For nearly a century after arriving in Paraguay’s Chaco, Mennonites have built their colonies on faith and quiet care for the most vulnerable. In the first chapter of this Mennonites In Paraguay series we explored the centuries-long journey that led Mennonite communities to settle in the Chaco in search of religious freedom. In the second episode, we examined how these communities transformed the Chaco into a productive and socially structured region. And in the third, we looked at what has remained constant – and what is slowly changing – in Mennonite life today, before we arrive at the fourth, and final episode: On the outskirts of Neuland, at a small riding centre called La Visión, children facing trauma, disability, or emotional hardship find a place to heal – with horses.
What started nearly ten years ago, in 2016, grew from a simple vision. Owner Heinz Franz recalls how it all began…
A vision that began with a heartfelt request
For Heinz, horses have always been part of life. He broke his first horse at the age of twelve, long before he knew how they would one day impact others.
The idea for La Visión, however, came from his late wife. After visiting family in Canada, she returned deeply moved. Down syndrome was present in her family, and her grandchildren had received equine therapy – the changes she witnessed stayed with her.
“She told me, ‘Heinz, we have to do this,’” he recalls.
How it started out
They had no trained horses, no formal background in therapy, and no structured program. But they believed they were being guided – what they describe as God’s guidance – and they began anyway. What started as a personal response to a need within their own family slowly grew into something larger.
Today, children with Down syndrome, as well as those from traumatic or difficult backgrounds, benefit from the programme. Some improve in speech and communication, while others begin to build trust, gain confidence, and find emotional stability.
From the beginning, the vision reached beyond their own community. The centre welcomes children of all backgrounds – regardless of culture, religion, or financial situation — ensuring that support is not only limited to those who can afford it.
Horses that heal
At the heart of La Visión are the children and their stories. Many therapy students come from single-parent households or difficult social environments. In a region shaped by Mennonite, indigenous, and Latin Paraguayan communities, the centre welcomes children from all backgrounds, regardless of religion or financial means.
The centre works closely with Colegio Neuland, where a school psychologist identifies children in need of support. From there, riding sessions begin — and even though change often starts quietly, the results can be life-changing.
Stories of transformations
One preschool boy arrived unable to concentrate for more than a minute and struggled with speech. After four months, he now focuses for up to 25 minutes – a shift that has transformed his experience in school.
Another story is harder to measure. A 12-year-old girl, already the mother of a two-year-old, came deeply traumatized and withdrawn. Trust did not come easily – until she met Stella, a calm mare. Slowly, she began to open up, first to the horse, sharing what she could not express elsewhere. Over time, that trust extended beyond the arena, helping her reconnect with her psychologist and begin rebuilding relationships.
For Heinz, these moments define the work. Horses respond without judgment. They mirror emotions, offer stability, and create a space where children feel safe – often for the first time.
Other children come from a state-recognized home for abused minors and visit the centre weekly. There is no government funding for their participation, so donations make it possible for La Visión to continue saying yes when help is needed.
Even adults feel the impact. One woman’s husband now pays double for regular riding lessons — convinced it is one of the best investments he has made in their marriage.
The vision that continues to grow
In ten years, La Visión in Neuland has grown into a well-established centre that works with around 20 therapy clients and 65 regular riding students.
Most of the horses were born on-site and trained from a young age specifically for therapy and teaching. Not every horse is suited for this work – they must be calm, steady, and unafraid, able to sense emotions without reacting unpredictably.
As instructor Hannah explains, the ideal therapy horse is patient, reliable – and “a little lazy.”
Sustaining the vision
The riding school helps sustain the project financially. Regular lessons, tourism activities, and carriage rides provide income, while the therapy program itself often runs at a loss, as many families cannot afford to pay.
Yet Heinz remains grounded in faith. As he puts it, “God will provide.”
His vision remains simple: to help children cope better with life and to strengthen the community. That work will soon be visible to a wider audience.
From 27 April to 3 May, 2026, during the Expo Rodeo Neuland 2026, La Visión will take part in the event, with its Show Ecuestre Pro Visión (Pro Visión Horse Show) featured as a daily highlight from 20 April to 2 May, 2026 – showcasing the unique connection and communication between horse and human.
A decade of impact
In June 2026, the centre marks its 10th anniversary – a milestone that the whole community will celebrate. Visitors are invited to Neuland to experience the work firsthand, whether through a show, a visit, or even a simple carriage ride. Follow La Visión on Instagram to stay up-to-date with events.
Once again, Mennonite communities in the Chaco show how faith and collective effort can create a lasting impact in people‘s lives.
