Since March 15, 2008, Matthew aka Mattie, an American Quarter Horse, has  been part of our herd of  specially trained therapy horses who enhance the lives of people with challenges at HALTER (Healing And Learning Through Equine Relationships).

Mattie assisted both children and adults who have physical, cognitive, and/or emotional challenges until 2018, when HALTER changed its mission to provide services only to children, due to the number of children who were waiting for services at the time. 

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A whisper from a horse . . . heals our souls

Mattie was know for being a calm, gentle partner for his riders. He made deep connections with his riders and loved to bring them joy, whether that’s through laps around the arena or some bonding time on the ground.

Officially retiring Saturday, December 19th, this beautiful  27 year old chestnut gelding with a white star has aided the children with challenges  participating in therapeutic riding and equine assisted learning.  Mattie has also assisted Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System therapists with their physical, occupational and speech therapy clients.

The retirement ceremony will be in the HALTER arena at 1:30 p.m. Those who have or had a relationship with Mattie are welcome, and COVID practices are being followed. 

HALTER is also hosting a ribbon cutting this Saturday at 2:00 P.M. on the recently re-established sensory trail, located adjacent to the arena, at 1400 Carolina Country Club Rd. Spartanburg, SC.  The celebration will commemorate the new bridge located on the non-profit's sensory trail. Eagle Scout candidates Colson Hullinger and Alex Barron have completed their Eagle projects to create and install several sensory input activity stations along the trail and working with their therapist. The activity stations promote eye-hand coordination, counting, learning colors, and practicing other life-skills astride a therapy horse.   Volunteer Facilities Coordinator, Bobby Turner, worked with several volunteers to build a bridge connecting two trails. The sensory trail has been made possible, in part,  by the generosity of the Downtown Sertoma Club.