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Welcome To G.A.I.T.'s Winter Edition of "Stable Eyes"

2009- A Year For Additions

T his quarter we added a new project we call “Rider-To-Leader
Program”. We call it a project because it certainly has been!

It started with a rider, Evan. After many years of riding, Evan indicated that he could do more. So we began the vocational training program. This turned into an actual program we offer every summer now through the Delaware Valley School District.

Through this program, Evan learned physical skills such as how to handle farm tools safely, clean stalls correctly, and groom a horse. He was made aware of how to keep himself safe on a job site. He enhanced his cognitive skills in math and science which is needed for feeding and caring for horses. And he gained social skills while learning how to appropriately interact with co-workers and take directions from a boss.

The next step in this process was to teach Evan to lead his horse, Laura, a Percheron Draft. Once he was comfortable with leading Laura correctly, the next step was to lead his horse during a class.

With the “Rider to Leader” project the leader must listen for the commands of “whoa” and “walk-on” as well as turn left or right. It is his responsibility, as a leader, to have the horse respond appropriately. It is difficult for Evan, a young man with autism and attention deficit disorder, to change his schedule, his timing and his rhythm. But in a therapeutic riding situation, he usually has to do all three at once. The leader also has to listen to the instructor, the rider, the sidewalkers — and of course, the horse. This is difficult for a person with autism who relies on sequential instructions for daily living.

To see a young man with so many issues overcome them all to lead his horse for another rider with special needs is both astonishing and heart-warming. As his mom put it one day as she watched Evan leading Laura during a class with a rider; “I have not seen him this calm and focused for days!

In This Winter Issue!

Welcome!

The Director's Stall

Special Announcements!

Thanks to Our Members and Sponsors!

Volunteer's Corner