76 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
a horse, disabled clients build strength, stamina and balance.
For military veterans, Shayna, who’s also head of the
military program, says the greatest challenge is encouraging
participation. “It’s been challenging to find individuals who want
to participate, but once we get them on-site with the horses most
of them are hooked!”
She noted an additional challenge is a horse’s innate ability
to sense and mirror emotions. Veterans with emotional issues
such as PTSD who react negatively to situations will have to
overcome working with a horse that mirrors those negative
emotions. Ultimately, however, overcoming that challenge builds
confidence.
Celebrating Small Victories
Fortunately at SIRE, and therapeutic riding programs around
the globe, most (if not all) challenges come with victories.
Whether small or grand, each victory is a major accomplishment
for these riders.
Shayna explains the power of experiencing and witnessing
these victories. “I see first-hand how much our riders work
and grow physically, cognitively and emotionally like learning
how to walk or gaining the ability to go up and down stairs, but
sometimes it’s the small accomplishments that are so special,”
she said. “I had one mother almost in tears because her son
was able to pick up Cheetos and eat them. We were all laughing
that it was funny how happy she was that her son was eating
junk food. It was the first time his parents saw him pick up food
and eat it.”
Another victory that may seem small to the able-bodied but
incredible to the physically disabled is the ability to look down
and the freedom that comes with it. “When you think about it,
when someone uses a wheelchair they are always sitting down
looking up at everyone else,” Anthony explained. “But they get
on a horse, and now they’re looking down. It’s those subtle
psychological things that make people feel equal instead of like a
second class citizen.”
He says that therapeutic riding can also encourage major
victories for clients with learning disabilities who are often outcast
for learning differently and labeled unintelligent. “When they
get to ride, all of a sudden they’re better at something, they’re
special and it has equalized them in society,” he explained.
While Anthony admits sometimes breakthroughs come
in such little increments it feels like watching grass grow, to
Anthony, Shayna and all of the volunteers and staff at SIRE
every second is worth it. And as much as they put into SIRE,
SIRE gives back so much to them.
“SIRE has had an amazing impact on my life,” Shayna said. “I
get to witness miracles every day. I see our clients work so hard
as they face huge challenges. It makes me so thankful for what
I have and that I can help facilitate bringing joy to lives through
horses.”
For more information, visit sire-htec.org.
Photo by Jaana Eleftheriou
Photo by James Pharaon
Photo by Jaana Eleftheriou
Photo by
Jaana
Eleftheriou
SIRE riders and volunteers at home base and at shows, including the Houston
Rodeo’s Top Hands Show February 2014, a special horse show for physically
challenged riders.
