was such an honor and a pleasure to see our profession in action and making a positive impact on children and families.”
— Gregg Thornton, Executive Director for The Speech and Hearing Professionals Board

SLP Testimonials

As a speech therapist, it was truly amazing to witness the transformation that took place during our week at camp. Many of the students began with no prior experience interacting with horses, yet by the end of the week, they had formed meaningful connections with them. They talked to the horses while washing, feeding, and petting them-using these moments not only to bond but to also practice their communication skills. Remarkably, some students even used the shape and movement of the horses' bodies to visualize how to form specific speech sounds with their mouths. Watching students grow more comfortable each day, both in their interactions with the horses and in their communication, was incredibly rewarding.

      Christina Mniemne, M.A./CCC SLP-L

Two women washing a brown horse outdoors with a garden hose, wearing casual clothes and smiling.

Grad Student Testimonials

During my afternoon at horse camp, I had the privilege of supporting students as they experienced the unique integration of barn life and speech therapy. The combination of interacting with horses and participating in structured language activities created a natural, motivating environment for communication. Students practiced both articulation and pragmatic language while engaging with the horses and forming meaningful connections with their peers. I was especially impressed by how seamlessly speech goals were woven into fun, hands-on activities, fostering authentic communication and learning. This camp provided a safe, supportive space where children could strengthen their communication skills, build confidence, and experience the power of positive interactions with both peers and animals. It is truly a one-of-a-kind program, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of it.

        -Lydia Booth

The Ohio State University | Department of Speech and Hearing Science, Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology | Class of 2026

Being part of the kids’ journeys at horse camp was incredibly rewarding. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to watch them grow in their speech and language skills, as well as their confidence. I cant wait to see the impact horse camp will have on another summer of campers.

        -Ireland Worthington

The Ohio State University | Department of Speech and Hearing Science, Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology | Class of 2026

Children and adults seated around tables in an open pavilion, participating in a storytelling or educational session with a woman reading a children's book to the group. The setting is outdoors, with trees and a house visible in the background.

Parent testimonials

“I cannot speak highly enough about our experience at this camp.  We have worked with our daughter on the same goals for A LONG TIME, and in 20 short hours, she is consistently accomplishing those said goals.  As a parent it make my heart so full to see her thrive as she did.  The dedicated professionals who served us and led at the camp were truly top notch individuals.  You can really tell when someone is invested in, cares about their clients , and wants to see the kiddos succeed...

This camp will truly be built into our core memories.  You made clinical therapy fun; it never seemed like work, and it was all life practical.  The parents of the kids were able to relate and connect on a deep level.  There was no competition on whose been through the most challenges, as we all equally shared a struggle that was understood by one another.  Not only were our kids provided a safe environment of being accepted for their complete selves, but so were the parents.  I have no doubt that we will continue to stay in touch with many of those we connected with this week. 

Karen, in a really hard season for our family (dealing with our daughters recent diagnosis), we left feeling so "full" and blessed for what we experienced.  Thank you for letting us be apart of this experience!“

- Tiffany

“My son thoroughly enjoyed his time at Therapy Strides equine camp this summer! His speech apraxia didn’t hold him back at all. The staff were very patient and eager to help him improve his words. Each day after camp I saw improvement.”

- Ashli