When my child was diagnosed with moderate central brain atrophy at 6 months old, we were crushed. We were told she may turn out fine, or may have severe learning and motor delays. We started home based therapies soon after and our life was consumed with medical appointments, specialists, therapists, paperwork, and awkward and painful conversations with family, friends, and acquaintances, explaining why the “R” word hurt so much. All of this in addition to caring for twin babies and both of us working. The joy of being new parents was harshly shattered by the needs of our disabled child. We tried adapted baseball, adapted dance, special needs groups, and adapting to typical kid classes. Our beautiful girl with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy has many fine and gross motor delays. Her speech however, is impeccable. And she is bright. Nothing seemed to fit her quite right. At 4 years old, our daughter started with Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship. She did the Hippotherapy program with a physical therapist for a year or so. Then she transitioned to Adaptive riding. Scarlett, the quiet and shy girl with an old soul, afraid of most animals and afraid to be without mom, developed a trust in the horses and teachers faster than ever before. She loves being on the horses. She loves being in control and giving commands. She will tell you that she has stronger core strength and leg strength thanks to riding and the programs developed for her by the instructors. Ride On puts on a competitive event annually, CalNet. At CalNet, riders with disabilities compete in different categories against other riders with similar abilities. They are judged and scored and given ribbons for their performances. Scarlett loves being in front of a camera, showing off, and she definitely has a little competitive side to her. This past year she competed in Costume, Pole bending, Equitation , and Obstacle. Scarlett also participates in Trailfest (annually) and different fundraising events for Ride On (speaking and demo rides).
Our family is so grateful for the friendships made, confidence found, and love shared by the staff, volunteers, and families of Ride On. Our family is not well off and we have had many struggles. It is with tremendous thanks to people’s generosity that we are able to receive a partial scholarship for Scarlett to continue riding at Ride On. Please support Ride On. Thank you for reading.