My daughter started riding at Stable Strides when she was 5, and my son joined her when he was 2. They both began their journey with horses through hippotherapy sessions with Children's Hospital. Since then, they've continued with weekly therapeutic riding. I can't overestimate the benefits that a single hour per week at the barn has brought for each of them.
At 5 years of age, my daughter's physical therapy assessment scored her at the physical abilities of a 2-year-old (28 months). She made slow gains during weekly PT sessions. Within just 2 months of starting on horseback once per week, she retested for PT as average in all categories for her age. She hasn't needed any additional PT sessions since. There is something about the movement of a child's body on a horse that cannot be replicated by any other therapy method. Both my kids have made giant leaps in confidence, balance, posture, attention, focus, and coordination. They love their instructor Ms. Rachel, and they make personal healing connections with each of the horses they ride.
I've had to make sacrifices to afford the monthly therapy costs, but I feel that therapeutic riding at Stable Strides is worth every penny. We've applied for scholarships and used community grants to help us fund the costs. Anonymous donors have also helped. This is one therapy I hope to never lose!
They're incredibly supportive of my daughter, and she's built a lot of confidence with her sessions at StableStrides.
My 6 year old daughter has severe ADHD. She is on 2 different medications to help her focus and function "normally." Even with these tools, she works so very hard to listen, manage her emotions, remain calm, and many other "normal" behaviors. I am so proud of her and love her fun personality. We are so blessed she is our daughter! We really noticed a positive change when we started riding therapy. Every week she is so excited to ride "her horse," Misty. Riding night is her favorite night of the week! It's not just because of the horses but also the volunteers or "helpers" as she calls them. They not only help her with her horse, but listen attentively as she regails them with adventures from her week. She loves chatting as she rides! Riding has helped with her gross motor skills, emotional regulation, confidence, as well as character traits such as kindness and patience. I am so grateful we found Stable Strides! They have been such a tremendous blessing to our family!! The only drawback is now she wants her very own horse :) lol