Reaching New Heights: A story of how well that can be accomplished from atop a horse.
“I’m riding,” shouted the five-year-old boy to his grandmother, as his horse was led in front of the bleachers. She smiled at his delight, “That was so spontaneous.”
And in the case of a child with autism a spontaneous moment is something really special.
Meme Caniglio brings her twin grandsons, Casey and Carl, from New Orleans every Saturday for therapeutic riding at the New Heights Therapy Center in Folsom.
Children and adults with disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down Syndrome, develop self-confidence and physical strength riding on the backs of these beautiful animals. And through the Horses for Heroes program, two new groups are now participating in the riding program—veterans and first responders with disabilities.
Therapeutic riding develops balance and core muscles. It’s not just a ride on a pony.
Catherine Insley, New Heights lead instructor, says riding offers multiple benefits. “It stretches the leg muscles, helping those who have trouble walking. For those confined in a wheelchair, sitting tall in the saddle opens the diaphragm, and improves breathing and speech.” The legs act as counterweights, helping the rider to sit up straight. The movement of the horse mimics the human stride. One hour on a horse equals a two-mile walk.
Casey steers his horse to a tall spindle in the center of the arena and drops a plastic ring on it. The instructor asks, “What do you say when you want Stella to go?” Casey says softly, “Walk on, Stella.” He waits, and then repeats the command louder.
“This is a big deal for him,” his grandmother whispers. The horse slowly mounts the wooden platform, which is about six inches high, and the child appears to be rocking and rolling with the undulating movement of the animal’s back.
Another child riding in the arena is told, “We are going to do some serious steering today.” They approach a maze of wooden beams lying on the ground. “Which is your right? Okay pull right…Now pull left.”
Additional challenges are offered to the more advanced riders. Some let go of the reins, holding their arms stretched out wide and using their legs to balance as the horse walks slowly. Others are told to stand in the stirrups in the two-point position and lean forward, grasping the neck of the horse in a stance similar to a jockey.
Sometimes, the speed is kicked up a notch, and the horse is led into a trot for the advanced rider, such as Louis Knights, 12, who has been riding three years and now does so without a side walker. His mother, Roxanne Newman, says, “Riding is good for his self-esteem.”
Children with autism sometimes have trouble focusing, and riding keeps the child in the present, as they learn to control the horse. If riding alone doesn’t keep them focused, then playing a game with foam swords, while on the horse, will certainly hold their attention. The older boys always shout, "Yes," when asked to play that particular game.
Leila is five and on her first day of riding, she quickly adapts to this new skill. Midway through her session, riding instructor Debbie Brewster eases her into a prone position on the rump of her horse, and Leila sighs audibly—her joy shared with the leader and side walkers.
Later she teases her horse, “You have a big nose.” She asks if she can feed Stella a carrot later. The horse licks his lips in anticipation of the carrot, which is offered in a foam cylinder, so little fingers won’t get in the way.
A whole team is involved in therapeutic riding, and all are volunteers except the instructors, who have a decade or two of experience training horses and riders, plus certification in this specialization. In addition to the instructor, a leader and one or two side walkers participate in each session. “We could not provide this service without the volunteers,” says New Heights Director Sue Cheveallier.
Amy Bodden is a part-time software analyst and volunteer leader. It’s a multi-task job being a leader, she says. “We have to pay attention to the instructor’s directions, pay attention to what the rider says, pay attention to the side walker who might need to switch sides, and I also need to watch the other riders in the arena.”
The side walkers do just that, walking on either side of the horse to secure the steady position of the rider. It’s a job requiring compassion, alertness, and a sturdy physique, with your armed raised up for as much as 30 minutes. New Heights encourages parents to be side walkers, and thus participate fully in the program with their child.
Monique Weissmann is 23 and has cerebral palsy. She has been riding for eight years, and her parents, Richard Weissmann and Yvonne Van Voorthuysen, are her side walkers. Other family members have gotten involved in the riding sessions, including her brother and sister-in-law.
Yvonne also acts as a public spokesperson for New Heights, and Monique accompanies her when she speaks before a group about therapeutic riding. “People with CP have a tightening in the muscles and the riding helps to loosen Monique,” Yvonne says. “It also gives her confidence and independence. She loves being in charge of something and setting goals for herself.”
“Riding also helps my back,” chimes in Monique.
A competitive horse show closes each 10-week session. “The event boasts social skills and self-confidence. It takes courage to compete in front of a crowd,” says Cheveallier.
Getting out of the arena for a change of scenery, the riders are sometimes guided to a fence blooming with spring flowers. It’s called the flower walk, where they can smell different blossoms and taste the nectar in a honeysuckle.
The young riders must adapt to the rules, wearing a helmet and long pants, which they might find confining, and wearing shoes, not sandals. Retired lesson and show horses are used in the program, and even they must pass muster. They must exhibit the appropriate personality, and be in good physical shape to serve the riders of all ages.
Side walker Martha Walsh says of her experience with New Heights' riders, “You see the smiles on their faces. You see their progress. The kids love their horses and really bond with them.” There is an emotional connection between the rider and the horse, who need to trust each other.
Steve Saux is chairman of the Rotary Club Chili Cook-off and got the club to make New Heights one of the main beneficiaries of that fund-raiser four years ago, after Cheveallier, along with a parent and a rider, spoke to the club. About a year ago, Steve and his wife, Terry, began volunteering as side walkers. He says, “I am always impressed by the care given by the personnel and the volunteers. The riders really seem to appreciate having us there, but I am the one who usually comes away with more than I have given.”
Details. Details. Details.
A recent grant from Humana will help New Heights expand and remodel the arena, making it possible to ride in extreme weather and after dark.
New Heights Therapy Center at Leah Farms
16191 Highway 40
Folsom, La
(985) 796-3677
