How Does GAIT TRC Affect the Members of our Community?

Winter 2011
Biondo Development Coordinator writes:
"Thank you for providing a wonderful experience for our campers this summer. We always receive great feedback each year from our campers and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication you put into your progrms......"

"Every year we get overwhelmingly positive feedback, the kids had a blast, they gained self-esteem and socialization skills and were amazed at what they were able to accomplish...."

"We want you to be aware of how much you have changed the lives of these special children in such a wonderful way."

Feedback received by Biondo Development Coordinator:

1. Enjoys riding at GAIT.
   
   
2. Great network for parents.
   
   
3. New skills learned: better able to handle his emotions and anger, social skills, responsibility, respect for animals, respect for others, more interaction with peers, learned to get along with other riders, develop firendships, speech enhancement.

Autumn 2011
Arleen writes:
"My daughter has been helped so much through your program. We hope to continue as long as possible."

Autumn 2011
Ari and Lee from Camp Lee Mar write:
"Thank you so much for another wonderful summer of horseback riding. It is one of the highlights of the summer. Our campers LOVED it once again! Our campers continue to get so much from the program, and our gratitude to you is endless."

Summer 2011
John Fedorka writes:
"Working for Progressive Health and Community Vocational Services, I've had the opportunity to personally witness the impact that the GAIT program has had on the lives of the clients I work with.

Whether they're working in the vocational program or participating in the therapeutic riding program, confidence, respect, interpersonal skills, task-orientation and added structure are just a few of the benefits.

I simply cannot express how much of a positive influence the GAIT programs has made in the lives of the people I work with. "

Summer 2011
Stacey, an Educator, writes:
"The children had a wonderful time at GAIT yesterday. They enjoyed the day and learned so many exciting things. For instance, how to groom, various grooming tools to use, 'walk on', reins in... 'wow'! Very exciting!

Thank you so much for another wonderful riding experience. We learned so much and had such a wonderful time. All of your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated."

Spring 2011
John's mother writes:
"Thank you for all your great work with John the past few weeks. He learned so much about horses and could not wait to tell everyone about riding. He had a great time!!"

Spring 2011
Jonathan's mother writes:
"Jonathan has enjoyed riding Laura and has benefited both by being outdoors, as well as by increasing his balance, patience and turn-taking skills. Jon looks forward to his riding sessions each week. Your outstanding work with the autistic population as well as children with other disabilities has truly been appreciated over the years."

Spring 2011
Kathy writes:
"My identical 18 year old twin sons attend the GAIT horseback riding classes all year long. They have enjoyed going to GAIT since they were about 8 years old.

The boys enjoy the program so much and had met so many wonderful, caring people throughout the years. Most importantly, they had grown in so many ways since attending, not just physically, but mentally too. They learned how to interact with their new and old friends. Their social skills had improved greatly. Through therapy, while on the horse, the boys' posture and muscle tone had greatly improved over the years.

GAIT has also improved *my* social skills as well. While making friendships with the other parents who had siblings with disabilities, we also became each other's support team."

Spring 2011
Kyle's father writes:
"Thanks for all the joy and well being you have given our son Kyle over the years. Kyle has substantial developmental disabilities and he has bipolar disorder. No matter what his mood, Kyle always looks forward to GAIT and he misses it terrible when the the horses are on break. Our experience has always been that Kyle is more settle and organized after riding. We know that it is one of favorite things to do."

Spring 2011
David's parents write:
"Our son David has been attending sessions at GAIT for six years and has reaped so many benefits from this program! His confidence on his horse really shows in the way David sits so tall on Beau. In the past two years especially, we see a marked difference in the way David listens to the directions from the instructor as he rides in the arena. He eagerly engages in telling his horse when to "walk on" and "whoa." He is able to move his upper body in various ways and still maintain his balance.

But most of all, for a child with Down syndrome who would choose to watch videos most of his weekend, GAIT provides a special activity that became part of David's routine each Saturday. David has not only learned about horses, but has learned about people, too! This is so important for his social development and his communication skills. David looks forward to GAIT each week. We're so glad it's part of his life!"

Spring 2010
Vice President of Pike Autism Support Services writes:
"As an organization that is dedicated to advocating and supporting children with special needs, it is with great pleasure that I write this letter in support of the GAIT program.

GAIT has been on the forefront of programming for the special needs population. while this county struggles to create services for the disabled, GAIT has remained steadfast in supporting their clients by expanding its classes, increasing its volunteer staff and adapting lessons to meet the needs of the individual students.

The benefits of the program reach far beyond the obvious therapeutic goals achieved, such as maintaining balance, improving body posture and completing cognitive exercises. when you look further you see that the GAIT program develops self-esteem, confidence and independence. The relationship between rider and horse facilitate composure, dignity and pure joy.

Pike Autism Support Services along with GAIT share a common goal - which is creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead a more fulfilling and independent life. We consider ourselves fortunate to have such an outstanding program as GAIT and appreciate the dedication and patience of its director and staff in working with our children."

