I have had a long history of medical issues with my head which has required over 9 surgeries. However, in March of 2018, as a result of the trauma from all the injuries to my head and neck, I was diagnosed with an intralabrynthine hemorrhage in my inner right ear.
This small stroke caused me to lose complete balance on my right side. At first I couldn’t even walk without falling over. I went to an outpatient rehab to help with my walking but it only took me so far. My eyes were so out of focus because the signals were getting crossed between my right eye and ear thus causing the continued balance loss, dizziness and nausea all my waking hours.
A friend of mine who kept her horse where I did, had volunteered at Sprout and told me about the amazing things they were able to do with issues such as mine.
I went and met Brooke, Anna and my soon to be physical therapist,Sue, and we set me up for their Equine Movement Therapy classes.
The first month or so were very difficult. Turning in circles made me turn green and I remember Sue telling me we want to push your limits, but not so much that you get physically ill. It was close a few times. But each session, I got a little better and then a little better. My partner Dancer was the perfect therapy horse for me. He was extraordinary and read my body language perfectly. He could tell by the slightest shift of my body that I was getting off balance and would slow down so I could correct myself.
And then there is Sue. Sue was and is the perfect therapist for anyone with a movement disorder. She saw exactly what I needed and somehow read my body and my eyes to tell what I was seeing and feeling. She pushed me as hard as I could take it but not so much that I felt too sick. By the time we had our holiday show, she had me turning around in my bareback pad from the front, all the way around to the back and to the front again. It was truly remarkable.
I rode at Sprout for approximately one year when Sue pronounced it was time for me to graduate. I was now allowed to ride my own horse, with specific limitations of course. What is truly amazing is that when I was on Dancer and now my horse Albie, I’m not dizzy or queasy. I feel normal (aside from my other issues). But, my vestibular issues disappear completely! I am forever grateful and thankful for Sprout and all the wonderful therapists, administration, Brooke and her amazing vision, all the incredible volunteers who give so selflessly of their time, and of course all the wonderful horses who take such good care of their riders. I know I speak for all of us, these horses are truly unique in their abilities. Thank you to everyone at Sprout for aiding in my recovery and for caring for us all. Sprout is the most special incredible home for so many of us that are lucky enough to walk into that very inspirational facility. Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Sprout has been so good for our daughter! It has become one of our favorite places. The staff is amazing and cares so much for everyone they work with. That staff include the incredible horses who care for their students just as much as the human staff. It’s like a family and it fills my heart to be a part of this inspirational organization.
I'm an adult volunteer at Sprout. Sprout was the dream of a LCPS Science teacher at Stone Hill Middle School, Brooke Waldron, which is how I met her. She combined her love of teaching and her love of horses and created Sprout.
Sprout offers equine assisted activities and therapy to children with special needs. It offers me an opportunity to serve these families. It's amazing to see what these children accomplish while riding their pony's.
Sprout survives by community donations and volunteers. Please help Sprout, I urge you to come out to the barn and experience it for yourself!!!