Vol. 9 No. 2 Spring 2001	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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One Family's Story: Horseback Riding is Fun and Therapeutic

by Debbie Schiber and Haley Schiber

Have you ever wondered whether or not a person with a disability could ride a horse?

Our four-year-old daughter Haley rides a horse at a therapeutic horse farm called The Farm of Dreams in Smyrna, DE. She has challenges with walking and talking, but oh, how she loves to ride a horse! She has been riding for over a year now and has developed an unmistakable bond with her horse Crystal. When she first started riding, she was given a piece of Crystal's mane to take home to touch and smell. She and the mane were inseparable.

When we arrive at the farm, she greets Crystal by grooming her with a special brush. This helps Haley practice eye­hand coordination. Once Crystal is ready, she mounts with the assistance of three volunteers, one in the front to lead and two side walkers. Within minutes of mounting Crystal, Haley lights up like a Christmas tree and sits straight up and smiles as if she has just been handed a lollipop. She rides in various positions to receive feedback from Crystal's muscles into hers. Almost immediately, Haley relaxes easing spasticity in her muscles. Crystal's movements promote balance, coordination and a feeling of centeredness. We can actually see Haley right herself when she feels like she is slipping or when she goes over a bump in the ground. We play her favorite music on a tape player and hold it up high to promote straight posture and visual attentiveness. When walking around the track, we stop at a pole and play a ring game by placing a roll of tape over the pole and watching it slide down. After about an hour, including prep time, we dismount and follow Crystal back into the stall. Haley feeds Crystal an apple and says bye-bye with a hand gesture.

What child wouldn't love a time like Crystal gives Haley? A time to build lasting friendships and dream the impossible dream; a time when you can build your confidence and soar like you never have before, all the while working your muscles without realizing it.

Can a person with a disability ride a horse? You can stop wondering because-in case I haven't mentioned it-Haley happens to have moderate to severe Cerebral Palsy, yet is the only member of our family who rides! Haley's determination allows her to do things we only dream of. "The sky is the limit" is her motto. Let it be yours too. Find out about therapeutic riding and experience the gift Haley receives from one of God's creatures: the gift of mobility, balance, coordination, posture, friendship, nurturing, self-control, love, self-esteem, exercise, enjoyment, and, most importantly, a sense of accomplishment.

Where can I ride in Delaware?

Farm of Dreams
2352 S. DuPont Highway
Smyrna, DE 19977
Linda Kellner (302) 653-7631

The Farm of Dreams allows people with disabilities to experience horseback riding through an individualized training program. You can arrange for a personal tour by calling in advance.

Southern Delaware Therapeutic and Recreational Horseback Riding, Inc.
RD 1, Box 233 A
Lewes, DE 19958|
Katarina Burroughs (302) 645-2780

Since 1988, SDTRHR has shared its farm, pets, and horses with children and adults with special needs. They offers carefully planned sessions in equine-assisted therapy.

For More Information on this topic:

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability offers a Fact Sheet on Horseback Riding

Includes information on therapeutic riding, Hippotherapy, competitions for riders with disabilities and therapeutic riding equipment. See http://www.ncpad.org/Factshthtml/HorseRiding.htm