Autumn Heffner had her life changed when she underwent surgery in 2021 to remove a brain tumor, leaving her with a Traumatic Brain Injury and Autonomic Dysfunction. After her recovery, she found an unexpected path forward at Heartland Horses Equine Activities & Learning Inc. in Avon Park.
At Heartland Horses, Autumn found her match in Buster – the program’s most challenging horse – and the two have been inseparable ever since. The program’s specialized trainers tailor each class to the individual, and for Autumn, it has made all the difference.
She recently competed in the Special Olympics Regional Competition, taking First Place in Trail Class. “This has helped her become much more independent; this is her happy place,” said her mother, Christina Heffner.
