The former resident is now an internationally acclaimed dressage rider
J.T. Burnley was a boy in Louisiana when the abuse he suffered at home led to his placement hundreds of miles away at the St. Francis Boys' Home in Ellsworth, Kan.
At the facility in the mid-1970s, Burnley struggled to find his place, admitting it was a tad too structured for his taste. Eventually, however, that very structure offered a dependability he appreciated. Burnley also connected to three men who became his first positive male role models. Two of them were counselors and skilled horsemen who worked with Burnley to build supportive relationships and also to enhance the teen's skills with horses.
It was an experience that would change the teenager's life. This weekend, Burnley -- who went on to build an international and successful career in dressage -- will share his story at EquiFest workshops at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday at Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway.
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Burnley speaks from the heart about the importance of equine therapy in changing the trajectory of his life. Saint Francis Ministries evolved from the Boys' Home where Burnley received services, but today the nonprofit continues to recognize the value and impact of equine therapy. Saint Francis employees frequently see changed lives as youth go through the organization's equine therapy program at the Salina West campus residential programs. It is such a popular program that Saint Francis is planning to expand its capabilities by added stable space and horses over the next year.
"There is no question in my mind that the horse program is one of the most important treatment modalities we use," said Cheryl Rathbun, Saint Francis chief clinical officer. "I watched the structured horse program of grooming, feeding, cleaning stalls, learning how to ride and manage a horse -- intentional learning -- work magic with our youth that other programs did not meet."
