Finding Healing at Viska Horses
At Viska Horses, children from vulnerable backgrounds are not just taught how to ride; they embark on a journey of self-discovery, finding calmness, courage, and self-esteem along the way.
Founded by Helene Danielsen in partnership with Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, the initiative provides a nurturing environment where children can build social skills through small victories, acquiring valuable strategies that extend beyond the saddle.
A Lifelong Influence
Helene Danielsen’s passion for working with children stems from her upbringing. Growing up with a mother who dedicated her life to helping children with autism, Helene became familiar with this unique world from a young age. “My mother was always at work—either bringing us to her institution or bringing children home,” she recalls, reflecting on those formative experiences.
Years later, that deep understanding and empathy evolved into Viska Horses—a haven specifically designed for riding therapy.
Expanding Horizons
After five years of careful planning and hard work, Viska Horses opened its doors in 2020. What began as a vision for a new kind of recreational facility has blossomed into a sanctuary where children can forge connections with horses, fostering peace and self-confidence. “Above all, we aimed to create a space that was inclusive for everyone, especially for those who needed it most,” Helene explains.
Today, looking back on the journey, Helene feels a profound sense of pride and humility. Around 100 children have participated in the riding therapy courses, many of whom have achieved milestones that astonished their families and teachers. “This is where the work truly makes sense,” she shares, her eyes bright with emotion.
A New Partnership
In the summer of 2025, the Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq reached out to Helene, eager to deepen their collaboration and invest further in the program. “I felt like I was about to take flight when the municipality contacted me. It was such validation—proof that what we’re doing really matters,” she says.
In mid-August, the partnership began to take shape, with the municipality selecting 12 children aged 7 to 17 for a supported riding therapy course under Helene’s guidance.
Breathing New Life
“The kids face various relational challenges, often on the brink of dropping out of school—or already having done so for myriad reasons,” Helene explains. Riding therapy offers them a much-needed reprieve, a contrasting experience to the myriad psychological consultations they typically endure. Here, they encounter a calm, sense of responsibility, and relational dynamics that many of them have never known.
Meeting once or twice a week, each child’s interaction with the horses is tailored to their individual needs. Helene notes, “Some children benefit most from simply walking alongside me and feeding the horses, while others thrive with endless riding. Then there are those who just want to groom or cuddle the horses, seeking a form of physical closeness without any pressure.”
Each course lasts three months, after which the municipality assesses whether an extension is necessary, potentially allowing the therapeutic experience to span six months.
“Extending courses isn’t just about more time; it’s about fostering self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment,” Helene emphasizes. “These small victories—like achieving something they thought impossible—create enormous ripples of courage, inspiring them to pursue new challenges.”
From the municipality’s perspective, it’s crucial that the children not only enjoy their time at the facility but also carry forward newfound confidence and resilience into their futures.
Horses: The True Therapists
Helene often says that the real therapists are the horses, not her. A crucial part of her role involves matching each child with one of the eight Icelandic horses, each possessing a unique personality.
“For instance, one child has been paired with Gunna—a wise horse who instinctively reads body language and adjusts her demeanor accordingly,” Helene describes. “This particular child thrives on gentle challenges while riding, and with Gunna’s calm guidance, he’s learning and growing at his own pace.”
Balancing her role as a hairdresser with her commitment to riding therapy, Helene draws upon her ability to read people and connect with them. “My upbringing gives me a unique perspective on this population, but ultimately, the real work is done by the horses and the children themselves. I’m just here to support them,” she shares with a laugh.
Helene meticulously documents her observations after each session, contributing to evaluations that underscore the therapy’s positive impact on the children.
A Transformative Experience
Among the children attending the program is a boy whose mother prefers to remain anonymous, but wants to share the profound impact riding therapy has had on her son’s life.
“When I first brought my son, we were both nervous and unsure. Slowly, however, he began to engage with the horses, and I could see his enthusiasm blossom,” she remarks.
For families like hers, riding therapy becomes a shared journey, allowing both parents and children to explore new aspects of themselves while fostering closeness with the horses.
“Helene has instilled in my son the importance of calmness—teaching him that when he breathes steadily, the horse responds in kind. This lesson is something we now carry into our daily lives,” she explains.
Riding therapy offers more than just a horse riding experience; it equips children with emotional strategies and instills a sense of tranquility in their everyday lives. “Even with just an hour a week, witnessing my son’s growth and my own learning as a parent is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
For many children, the one-on-one format of therapy aligns with individual needs, though some may gradually be grouped together to enhance social skills in a safe environment. For this family, maintaining exclusive time alongside Helene and the horse remains paramount.
“The serenity my son experiences with Helene and the horses is invaluable—it means the world to us. We are so grateful this program exists,” she says warmly.
Realizing a Dream
Five years ago, Helene and her colleagues aspired to create a haven for children needing specialized support through riding therapy. Today, the dream has not only materialized but has exceeded all expectations.
“This was the vision from the outset, and I am deeply grateful for the way it has unfolded. For the first time, I actually receive compensation for my work here, now as a project employee with the municipality. Before, it was all volunteer-driven from individuals who poured their hearts into this effort,” Helene expresses, her satisfaction evident.
It is this blend of dedication, structure, and professional backing that makes Viska Horses a true sanctuary for personal growth. Here, children explore social skills, rediscover community joy, and enhance their educational and recreational opportunities.
What began as a heartfelt idea has blossomed into a vital resource, offering understanding, challenge, and support—making a significant impact on the lives of children and their families alike.