Winter 2010:
Nicole, an Emotional Support Teacher writes:
"The school emotional support class attended 10 sessions at GAIT this past fall. The students began this program reluctantly. Every student expressed a fear and distrust of the horses and required a lot of prompting for involvement in the early lessons. Throughout the program the students became very comfortable with the horses as evidenced by their increase in participation, and discussions of the horses throughout the week. The students found that they could relate to certain horses and chose to work with specific horses through the program. By the end of the 10 program, the results were remarkable. The students admitted to no longer having fear of the horses, and were actively participating throughout the entire session. The students began the program not only having distrust of the horses but also an obvious distrust of each other and people in general. The students expressed that they learned the importance of feeling safe and how to better read body language cues to develop relationships. They learned how to develop trust of each other and skills on how to work together to reach a common goal. This helped the students understand the importance of developing necessary leadership skills to use throughout life. The staff was extremely impressed by the equine program provided by Martha Dubensky at GAIT and hope to participate again in the years to come.

Winter 2010
Ruby's Mom writes:
"... Ruby's speech is moderately to severely delayed, yet she has shown great improvement in her ability to communicate with her horse and side walkers. The riding has also helped to improve her strength, posture, and balance. Though difficult to measure, I feel sure that her confidence has also increased as a result of her success in riding. This is a result of the wonderful staff and volunteers who offer Ruby their encouragement and support.

I wish you could see the joy in Ruby's face when we arrive at GAIT and she sees her horse, "Halee"! This activity gives her so much pleasure. Ruby has faced many difficulties in her short life due to her condition and the medical complications she has experienced - it means so much to me as her parent to be able of offer her an activity that gives her so much happiness and pride, as well as providing therapeutic benefits to her. I sincerely thank the great people at GAIT for their contribution to my daughter and others in the community. I hope that they can continue to provide their valuable services for many, many more years!"

Winter 2009
Dan writes:
"The old days, the old barn housed our younger horses. Over the years we have all gone through a lot with GAIT but "GAIT" has become an extension of all our families.

Thank You, for allowing me to share in this truly life changing program."

Autumn 2009
The Ingeborg A. Biondo Memorial Foundation writes:
"Thank you for providing a wonderful experience for our campers this summer. We always receive great feedback each year from our campers and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication you put into your programs..." "The children gained self-esteem and socialization skills and were amazed at what they were able to accomplish..."

Summer 2009
Linda, Behavior Specialist in Wayne County writes:
"I am a therapist working in Human Services in the Wayne County area. One my clients... has recently become a recipient of your scholarship program for Therapeutic Horseback riding.

She has only had 2 lessons, and already we are seeing an improvement in her behavior. She is calmer and she has learned to use her calendar to mark a big "H" on the day she goes horseback riding. This is the day she looks forward to all week long. This little girl has had many traumas and losses in her life for only being 6 years old. She has had little opportunities, so this has given her that extra special attention which has enriched her life. That calmness I am referring to comes when someone feels fulfilled and special. Also, being with animals gives her a sense of responsibility where she must be in control and be respectful and gentle with the animal."

Summer 2009
Jessica's Mom writes:
"GAIT has made an incredible difference in Jessica's confidence, posture, muscle strength, and a myriad of other ways. I can't imagine how she would be without it..."

Spring 2009
Ann, Executive Director of a local developmental disabilities center states:
"This alternative therapy [center] provides opportunities for the rider to experience the gaits of the horse which mimic the normal walking gait of a human."

"This therapeutic experience has a tremendous impact on the emotions and behaviors of the rider... The GAIT program has enhanced and enriched the lives of all the children and adults who participate in the program."

Spring 2009
Scott, Director of a local youth advocacy program writes:
"Please accept this letter of support as [this agency's] program's highest endorsement for your agency. For approximately the past three years, this agency and GAIT have collaborated to provide services not only for children with psychological, behavioral and emotional disabilities, but for non-adjudicated, adjudicated and delinquent children as well.

As part of our mutual partnership, our clients' perform a variety of community resources for GAIT including general care of the horses, maintaining the stables [i.e. barn chores] and baling hay to name a few.

Furthermore, clients with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities have benefited from GAIT's equine programs as it allows them not only to interact with others in non-destructive ways, but also enhances and improves their ability to communicate more effectively thus improving their social skills.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend GAIT without any reservations..."

Spring 2009
Evan's Parents writes:
"As Parents involved with a local organization that is dedicated to advocating and supporting children with special needs, it is with great pleasure that we write this letter in support of the GAIT program.

GAIT has been on the forefront of programming for the special needs population. While this county struggles to create services for the disabled, GAIT has remained steadfast in supporting their clients by expanding its classes, increasing its volunteer staff and adapting lessons to meet the needs of the individual students.

The benefits of this program reach far beyond the obvious therapeutic goals achieved, such as maintaining balance, improving body posture and completing cognitive exercises. When you look further you see that the GAIT program develops self-esteem, confidence and independence. The relationship between rider and horse facilitates composure, dignity and pure joy.

