SAN MARCOS, Calif. — The TERI Campus of Life is a growing village with a mission of helping San Diego County residents with special needs. In this Zevely Zone, I visited their therapeutic equestrian program in San Marcos.
We are saddled up at the TERI Campus of Life barn where the objective is empowering people. That's where horses have a magical way of making everyone feel special. "Her name is Twilight," said rider Hannah. "She is a real horse."
Hannah expected to ride her favorite horse, it was the TV camera she wasn't expecting. "Yes, I didn't know," said Hannah who looked into the camera's lens and had this message for her parents, "I love you," she said.
For the past 43 years, TERI has empowered people with special needs. "This is Jill, she is a miniature horse," said Marcia. She suffered a stroke when she was a baby. Now at age 39 and internship and horsemanship certification could lead to a job. "It gives our disabilities. Get out there in public," said Marcia.
"It's really awesome because there are so many people who are able to go and get jobs, but they just need a little bit of help," said program director Natalie Hill. 14 years ago, Natalie started volunteering at TERI and never left. "It's just really fun to see the basic horsemanship skills that we teach have such a profound effect on our clients watching them develop their self-esteem and their motor skills all of the benefits that come with these basic things we do with horses," said Natalie.
Since its inception in 1980, TERI has grown to accommodate the needs of many while remaining true to its original goal: to improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities, and to change the way the world sees them, allowing for inclusion within the community. Through support, advocacy, dedication, innovation, and resolve, TERI has brought opportunity and hope to countless individuals and families. TERI looks to the future by operating model programs, conducting applied research in best practice procedures, and offering training and consultation to professionals, families, and other community members.
TERI continues to grow on this 20-acre property by building two schools, a culinary academy and a performing arts center opening in the spring of 2024. There's no other place 12-year-old Bute would rather be. "Because I like to ride horses it's my favorite horse ranch," said Bute. "It's my favorite thing of my life."
TERI helps 900 children, adults and seniors with disabilities live their best lives. "This is Harley," said Jason while introducing the horse. Jason grew up around horses and he's thankful to have worked at TERI for eleven years. "It's keeping me from sitting on my butt watching TV all of the time," said Jason.
"These are my gold medals," said Kendall. After he won a gold medal in swimming at the Beijing Special Olympics he found a home at TERI where he works and lives. "I love it here, I love the people here and I love the staff," said Kendall. "We are like a family here." At the Teri Campus of Life, everyone's a winner.
The TERI Therapeutic Equestrian Program, funded through the generosity of the Harriet E. Pfleger Foundation, offers therapy-based riding lessons. Lessons are designed to promote physical development as well as cognitive, emotional, and behavioral growth to students with developmental disabilities. For more information click here.