Naturally sociable, sensitive to difference, resilient with vulnerable people, Atania, a 14-year-old Mérens, caused a sensation during her visit to the Via monestir establishment in Saint-Estève. The residents and young people from Stéphane loved this exchange, led by Sandrine and Maxime who confirm the special relationship with the animal.
The connection between humans and animals no longer needs to be demonstrated, it is all the more astonishing when it takes place in a protected environment. This is how the meeting between Atania, a beautiful Mérens mare perfect for equine therapy, and the residents of the Via Monestir nursing home, in the presence of around fifteen young people from Saint-Etienne (CMEJ), revealed all its interest. As explained by Sandrine Gabet-Pujol, founder of the Animal connect 66 association : “this is a first in the department which is all the more emotional as it is intergenerational. The objective is to raise public awareness of this connection. For this, Atania has been prepared, although it is naturally resilient. She likes to receive caresses, to meet glances, with my son Maxime, we raised her, she is used to accepting sudden movements, to conquering her fear from within, to remaining calm to all noises. Aged 14, she is exceptionally compassionate and capable of calming through mediation.”
A look to make contact
So last Wednesday, at the beginning of the afternoon when Atania entered the mutualist residence, there was excitement, both for the residents, the staff and the children who attended the event. With her beautiful ebony black dress and her 600 kg, sporting her halter in Catalan colors, Atania pulls out all the stops, provoking the admiration of the elders. Patient, she gazes at each person with empathy and unlocks memories. For Alice, Rose, Huguette, Odette and the others, despite illness and physical problems, the mare evokes many memories, especially when the horses unloaded or plowed the fields and vineyards. Odette even had a tear in her eye as she explained “that in 1940, his father’s horses had been requisitioned.”
A few (impressive) whinnies from Atania are interpreted as contentment, as she passes between the residents and the children, the relationship is privileged. The caring staff are also charmed, surprised by unexpected reactions. The meeting ends with a good brushing much appreciated by the star of the day, who hopes to return soon to continue this wonderful exchange, already crowned with success.
