Quotes from riders
about Free SPIRIT
Riders, Inc.
"Mady has been riding with Free SPIRIT Riders for two years and loves it! Mady loves to trot! This is the highlight of her session and her face just beams with excitement as she bounces on the back of the trotting horse. Mady shows confidence, an increase in verbal skills, and a strong posture while riding. "Mady has definitely benefitted from the riding and the relationships with the staff and volunteers at Free SPIRIT Riders. It is a place she can go and feel welcomed, loved, and a sense of belonging. She is not treated as "different" at Free SPIRIT Riders, and for that we are all grateful."
"Natalie has been riding with Free SPIRIT Riders for 5 years. While the therapeutic benefits (muscle strengthening, following auditory directions, etc.) are an important aspect of her riding, the social benefits are notable. When people speak with Natalie, they automatically become more interested when she speaks of "Duffy." It gives her a genuine conversation opportunity with someone that she may otherwise have very little in common with."
"Community, neighborhood, and school opportunities are quite numerous for a young girl with Down Syndrome, but as they enter adulthood, the options for involvement become quite limited. Free SPIRIT Riders provides an exciting type of challenge that we could never give her as parents".
"Hayley has a seizure disorder that is controlled with medication. She wears glasses for far sightedness and depth perception problems. She has problems walking distances because she tires easily. She has some problems with balance and does nor communicate well, although she loves to sing. One of her main problems that affect her daily is her processing disorder, which is part of the reason she does not communicate well. Hayley’s favorite activity with FSR is to "ride the horsey."
Riding has helped Hayley with her sensory issues and has increased her trunk strength, balance and communication skills. She never wants her class to end. She leaves class with a lot of energy and is already looking forward to her next class!"
During every class at Free SPIRIT Riders: children and adults sit taller...the arena rings with giggles while once silent individuals are stimulated in a new way...first words are spoken...confidence is improved.... challenged individuals try new things and succeed...children with autism become calmer as the movement of the horse soothes them and their senses become more integrated...adults who live in groups homes and are unable to work are introduced to a method of improving their quality of life...those who used to simply ‘wish’ now know they can...tense muscles relax and range of motion improves...heads are held a little higher than previously....new friends are made...parents sigh with relief as their child is engaged is challenged while having fun....
"We are writing to thank all of those who have donated time, money and patience toenable Austin the apportunity to enjoy horse back riding lessons. It is wth your help that Austin is able to enjoy this fulfilling experience. It has given him better communications kills and more confidence with socialization. Each week Austin looks forward to seeing all the volunteers and the horses. We look forward to continuing this experience and believe it is very beneficial for Austin's growth and development."
"My wife has more stamina and greater endurance since she began riding with your program. Her Multiple Sclerosis has been stable, her upper body strength has improved to the point where she is doing more of the household chores than she could in the past. She is proudly more active in the daily management of our household including helping our children with school work. Her statisfacion with life has increased and she has a more positive outlook now. Thanks for returning my wife to me!!".
