Therapy horse that helped special-needs kids dies

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A famous therapy horse that helped dozens of Salem children with special needs has died.

The horse, named Red, was memorialized Saturday at Love Reins Ranch in west Salem. He was 38-years-old.

The Statesman Journal reports (https://stjr.nl/1mUHd6a ) the equine therapy center serves special-needs children.

Volunteer Craig Oviatt says Red helped his granddaughter come out of her shell.

Having never uttered a word before meeting him, Oviatt says his granddaughter walked up to Red and said her first word: “Hi.”