Sunrise EquiTherapy gives people joy while enhancing the quality of their lives through horse-based therapy. The dramatic potential improvement of physical, behavioral and social skills is not to be underestimated. In the 6 years I have worked with this program I have witnessed first hand the very real benefits and improved health status of many individuals. I was attracted to the program by a desire to assist people with their physical, social and behavioral challenges; working with well-trained and gentle horses was an added bonus. The two fit hand in glove, beautifully. As a Physician Assistant, I have the background knowledge to appreciate the effort and accomplishments of our riders. I also appreciate the unique health care team required. Clinicians, physical therapists, educators and volunteers are all crucial to the successful outcome of each individual rider.

One rider in particular stands out as an example of how pairing horses and therapy opens the door to newfound strength, confidence and skills. Rylee is a 7-year old girl with a neurological condition similar to Cerebral Palsy. Her limbs and trunk are weak and spastic. Initially she had difficulty sitting in the saddle, much less maintaining her balance at a walk, with direction changes or accomplishing simple activities while mounted. Three years later, she has gained considerable trunk strength, improved her fine motor skills with grooming and other activities requiring coordinated hand movements. She can now throw a ball. Stand in the stirrups. Trot!

With each accomplishment her confidence and joy grows. It is beyond words to describe the pleasure we as instructors and volunteers experience watching her and sharing in her successes. Not only has Rylee gained physical strength and coordination, her social skills have increased as well. She uses these new skills with other riders, especially a 5-year old boy named Jack. Jack has Aspergers Syndrome. His physical abilities are developmentally appropriate, but he has delays in his behavior and social skills. With equitherapy he is learning to treat other living beings (the horse, instructor, volunteers, co-riders) with respect, to listen and follow direction, to maintain eye contact and interact with a group. Sometimes the unexpected happens and he is learning to accommodate to sudden changes as well. All very challenging for Jack.

In the community health center where I work as a PA, I am able to identify people who may benefit from this unique therapeutic approach to enhancing quality of life and, I believe, improving immune status as well. I have referred people with neurological disorders, autism, down syndrome, developmental delays, multiple sclerosis, people who have had strokes, spinal or brain injuries and those who have suffered traumatic events. Equitherapy is appropriate in so many different areas. As we are a non-profit group, we need help increasing opportunities for more people through riderships, to provide continuity through year round lesson opportunities, supplies (therapy balls, educational materials, equipment), to name a few and a new facility which will operate year round!

I love being a part of such a rewarding program. Not only can I help the special people I work with but I am also rewarded in mind and spirit.