How Does G.A.I.T. Affect the Members of our Community?

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 G.A.I.T. 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 G.A.I.T. 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 G.A.I.T. 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 G.A.I.T. as a quiet child who had balance problems, motor planning problems, and severe sensory integration dysfunction among other disabilities. Her experiences at G.A.I.T. 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 G.A.I.T. program. She is more confident and outgoing than before she began riding. She is no longer afraid of every little thing. The opportunity G.A.I.T. 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."