The Therapeutic Equestrian Association of McAlester is chomping at the bit, preparing for its debut exhibition at the Pittsburg County Free Fair Horse Show.

Seven veteran TEAM clients will demonstrate the horsemanship skills and various other strengths they’ve developed through the equine-assisted therapy program in McAlester.

“It’s a chance for clients to include community and supporters in their success,” said TEAM board president Rick Caywood. “We really appreciate the opportunity to do that.”

TEAM directors approached the fair board last spring to request participation in the horse show.

“The fair board was more than willing to accommodate us,” Caywood said. “They worked our exhibition into the regular order of events, and are providing the rosettes for awards, too.”

The TEAM has invited contributors to the program to come and present the awards in an effort to show appreciation, and allow supporters to meet some of the clients and horses that are a part of the non-profit program they have helped continue to operate.

“The Good Neighbor Fund of Spirit AeroSystems McAlester is proud to support those who participate with TEAM,” said Spirit Aerosystems Office Administrator Dena Bacon. “TEAM is a valuable program and provides a great opportunity for our community.”

Cheyenne Collins, 11, will be one of the clients showing at the exhibition at the fair. She has been participating in the equine therapy program since the inception of its pilot program nearly two years ago.

Collins has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Russell-Silver Syndrome, which is characterized by delayed or asymmetrical growth, and difficulty in gaining weight, along with a host of other health-related issues that vary from patient to patient.

As a TEAM client, Collins has worked her way up from trying to remember from lesson to lesson the names and uses of various grooming equipment, to grooming, riding, and feeding without assistance.

Once timid and quiet in the horse barn, Collins now approaches Sarah, her TEAM horse, with confidence and pride, both plainly evident in her determined stride, posture and facial expression.

There’s an obvious affection between the two, a partnership that has inspired friendship, trust and a sense of purpose for both.

“Come on, Sarah, pick your foot up,” Collins requests, sliding a tiny hand down the sorrel mare’s foreleg. Sarah complies, and Collins thoroughly and methodically cleans dirt from the horse’s hoof. Next comes the back foot, already lifted and ready for attention by the time Collins approaches. Both know they must take care of one another.

“The program has benefited her in a lot of ways,” said Cheyenne’s mother, Shannon Collins. “She has a lot more self-esteem, and self-confidence. She’s doing better in school, and she takes better care of herself.”

Working with horses in a therapeutic setting has unlimited value for participants of all ages, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally, as well. Grooming, horse handling, and riding all build muscle and improve coordination and balance. Learning ways to communicate with such a large animal and seeing it respond in a positive way builds confidence, communication, cognitive thinking skills and emotional well-being, as well as a sense of independence. Grooming and caring for a horse teaches responsibility and empathy, and these are often carried over into the client’s life outside the barn. Because the program is volunteer-driven, clients also learn social and team building skills in a group dynamic, and, as a result, discover a sense of belonging and fellowship.

Shannon Collins has taken to volunteering with the program in order to help other kids receive the same benefits as her daughter. She’s noticed it doesn’t stop there.

“I really enjoy working with other kids and watching them develop,” she said. “As for Cheyenne and I, we’re closer than we used to be, since I started volunteering. I have really enjoyed watching her, and she’s really glad I’m involved.”

TEAM clients, including Collins, will participate in their own division of the Pittsburg County Free Fair Horse Show, slated for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at the Cattlemen’s Arena. The show starts at 6 p.m. with halter classes. The TEAM exhibition will take place during the break between the show’s halter classes and performance classes.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the TEAM can call 918-636-4884 or log on to www.mcalesterteam.com.