Children gain confidence by reading to horses at farm near Lake Villa

You have heard of horse whisperers. One farm has horse readers.

Children had the chance to read to one of six horses on Sunday at Susanna Farms near Lake Villa.

It is an opportunity that occurs, weather permitting, from 3 to 5 p.m. every Sunday. Children can read aloud to the animals at the farm, 24153 Town Line Road.

Reading aloud to an equine friend has several benefits for the children, according to organizers.

It aids in improving reading skills. And it also helps children gain confidence to read in front of other people.

"Horses don't judge," farm owner Laura Heffernan said. "It becomes a more relaxed atmosphere to read."

Erin Flores, mother of 6-year-old Everley Flores of Gurnee, can attest to the benefits.

"It gets her reading," she said. "She doesn't fight it. This is her third week coming to the event."

James Peskuski, 17, of Gurnee had an attentive audience in horses Rocky and Maggie.

Peskuski, who has autism, uses the reading time to help get comfortable with the animals on the farm.

"James is passionate about animals. He has a tough time relating. Animals are easy to get along with." said his father, Aaron Peskuski. "This is really important. It's a way for him to bridge into riding the horses."

Those interested in taking part in the reading event must secure a time slot by emailing info@susannafarms.net.

Parents can sign up their children for a 30-minute time slot. The farm can accommodate up to six readers per time slot. Organizers clean after each reader to keep up with pandemic safety guidelines.