On July 20, 2023, the picturesque Lampao Dam in Kalasin Province witnessed a heartwarming event as former horse racing jockey and owner of the horse farm “Mai Kami,” Mr. Samran Maikami, together with the Kalasin Horse Shepherd Club and the Northeastern Horse Shepherd Club, organized a special horse therapy horse trail. Joined by enthusiastic children and parents, the event has garnered attention from tourists and locals alike.
The therapeutic horseback riding tour took the participants on a scenic journey through the serene landscapes of Lam Pao Dam and Thepsuda Bridge. Miss Kanlaya Santipati, a 10-year-old student from Ban Lao Kho School in Kalasin Province, shared her delight and excitement, expressing that horse riding was not only enjoyable but also provided numerous benefits. She found solace in horseback riding, recognizing it as a healthier alternative to spending excessive time on mobile phones or indulging in online media that could negatively impact mental health. Kanlaya emphasized the importance of engaging in activities like horse riding to promote happiness and well-being.
Mr. Samran Maikami, the passionate owner of “Mai Kami” horse farm and president of the Kalasin Horse Shepherd Club, shared his enduring love for horses. Despite retiring as a jockey due to reduced agility, he never left the horse and riding industry. Joining hands with horse enthusiasts from various provinces, he established the Horse Shepherd Club to foster the love for horses and riding among communities. The horse therapy event, known as “Archa Therapy,” aimed to share the benefits of horseback riding with parents, children, and even those with autism. Through this initiative, they hoped to create awareness and promote the mental and physical well-being of participants.
Mr. Kobchokcheep Phosorn, vice chairman of the Samran Subdistrict Administrative Organization Council in Kalasin Province and secretary of the Kalasin Horse Shepherd Club, emphasized the significance of horseback riding beyond its enjoyment. For autistic children, horse therapy has been shown to boost mental strength, improve concentration, and help them develop on par with their peers. Moreover, horse riding nurtures close family bonds, preventing issues related to substance abuse or excessive screen time.
Horse riding is not just an enjoyable sport but also an eco-friendly means of transportation. Mr. Kobchokcheep himself prefers riding a horse to reduce expenses and promote sustainability by minimizing the use of expensive oil for vehicles.
As the horse therapy horse trail continues to garner attention from tourists and locals, it serves as a reminder of the profound connection between humans and animals, and how such activities can enrich our lives and promote overall well-being.
