“Riding is number 1, not number 2.”
"I like riding Elsie because we get along so well together."
"My favorite thing to do is trot, because it's fast!"
"I like to trot-trot because it's bouncy and it makes me happy!"
"I like trot-trot because it's fast and I like up-downs!"
"I like trotting - bouncy trot and up down trot"
"Riding has opened me up and I'm not as scared. It has helped my balance a lot, and I am more positive about myself."
"Horseback riding so much fun. Good day. I like to trot-trot-trot and go fast."
"Riding has greatly improved my son's hand-eye coordination and balance. Because of this, he is now able to ride a bike and play video games, things that every little boy his age should be able to do."
"I like trotting and Tia the horse is my favorite."
"I love horseback riding. These big, gentle animals are my friends. They know my scent and they know my voice when I call their names. Riding on Ice, Poco and Tia makes me happy. I like to brush them and give them treats like peppermints. I have been riding since I was 12. I hope I can ride for a long, long time."
"I like cantering because I'm getting really good at it and stronger. I like circling around corners, it is much fun, and I sometimes like to do it at the trot"
"I love all the horses."
"Riding has helped strengthen the trunk. She's like a jack-in-the-box, she now has the strength to sit up and stay up under her own power, which she could not do before. She really enjoys riding too."
"I like riding fast!"
"I like trotting and going fast, it's exhilarating. The people at Horsefeathers are loving and caring souls."
Therapeutic Riding
Our therapeutic riding lessons help a rider to develop and experience strength, courage and freedom. These qualities are represented in the three feathers on the Horsefeathers logo. Horseback riding is a skill that is both physical and mental. It is a bond with a horse and the rider who work together along with a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor to reach a goal. The goal of learning to steer, for example, takes both the physical ability to hold the reins correctly, as well as the mental focus to look where you want your horse to go. Reaching this goal gives the rider the courage to keep trying, the freedom of movement, and builds strength by requiring the rider to maintain upright balance and carry the weight of his/her own arms
Norman
About fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome meaning overworked muscles were weakening and weak muscles were getting weaker if not ceasing to function altogether. While my posture was never “normal” my core muscles were no longer capable of holding me upright. Ambulation was becoming restricted, and today depending distance, I use a crutch, walker or wheelchair.
Deanna
"My daughter, Dominique, is 17 years old and has been diagnosed with autism. Horseback riding at Horsefeathers has been a blessing in her life. Horseback riding has been the first activity she has been successful at performing. When given a diagnosis of autism, most daily activities and recreation are a challenge.
Ann & Hugh
Horsefeathers
JOY! That is the feeling we immediately feel when we hear that name. Let me explain...
We first came to work with Nick Coyne back in 2002. Our daughter Rebecca can't balance enough to walk unassisted, and regular therapy was losing both its charm and its effects. Hippotherapy turns what used to be a chore into fun, and the effects are measurable. The strength in Becca's legs and torso could make a soccer player jealous! Week to week, I don't think Becca even notices how hard she's working (but she'll sleep in the car on the way home).
Melissa and Family
Melissa, who has been participating in Horsefeathers for over a year, has weekly ½ hour individualized riding lessons with her instructor, Kristi. The only special accommodation Melissa requires is a special platform to mount the horse, named Ice. Through Horsefeathers, she was able to participate in the Special Olympics last year, where she won a gold medal for horseback riding, which she proudly displays in her room. “I love all the people, they are all very nice to me,” states Melissa.
