Commentary Dear LaDawn Therapeutic Riding Center, We wanted to write to you about our observations with David’s therapeutic riding and to express how grateful we are to have our son enrolled in your program! It’s not all about riding, it’s the whole process! “Horseback Riding helps me to feel calm and relaxed” replied David, when we asked him to describe his riding lessons. As parents, it was the first time we had ever heard David describe anything that helped him to feel calm and relaxed! Being diagnosed with sensory integration problems and anxiety disorder, at the young age of 3, finding just the right activity is often more a struggle, which usually creates more frustration for him, and is not at all fun. In just 4 short months of weekly therapeutic riding, we already see significant benefits in David’s physical and emotional health. For example, he is more relaxed. We observe David to be incredibly sensitive to his environment. Like a “human barometer,” certain triggers in this type of an environment play a significant role in calming his behavior, before he even begins to ride the horse. The atmosphere is brisk and the smell of the stable is earthy. The staff is friendly with a calming influence. The amount of physical effort it takes to gather the bridle, saddle belt and to put on his helmet then to stand on a stool as he carefully brushes the horse on each side. During this whole process of deep physical activity, he becomes more relaxed and has developed a trusting rapport with the individual horse. David’s small physique is suddenly transformed into being tall, muscular and strong while sitting on the horse. He must manage his balance and focus as he listens to the instructions from his occupational therapist. Her encouragement and praise through out the riding lesson is most affirming and reassuring. While riding, he experiences the meaning of team work. “It’s not like riding a bike you know, you have to work together!” Again, for the first time, David is learning how to work as a team, while he maintains control over the horse. This is very empowering and helpful for his self esteem in being a leader. Not often is David feeling good about being in control or successful in any kind of situation. After riding, again, he must take off the bridle; put away the belt and helmet. He leads the horse back into the stable and says “thank you and good bye.” David’s mood is calm and relaxed and he truly feels a sense of accomplishment and personal connection with the horse. Even his two siblings agree that horseback riding has helped his overall self confidence all while having fun at the same time! Each week we are amazed with this improvement and we are so very thankful to have this wonderful opportunity for building his physical and emotional development. We would recommend this program to everyone, especially children who struggle with a disability. Thank you so much! We all sincerely appreciate your help. Respectfully, Lillian & David January 24, 2009 Our daughter, Caroline, is a beautiful, passionate, spirited and exuberant twelve year old.   She loves all of life, but she faces significant challenges too. Caroline is diagnosed with ADHD, sensory integration dysfunction, learning disabilities, Juvenile (insulin dependent) Diabetes, Graves Disease and Vitiligo. Caroline has been seen by many specialists and receives medication and support, but her daily hurdles are still significant. We are committed to giving Caroline every opportunity to be independent and successful. In 2006, we enrolled Caroline in therapeutic riding at LaDawn Stables as we felt this could be one of the most beneficial supports we could offer to her. We learned equine-assisted therapy helps to “ground the nervous system” and facilitates higher cognitive function; improves sensory integration, enhances memory, sequential thinking and provides the opportunity for riders to bond with the horse, instructor, and other riders which assists in the development of trust. It is also effective in calming emotional outbursts and reinforcing appropriate behaviors, which can be a big issue in our home. We have noticed all of these benefits take affect in our daughter, as a result of riding at LaDawn. In addition, the confidence building experience of learning new skills and developing some self discipline and improved concentration are apparent in her increased success at school. Everything about LaDawn has worked well for us. Early Saturday morning can be a difficult time for Caroline as she must get up early and get her gear together to go riding at 8 am. Her early morning reactions can elevate in a split second to a near meltdown, yet she loads up and heads off to riding in anticipation. Upon her return, she is different child: quiet, calm and focused. I can not pin point what makes this happen-- is it the brushing of the horse and that connection to it, is it the heavy lifting or barn chores, it is the physical experience of riding and the combination of control and freedom, is it the relationship with the staff and other riders or is it the thoughtful support of the occupational therapist guiding the activity to meet her needs? I suspect it is the whole experience, which brings Caroline to a good place. The horse has always had a tremendous potential to aid in the healing process in the human. We are grateful for LaDawn and the healing it gives our daughter every week. Sincerely, Mark and Grace Dear LaDawn Therapeutic Riding Center, For the past 5 years, our son David has attended weekly lessons at LaDawn Therapeutic Riding Center. We remember his very first day there, when asked to describe his first lesson; he replied “Horseback Riding helps me to feel calm and relaxed.” As parents, it was the first time we had ever heard David describe “anything” that has helped him to feel calm. And when asked today, we will hear David say the same response! Not only does David have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD) but he also struggles with other diagnosis’ that include sensory integration, anxiety & mood disorder. He “thinks outside the box". He is very creative.  But sometimes being a little "different" or not fitting into the norm, can work to your advantage – but most of the time, it doesn’t. David has impaired functioning in multiple settings, including the home, family, school, team sports and in relationships with peers. You know our son…You’ve seen children like him in the supermarkets and in public places… This is a child that’s -Impulsive: a child who acts quickly without thinking first. This is a child that’s- Hyperactive: a child who can't sit still, walks, runs, or climbs around when others are seated, and talks when others are talking. This is a child that has inattention: a child who is easily sidetracked or distracted by what is going on around him. Through the years, we have observed many improvements in his physical and emotional health. Therapeutic riding has provided the foundation to widen his focus and sensory processing. This foundation has helped in his daily activities and many other areas in his life. Therapeutic riding has helped further develop his motor and sensory skills. Most of all, significant improvement is in his of sense of self, socialization and his interaction skills with others. Therapeutic riding is not just recreational, but a proven therapeutic intervention that has positively impacted our son’s quality of life. We are so grateful to Donna Lariviere and the volunteer staff at LaDawn Therapeutic Riding Center who have helped shape and nurture our son’s growth and development through his love for horses. This is truly the only place where he can go each week to learn life changing skills, have safe fun, connect with the horses and be treated positively and respectfully. Thank you. Home Page- About Us- Forms- Pictures- The Horses- Volunteer- Commentary Directions- Contact Us