Moores Memorial Library recently took its story time program on the road by holding the event at WaterGap Stables in Christiana.

The story time featured all the traditional elements, including a book reading by library director Trish Vandenbosch, followed by a craft. But this time, instead of sitting in the library children's room encircled by books, the youngsters were surrounded by open pastures with roaming horses that reside at the farm.

They also met Gambler, a miniature therapy horse that is part of WaterGap Stables' Hooves 4 Healing program. The nonprofit organization offers animal-assisted therapy to people of all ages, including veterans.

For the first half-hour of story time, children were able to brush Gambler and spend time with him. Vandenbosch then read two children's books, "Robert the Rose Horse" and "What Does a Police Horse Do?" The latter is based on the former mounted patrol unit in Lancaster. To conclude the program, children made a horseshoe windchime.

The special story time was organized by Bobbi Petherick, who volunteers both at the library and with Hooves 4 Healing.

Hooves 4 Healing was founded in 2017 by Christi Scott, who explained that therapy programs are individually designed to benefit people with a wide variety of challenges and abilities.

"We have 15 horses in the program, and it ranges from Gambler, our smallest, (to larger) riding horses," said Scott. "Classes are all individualized. Sometimes I have had a few people who don't touch the horses for a couple of years, and they are nervous. It takes them a while."

Participants can also join in other classes. "We also run a lesson program so when they come, they are not singled out as someone (who is in need of a therapy)," said Scott. "We are one big, happy family."

She noted that Gambler enjoys interacting with people and playing with a giant ball, which delights the youngsters. "They get used to him and they can brush him," noted Scott.

She added that Gambler has also been taught to "shake hands," a trick that is usually reserved for canines.

Scott emphasized that although animal therapy is designed for people with autism or other special needs, it is also available for people who have cognitive, physical, emotional and social challenges. "Everyone needs a little mental help sometimes," she added.

In addition to providing equine therapy, Hooves 4 Healing recently began a women's group that meets on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. Attendees can walk around the site's outdoor track while enjoying fresh air and also have an opportunity to meet other local women. The program is free to join, but donations for the therapy program are welcome.

WaterGap Stables is located at 325 Noble Road, Christiana. For more information about Hooves 4 Healing, visit http://www.facebook.com/hooves4healing or http://www.hooves4healing.org.

Story time is held at Moores Memorial Library, 9 W. Slokom Ave., Christiana, on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Children of all ages are welcome. To learn more about library activities, search the events calendar at http://www.christianalibrary.org or visit http://www.facebook.com/MooresMemorialLibrary.