Making
a Difference:
Comments From the Families of Our Riders
Brandon
is 13 years old, diagnosed with autism and has very limited
speech. “…He is shy and lacks in self-confidence. Since he
has been riding, he seems more confident and gets very
excited when he is ready to ride. He seems more verbal when
riding and we work on his talking and directions when
riding. He is just more cooperative and follows directions
much better. … Brandon doesn’t get to do a lot of things
because of his disability. This is the one thing he truly
loves. He feels important. …”
Megan
is 6 years old and was born with a birth defect in her
right brain that used seizures and developmental delays.
She has had three brain surgeries, eye surgery, and stomach
surgery. She is wheelchair-bound and completely dependent
for her care and everyday needs.
“Megan’s ability to sit up has greatly improved with
riding. She has greater trunk support and head control.
When Megan is not riding, her other therapists notice a
difference (in those areas). … The emotional and mental
benefits of riding and working with the horse/pony are
awesome. It is very calming and soothing as well as
allowing a non-typical child/adult to experience doing
something only typical folks enjoy. [This] does wonders for
the self-esteem, etc.”
Natalie
is 17 years old and has Down Syndrome. She has been riding
in the program for almost ten years.
“The time Natalie has spent participating in Ridin’ High
has let a small, shy girl gain confidence and self-esteem …
as a parent, we have seen Natalie go from hanging on for
dear life to riding to waving and throwing kisses to the
crowd in the November 2007 Rodeo. There are limited
programs fro special needs challenged children and adults.
... We all need to have ‘our time under the sun’ which we
look forward to and enjoy. We are glad this is available to
Natalie.”
Eric
is 12 years old and has Cerebral Palsy. He is primarily
wheelchair-bound but can use a walker. He needs help with
feeding and other tasks requiring hands. He uses a Dynavox
communicating device.
“Eric’s strength and balance have greatly improved. He used
to ride with a saddle with a ‘back’ and can now ride in a
regular saddle. Eric holds onto the reins much better than
he did at first. Eric holds his head up now and looks where
he is going. … He loves that he can be a
‘cowboy’.”