We share a common goal -- which is creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead a more fulfilling and independent life. We consider ourselves fortunate to have such an outstanding program as GAIT in our community. We appreciate the dedication and patience of its Director and staff in working with our children."

Winter 2008
Tiffany, a college student writes:
"I'd like to thank you again for taking the time to meet with me to observe your program. After watching the lessons, I truly believe equine therapy is an under-utilized resource. I will share this information with my peers and professors and hopefully spark community interest in your inspiring mission. Thank you."

Spring 2008
Alexus' Mom writes:
"I wanted to let you all know of an amazing accomplishment my daughter, Alexus, made recently after approximately 10 weeks of therapeutic riding. We were visiting a friend who had a dog visiting their house also....

When we first arrived, Alexus was very nervous, as she is with dogs other than her own. The owner put him on a leash and showed Alexus tricks the dog was capable of doing. After approximately 10 minutes, she begged for the dog to come off of the leash and she wanted to have him listen to her commands to do the tricks he just performed. I thought he was going to knock her over! Her cry would end the night.... However, she completely took control of the dog, making him rollover, army crawl, wait when she put a treat 10 feet away and them give him the OK to fetch it....

In the past, Alexus would have never had the confidence to take control of this dog or any dog! I truly feel because of her riding at GAIT, she has learned that confidence. To be on top of a horse and know you are in control is such a confidence boost and this night showed it completely!

So at the end of the day when you are weary and tired and had a long day, I want you to realize what a difference you all, in a short time, have made in Alexus' life!"

Spring 2008
Stacey, an Educator, writes:
"The children and I would like to thank you for such a wonderful experience. They loved every aspect of their visit; from grooming, tacking and untacking, cleaning the stall to riding the horses. Each visit brought a smile to their faces, touching their hearts and lives forever. The children learned so much about themselves. Their confidence has improved greatly along with their self esteem.

As an educator, it was wonderful to see the growth and progress the children made over he past two months. I have observed levels of anxiety decrease, maturity, an increase in responsibility inside and outside the classroom, the ability to care for one another and the feeling of being knowledgeable in something that is all their own.

Thank you again for all your kindness, patience and generosity. The GAIT program has inspired my students to strive to be the best they can be. We have been so fortunate to have had you in our lives. We will cherish this experience forever!"

Winter 2007
Paul, a Behavior Specialist writes:
"Kyle and I are writing this to thank you for all that you have done for him over the past three years. Kyle has achieved many goals and has experienced much success throughout his placement here. We strongly believe that his horseback riding therapy at GAIT has been an extremely valuable treatment program. Kyle's recent assessments have shown increases in his motor coordination, many new social skills and higher self-esteem."

Winter 2007
Laura's mom writes:
"Laura's neurologist has seen a 'big change' in her posture and especially her happiness. Since her dad died, Laura has been confused and sad. Therapeutic Riding at GAIT has been the most perfect thing she's done this year. Her confidence, happiness and excitement has greatly improved."

Winter 2007
David's mom writes:
"Over the years, David's participation in GAIT has had such a positive effect on his life! Noticeable changes occurred in David's speech, his ability to wait his turn, the intensity of his sensory integration issues, his listening skills, and his tolerance for small motor activities. Family members who have seen David ride comment on how confident he looks on his horse, and how impressed they are with the instructors. Last year, physical therapy was dropped from David's services at school because he had met all his goals in that area."

Autumn 2007
Kayla's mom writes:
" I just wanted to let you know how much has changed since Kayla, who has Down syndrome and Autism, has changed since she started riding Patrick at the beginning of the summer.

At the beginning of the summer, she could only walk about the length of the hallway, and she would only walk inside on flat surfaces. Now she walks pretty much everywhere and on on anything!... Little obstacles don't trip her up.

At the beginning of the summer, Kayla was so much in her own world; she never noticed her sister or the cat. Now she chases the cat around and wants her sister to pick her up and spin her. Kayla will walk up to Laurie and grab her hands.

At the beginning of the summer, Kayla had no words or signs (she lost them when the autism set in between the ages 2-3). Now Kayla will consistently say or sign 'more' and "all done". With a little prompt, she'll sign 'eat' when se comes into the kitchen and sits down on the floor.

At the beginning of the summer, Kayla knew nothing about letters or colors. Now Kayla can ID the color 'RED'. She's obsessed with letters -- she'll go up to the letters in her classroom and put her finger on each one, make a sound and clap when she gets to the letter Z."

Autumn 2007
Jessica's parents write:
"Jessica, a child with multiple interacting disabilities, came to GAIT as a quiet child who had balance problems, motor planning problems, and severe sensory integration dysfunction among other disabilities. Her experiences at GAIT have significantly improved her balancing skills, her posture, and her trunk and leg strength.

More important, perhaps, are the emotional gains she has acquired through the GAIT program. She is more confident and outgoing than before she began riding. She is no longer afraid of every little thing. The opportunity GAIT gave her to ride at the New Jersey State Fair and to win her very own ribbons is something that Jessica will never forget. The pride and sense of achievement that she felt that day have carried over into her everyday life and the way she confronts whatever challenges life brings her way."