| Ann Marie (parent) |
I am the mom to James, a six year old with cerebral palsy.
James has been involved with the We Will Ride Therapeutic Riding Program for over a year. The changes we have seen in him during this timespan are remarkable and wide ranging. Horseback riding has long been touted as an excellent source of therapy for those with tight or high muscle tone problems such as James. The walk or gait of a specially chosen horse relaxes the muscles. Through the different positioning and exercises (games as James would call them) that these professionals utilize during the session, James' stretch and reach has greatly increased and his posture has gained strength and stability. But these changes don't end with his physical improvements. Riding and being on the horse has given James a greater amount of self-confidence. He is like any other
kid on that horse; his physical disabilities relative to his walk or running are nonexistent. The horses that We Will Ride utilizes are so gentle and amiable that James truly believes that the horse is doing and listening to him, which again boosts his self-esteem.
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| Jay & Peggy (parents) |
We Will Ride has given our daughter the opportunity
to not only experience the thrill and excitement of riding |
| Jen (adult rider) |
I love riding in the program. It's fun and makes me feel free. It makes me feel I can do anything I want. |
| Joan (parent) |
Horses don't stare, don't judge. They accept her company, welcome her pats, hugs, and treats. They give her pride, a
time to be free. They (she, he) are her partners for a time taking some of the difficulty of movement and concentration from her. The atmosphere in the barn is warm, genuine. We parents can be at ease. The riders are in competent hands. This is a time to be together with our children and see their happiness. It is important, no vital, to all of our children
to belong, to be accepted, and flourish. So for a short time every week they can just be like everyone else.
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| Diana Friedlander, MA Spc. Ed |
As a special education teacher as well as a volunteer, I have the opportunity to view both perspectives. |