Sarah sits tall in the saddle, astride King – a gentle, sorrel, Appendix Quarter Horse gelding – who shares a mutual trust with Sarah as they take what appears to be a leisurely walk around the arena at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) in Longmont, Colorado. But that walk is far more than leisurely.
Sarah and King
Sarah has participated in therapeutic riding since she was three years old – a weekly adventure and commitment that her parents credit with changing her life and capabilities, including the ability to sit straight and upright on King’s broad, strong back.
Her mother, Julie, is a Family Caregiver in Evergreen Service Provider’s residential program for adults living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). She describes Sarah’s condition at birth as “floppy” – unable to support her own weight. Learning about therapeutic horseback riding and associated successes from other families of developmentally challenged children, Sarah’s parents decided to give it a try.
Sarah gained strength and coordination to sit, stand, and walk. To see her today, one would never guess she was born with such a debilitating condition. Julie shared that Sarah’s doctor confessed, after seeing such incredible progress in her condition, that she previously questioned whether Sarah would ever walk. Initially considered non-verbal, Sarah now expresses herself with a combination of words and sounds.
Almost anyone who has spent time around horses realizes the special connection that can exist between these beautiful animals and humans – it touches both species deeply and can seem almost magical. Yet, as mentioned, Sarah and King’s walks together go far beyond leisurely time shared between special friends; along with the magic, there is a lot of science behind what is happening during those rides.
Interestingly, a horse’s bilateral movement simulates a normal human gait, stimulating the rider both physically and cognitively, enabling them to feel what it’s like to walk. Gentle and rhythmic, the horse’s movement nudges the rider to make continuous, small adjustments to stay upright which strengthens the core and helps improve balance, muscle control and tone, motor skills, posture, and body awareness.
Sarah’s therapist helps fine tune posture.
Beyond the physical benefits, the bond between rider and horse can help overcome fears, trust issues, and impulse control issues. Verbal skills are improved through encouragement to speak commands to the horse. The experience instills self-confidence and, as a rider learns to communicate with and control the horse, they often realize they can also control themselves.
When Sarah finished her ride with King, the spark in her eyes revealed her joy and excitement. She seemed confident and satisfied with her accomplishment, listening intently as family and therapist discussed her ride. The author was touched that, as Sarah and Julie prepared to leave, Sarah grasped her hand, bent it as if to have her wave, and said, “Bye, bye.”
CTRC Executive Director, Michele Bruhn, shared that, “Horses key off the energy of the humans around them and their responses to that energy can provide therapists with cues and insight into what’s going on with the person on the horse’s back. That indescribable connection with a 1200-pound horse who is allowing the human to take the lead, can nurture amazing social and emotional growth.”
Michele explained that there is an energy field of several feet around the horse and a continuous stream of nonverbal communication between horse and rider. This both activates and grounds the nervous system and builds mutual trust – that the horse will safely bring the rider around the ring and that the human will take care of their mount. And when on horseback the rider is the tallest person around which helps build self-esteem and confidence.
These magical and magnificent beings help people every day to overcome and manage myriad mental, emotional, psychological, social, and physical challenges including progressive, debilitating conditions such as ALS and MS, even supporting cancer survivors and those suffering from PTSD. That this is possible is a testament to the reality that we are all wired for connection.
Horses and humans are matched carefully, based on the needs of the individual, including choosing the right type of saddle – sometimes none. Riding bareback may be recommended so that the warmth of the horse helps warm the rider’s muscles.
Sarah, King, and her therapy team – Occupational Therapist (right rear), Horse Leader (right), and Side Walker (left)
CTRC offers a variety of equine programs – both mounted and unmounted. Sarah participates in their functional occupational therapy program. In addition to being matched with a horse, she is matched with a certified and licensed Occupational Therapist. Sarah’s therapist also holds the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Registered Therapist credential. Sarah and her therapist are assisted by volunteers, one of whom acts as the Horse Leader, helping the horse maintain the prescribed pattern (circle, straight line, etc.). The other acts as a Side Walker who helps Sarah maintain her stance and balance, stay safe, and give timely commands to the horse.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit association, the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center was founded in 1980, as the first therapeutic riding center in the state. Since 1982 CTRC has held Premier Accreditation status from PATH International. It is now one of the largest providers of equine assisted therapy activities and services in the nation.
CTRC is rooted in traditional Equine Assisted Therapies while offering leading edge innovative and specialized services. A study conducted in partnership with Children’s Hospital established the basis for a four-year grant awarded in 2010 to CTRC, Children’s Hospital, and the University of Colorado by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to build upon the initial study. It was the first NIH grant awarded for research into the human-animal bond.
Horses that “work” at CTRC are carefully chosen for their physical characteristics, their personality and demeanor, comfort around humans, and capabilities. Diverse “qualifications” are sought to fulfill the needs of different programs and all kinds of people. They give their all to CTRC and its clients. Once they come to the Center, they are there for life. CTRC also operates a Retired Horse Sanctuary on their property which has been awarded accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization that provides standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. Equine retirees enjoy pasture grazing, exercise, the best veterinary care, and plenty of attention.
King stands still and steady as Sarah practices fine motor skills.
Mom, Julie, expresses the family’s deep appreciation for the science and magic that happens at CTRC, which enriches all their lives in so many ways. They would like to encourage readers to consider donating to CTRC. There’s a lot happening at this incredible healing center and only 25% of their funding comes from fees for their services. Another option to support their work – consider becoming a donor or sponsor of their current Summer Strides fundraising campaign.
This incredible, determined, young woman has – along with the magic of horses, the science of equine therapy, the dedication and expertise of the CTRC staff, and of course, the support of her loving family – changed her life in ways that seemed impossible. She is an inspiration to us all and an extraordinary ambassador for the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community. Visit CTRC’s website to learn more about their services for yourself or a loved one.
