"I like riding fast!"
“Riding is number 1, not number 2.”
"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 like trotting - bouncy trot and up down trot"
"I like trotting and Tia the horse is my favorite."
"I like riding Elsie because we get along so well together."
"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."
"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."
"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 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."
"Horseback riding so much fun. Good day. I like to trot-trot-trot and go fast."
"I like trotting and going fast, it's exhilarating. The people at Horsefeathers are loving and caring souls."
"My favorite thing to do is trot, because it's fast!"
"I like trot-trot because it's fast and I like up-downs!"
"I like to trot-trot because it's bouncy and it makes me happy!"
"I love all the horses."Melissa and Family
- Details
- Category: Therapeutic Riding
- Published on Friday, 01 January 2010 00:00
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.
Horsefeathers has provided Melissa with the unique opportunity to participate in sports, make friends outside of the school setting, and gain a sense of pride, accomplishment, and independence in a caring and supportive environment. Melissa’s parents, Jeff and Kim Schaefer, are appreciative that their daughter has been able to participate in Horsefeathers stating, “This program is such a godsend. It means so much to us to see her self esteem improve and to watch her become self-sufficient, successful, and independent, all of the qualities she will need to succeed in life. We are so proud of her and thankful that Horsefeathers is a part of her life.”
When asked how long she plans to continue with Horsefeathers, Melissa replied “I hope forever.” Congratulations Melissa on your remarkable achievements, you are truly an inspiration to us all!
