An Ontario woman is fighting to keep the miniature horse that she says saved her life and helped her cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Guelph city council will be voting this summer on whether or not Amy Lalonde will be able to keep her miniature horse/Shetland pony mix, named Odin, in her backyard.
A local bylaw bans horses from being kept within city limits.
Lalonde has suffered from PTSD as a result of abuse. She began researching ways to combat the stress disorder and came across horse therapy.
“I was suicidal, I was having all kinds of panic attacks,” Lalonde told CTV Kitchener. “I could barely function, and he’s given me my life back.”
According to Can Praxis, an organization that treats soldiers suffering from PTSD with equine therapy, horses naturally react to body language. This therapy can help those suffering from PTSD increase their self-awareness.
Odin is kept in Lalonde’s backyard inside a wooden pen that once housed chickens, ducks and a pig. Lalonde says she’s noticed a change in herself after just a few weeks of having Odin around.
“Since getting him, I have energy again,” said Lalonde. “I can get more stuff done in the day.”
Guelph’s bylaw manager, David Wiedrick, said that no action will be taken until the city council makes a decision regarding Odin. However, he has recommended that an exception be granted for Lalonde.
“If this will help someone for their day-to-day life, then I believe the City of Guelph should support doing this,” said Wiedrick.
A nearby neighbour, however, does not agree. Maggie Grift said she’s worried about having a horse in the neighbourhood because Lalonde lives right next to a park that’s frequented by children.
“Children … like to scream and yell and run around,” said Grift. “If the horse gets spooked there’s not much keeping him from escaping.
Lalonde said she’s had many visits from the Guelph Humane Society and the Ontario SPCA to check on Odin and his enclosure.
The city will also be taking into account fencing requirements and safety issues regarding the horse before making a decision.
“The idea of someone taking him away from me is honestly terrifying,” said Lalonde. “He’s giving me my life back.”
With a report from CTV Kitchener’s Abigail Bimman
