Traumatic Brain Injury News

Strong in the saddle

C-Line Stables' therapeutic riding program balances special needs
By CYNTHIA L. DRAGISH, Special to The News Journal

For the past four years, the personal victories at the Center for Therapeutic and Education Riding have been many.

A 5-year-old girl with Down syndrome rode a horse on her own. An accident victim with a serious brain injury regained his confidence. And a woman with progressive multiple sclerosis experienced normalcy one morning while atop her horse.

The 25 horses at the Center for Therapeutic and Educational Riding offer those with special needs an alternative to traditional forms of physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Director Pam Liverman started the center in 2002 at C-Line Stables near Townsend with Carlotta Cline, a co-owner of the stables. Liverman worked at Chimes Delaware, a program for people 21 and older with disabilities, as a supervisor in its vocational program. She loved the people, but not the politics.

She looked for another way to help and to take advantage of her passion for horses. Then, Cline called.

"For years, people had brought special-needs children to Carlotta. She realized the need for therapeutic riding," Liverman said. "After being contacted by the parent of a special-needs rider who was not able to ride on a normal able-bodied farm, she gave me a call and said, 'Let's make it happen.' "

Now, 90 riders -- from age 18 months to 82 years -- come from all across Delaware and nearby Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

A horse's movements -- walk, trot, canter, jump -- have been shown to positively affect those with physical, psychological and behavioral needs. The movement of the horse mimics human walking, exercising the rider's muscles, and improving his or her balance and posture. With each rider, the center develops a plan to improve anything from flexibility and balance, to self-esteem and independence, to social skills. Referrals come from neurologists, social workers, psychologists and other parents.

John Takash III was referred by a parent as part of his recuperation after being hit by a vehicle while walking. The 19-year-old suffers from traumatic brain injury.

"It's nice to get out in the open air and get a break from regular therapy," Takash said. "It's great to become one with nature."

When he first arrived in April, communing with nature was far from his mind because his body was so weak. Four months later, he was able to ride with little help and now brims with confidence.

For 5-year-old Victoria Marsh, who has Down syndrome, the goal was to increase her muscle tone and upper-body strength and to improve her speech and overall well-being, her mother Karen Marsh said.

"Physical therapists are convinced of what it's doing for her muscles," Karen Marsh said.

Tom Pidgeon, father to Aliza, another young rider with Down syndrome, said Aliza is much stronger than when she started 2 1/2 years ago. Her trunk, balance and verbal skills all have increased. She can reach and stretch farther, and has improved her hand/eye coordination. She looks forward to riding each week.

"I think as parents we try to find ways for our children to live normal healthy lives," he said. "This weekly activity is her time."

C-Line Stables, owned by Carlotta and H.G. Cline, has been in existence since 1973. The 62-acre farm not only has the largest indoor arena in Delaware (125 by 250 square feet), but the arena's dirt floor was dug out to accommodate riders with special needs. Those who arrive in wheelchairs or have trouble walking get on the horse from an area above the arena floor -- about even with the horse's back. The horse walks down the grade; the riders stay up above.

It's part of the commitment the staff and volunteers have to those who come to ride.

"If you can get up the driveway, we're here," said Rebecca Shea, volunteer coordinator and senior instructor. "If it's 10 [degrees] below [0], we're here."

The center's riders also are fully integrated with the able-bodied riders of C-Line Stables. Everyone learns to ride alongside one another. More than 25 volunteers help with the therapeutic riders, in addition to working with the horses, raising money and planning events.

"We always need more volunteers," Liverman said.

Shea said the center has had an impact on her life, too.

"I have to say that this is the most rewarding job I've ever had ... and I will do it until I no longer can."

"We get to see little miracles each and every day," Liverman said...

Added October 12, 2006

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