Our daughter Rachel is challenged with multiple disabilities, as well as, communication limitations due to deafness. Finding a program of recreation or therapy for her is equally challenging. In what could seem to be the least likely place, the barn and the arena, we have discovered a treasure.
For almost two years Rachel has been riding for leisure and therapy with the SMILES program. The moments most memorable to me are those moments just before she mounts the horse. Rachel, patiently in her wheelchair, donning riding gear, sees her horse approaching. The recognition of her horse, especially saddled for her, is magical. She rips her seatbelt off in both a practical and symbolic gesture and throws her arms high into the air to reach out to Jeanie who will assist her up to the horse. She bubbles with giggles and energy and delight. I suspect someday she will grow impatient waiting for assistance and she will simply fly into the saddle. As a weeks worth of patience and anticipation is rewarded she begins her ride, as always, insisting that I promise we will ride again next week. I do.
It is so appropriate for Rachel to be a fifteen year old girl who loves horses. Her riding experience connects her to both people and nature. As she feeds and grooms the horses she is providing care and nurture realizing the value her life has to others. She is always curious and delighted by some of those basic biology lessons as well! At home we read books about horses. Rachel has integrated riding into her life and personality, this is so much more than a therapy session.
Please give your greatest consideration to the needs of this program and the people it serves. At a basic level this program feeds and shelters these giving creatures. At its highest level this program offers the priceless experience of independence and capability while in relationship with a majectic creature.
Sincerely, Gay Stran
