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Helped by horseback

Published Thursday, July 02, 2009 11:23 AM

By Michael Tannebaum
Summerville Journal Scene ®

Children with disabilities benefit from riding lessons-

In the first five minutes after arriving at the Enchanted Acres Equestrian Center, Tristan Seay keeps mostly to himself. The nine-year-old doesn’t talk to anyone, and instead stands several yards away immersed in a game of horseshoes.

It isn’t until he is helped onto a 500-pound horse named Annie that Tristan, who has autism, begins to speak.

His words don’t always flow seamlessly and he often repeats himself, but a smiling Tristan suddenly has a lot to say.

With three volunteers walking alongside Annie to help guide her, Tristan encourages the horse to trot, inquires as to why her stomach is rumbling and suggests it may be because “she wants a treat.”

Tristan is one of 10 children, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, who participate in the “Exceptional Rider Program” at the Enchanted Acres Equestrian Center in Dorchester County.

The program offers children with disabilities – many who have autism, cerebral palsy or behavioral and social disorders – an opportunity to interact with their able-bodied siblings, to enhance their mental, physical and social abilities and to ride enormous yet gentle creatures through sprawling pastures and along scenic trails.

Once a week, the children receive riding lessons from program director Kelly Herrick and several volunteers. The center, which is owned by Herrick’s mother, Toby Davis, is nestled on roughly 35 acres and is home to more than 30 horses.

For the children, the program offers an opportunity to ride horses on a beautiful farm. For Herrick, the volunteers and the children’s parents, it is a chance to work with the young boys and girls in a non-clinical environment to improve their social, speech and motor skills.

The children, who travel from Summerville, Charleston and Goose Creek, perform a variety of physical and mental exercises while riding. These activities, such as tossing rubber rings around a pole while sitting atop a horse, are viewed by the children as games.

“They have to use language to tell us when they want to start or stop, and they have to use social language skills to talk to us,” said Shelli Quenga, a volunteer. “It touches on many areas without seeming like work to the child, which is the best way to learn.”

A unique feature of the Exceptional Rider Program is that the children often receive lessons alongside their able-bodied siblings.

“It’s an opportunity for the atypical kids to participate with their typical peers or siblings,” said Trish Russo, who is Enchanted Acres riding instructor for neurotypical children. “The parent is able to sit back like a normal parent and watch their child, which is unique for a parent with a special needs child who is used to being so involved.”

In May, children in the Exceptional Rider Program participated in their first horse show when they attended the Tall Pines Horse Show Circuit. Each of the riders was awarded a multi-colored ribbon for their performance.

Mary Stevens says her daughter, Isabella, who has autism, is a more confident speaker when riding.

“When she’s on the horse, she doesn’t worry as much about what she’s saying,” Stevens said. “The words just flow better.”

Herrick, a pediatric nurse and special needs consultant, synthesizes information and goals from the children’s occupational, speech and physical therapy treatment plans, along with individualized education plans, to develop goals for each rider.

“When they’re here, we’re working on colors, math skills, reading comprehension and strength,” Herrick said. “Our main goal may not be to improve riding skills. The horses and riding are a conduit for learning and fun.”

Herrick hopes the program will grow to the point that she can offer lessons on a daily basis. Volunteers are an integral part of the program’s expansion, as each rider requires a minimum of three adults as side-walkers and leaders.  

“I would like to get the kids out to more shows and for society to realize all that these children can do,” Herrick said. “It’s truly amazing to watch the bond between a child and a horse.”

For more information or to volunteer, contact Kelly Herrick, director, Enchanted Acres Exceptional Rider Program, at (843) 224-7773 or EnchantedAcresHorses@yahoo.com.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com
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