INCHEON ― Looking nervous, five middle school girls stepped timidly into the riding ring on Wednesday afternoon at the Riding Healing Center in Incheon.

They whispered among themselves while awkwardly putting on their riding gear in the corner, refusing to set their eyes on any other object or person there.

But at the sight of their instructor and horses, they seemed to instantly relax. There was also a tinge of delight and excitement in their eyes as they bowed deeply to one another. Following the instructor’s commands, they inched closer to the shuffling horses. 

“Say ‘hi’ to Sina,” said the instructor, gently leading them to one of the horses. “Don’t forget to praise Sina, using your voice. Now, give it a pat.”

One by one, the girls slowly approached the horse.

Having attended the center for about two months, they seemed to pretty much know the ropes, such as how to touch the horses without scaring them, make proper eye contact, and get the horses to go or halt.

“Whoa, whoa,” said one of the girls to stop the horse, but in a voice so soft that it could be barely heard. The horse, however, stopped still at the shy command.

This “grooming” time with the horses at the beginning of the class is very special, according to instructors, because that’s when kids learn to calm and soothe themselves ― by sympathizing with the animals.

“Kids learn how to communicate with the horses, how to care for them, and also how to be more considerate of others around them,” she said.

The center is the first of its kind that received permission to open in June last year by the Korea Racing Authority. Its goal is to offer therapeutic horseback riding.

Sent by teachers or parents, about 70 kids who suffer from ADHD, bullying, physical disabilities or addictions attend the riding therapy. Some are perpetrators ― school bullies, for instance ― who enroll to better understand themselves and kick their habits.

About 30 schools in Incheon send their students, said Jeon Byeong-jae, head of the center. Each class costs 30,000 won per student, but is also offered for free for kids from low-income families or in urgent need.

Jeon plans to expand the facility to offer horseback therapy to more who are in need.

“We are well aware that there are also adults who need this kind of therapy, and have plans to open healing horseback riding camps for families,” said Jeon.

Currently, only those under 24 years of age may attend the center.

The girls attending on Wednesday were from their school’s therapeutic class called “Wee Class,” which many schools here have adopted to help kids who are too timid, bullied or have other problems adjusting in school.

Once they saddled up, the girls looked even happier.

They circled the ring several times, and then started to stretch on the horses. But when it came time to lean forward and hug their horse, they suddenly lost their confidence.

“But your postures are much better than before. Remember how you first looked, all crouched over on horseback?” said the instructor, trying to stir up their spirits.

Her repeated words of encouragement seemed to take effect; the girls gradually spoke up more. “It’s bumpy,” said one girl. Another commented that her horse has “short hair,” running her hands softly up and down the hips of her horse.

After class, the girls seemed to liven up, chatting like any other ordinary teenager.

“We knew our faces at school, but that was about it. We got closer from attending this class,” said one of the girls.

“The other kids at school are jealous of us for going horseback riding on a school day. Yes, I really want to continue with the lessons,” she said, giggling and looking at her friends, who nodded in approval.

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldcorp.com)