"I like riding fast!"
"I like riding Elsie because we get along so well together."
"I like trotting - bouncy trot and up down trot"
"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 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!"
"Horseback riding so much fun. Good day. I like to trot-trot-trot and go fast."
"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."
"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."
"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 is number 1, not number 2.”
"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 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 like trotting and Tia the horse is my favorite."
"I love all the horses."Ann & Hugh
- Details
- Category: Therapeutic Riding
- Published on Friday, 01 January 2010 00:00
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).
We have followed Nick through the years. For a period when I went back to school, Nick made sure Becca could still ride, and we were then blessed with being able to step back up. We are delighted that the program has found a permanent home at Libert Farms. Watching Nick and Kristi Horwitz work with all the riders is moving. Their knowledge, focus, calm, and patience(!) are evident. As parents, the support we feel when such professional treat our daughter with respect for who she is and what she CAN do - no slacking off here! - is great.
Horsefeathers also enjoys a wonderful group of volunterrs who are unique in their commitment. Every week, without fail, these people spend their days and weekends at the stable, working with the horses and helping with the riders. And yet, they act like this is a privilege! Their solid friendshios with Becca are a big part of her week.
The horses at Horsefeathers cover a full range, from tiny ponies to impressive thoroughbreds. One of Nick's many skills is knowing the personalities of each animal and matching them to each rider, changing as abilities and needs require. The matches always seem just right.
This last September, the Horsefeathers team brougt a group of riders to the Illinois Special Olympics meet in Decatur. They organized everything from horses and riding supplies to hotels and pool parties. Those wonderful volunteers came to help, too - wathing them support Becca doing the "hokey-pokey" at the athlete banquet is something I'll never forget! And confirming the hard work that everyone does at Horsefeathers, Becca goth the gold medal in her level!
So yes, Horsefeathers means joy. The people, the animals, the riders, the parents - everyone is delighted to be there. And all this on top of the excellent therapy Becca gets, which is the real core of our joy.
