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Tuesday, August 12 2014 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Making Miracles at SIRE Therapeutic Equestrian Centers

Skyler Lindemann at the CGG Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-a-thon  Photo by Tod Gilpin

Skyler Lindemann at the CGG Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-a-thon
Photo by Tod Gilpin

By Dani Moritz

How do you describe therapeutic riding — what it is, what it does? You could describe it as sensory stimulation that inspires physical and emotional improvements among the mentally and physically disabled. You could say it mimics walking, instills confidence, is a platform for learning — all of which are true, but none of which truly captures precisely what therapeutic riding really is.

Perhaps the best way to describe it is making miracles.

In reality, therapeutic riding is the feeling a mother gets when she hears her 7-year-old daughter laugh for the very first time at the simple sight of a horse sneezing. It’s the tears that rush down a parent’s cheek as her child speaks his first word to the trusty steed beneath him. It’s the smile that overcomes a father’s face when his little boy holds himself up for the very first time and proves to the world that he has what it takes. You could even describe it as a little girl who once struggled through every day, knowing and accepting that it might be her last, but now has something to live for — because each week she battles on in another day atop her favorite horse.

Every day across the country, thousands of volunteers, instructors and, perhaps most importantly, horses, change the lives of people who otherwise have little to look forward to. They give people their first words, their first smile, a way to communicate and the freedom of movement to those otherwise confined to a wheelchair.

At SIRE, in the Houston, Texas area, they’ve been inspiring these miracles since 1974 — each of the aforementioned miracles included.

Emma Schack assisted by PATH International Master Instructor Joelle Devlin Photo by James Pharaon

Emma Schack assisted by PATH International Master Instructor Joelle Devlin
Photo by James Pharaon

It Takes a Village

In 2013 alone, SIRE served 307 clients with 77 different diagnoses with a 98 percent improvement rate. To serve these clients, it takes four PATH Master-certified instructors, 15 additional certified instructors, nine support staff, 27 therapy horses and 550 volunteers.

These numbers include all three of their Houston-area facilities — in Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend — making SIRE one of the largest premier PATH-accredited riding centers in the country. SIRE also happens to be a major training hub for PATH-certified instructors and soon-to-be instructors. At the moment, one gentleman from Korea is studying at SIRE. Tomorrow, one of SIRE’s four master instructors may very well be jet setting off to Japan or Israel to help train others.

With all the excitement, Anthony Busacca, Hockley site director and PATH master-certified instructor, says they couldn’t do it without their volunteers, who contributed more than $700,000 worth of working hours in 2013. “Without the community and their time, we just couldn’t do it,” he said.

Of course, the horses are also instrumental. “I can’t say enough about horses as therapy animals,” said Shayna Bolton, Spring site director. “They’re amazing in so many ways. A horse is nonjudgmental and very forgiving. Their walk is similar to a human gait. Horse riding at a walking gait can generate motor and sensory inputs similar to those produced by human walking and, because of this, it can be very beneficial as a therapy for someone with ambulatory challenges.”

Utilizing their two-legged and four-legged staff, the centers treat clients with a variety of physical and mental disabilities — including, but not limited to, those with autism, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Clients range from children to adults, and even veterans of the Armed Forces. “We have quite a variety of riders — everywhere from 3-year-old children to 80-year-old adults with Alzheimer’s, people with severe physical handicaps and people on the autism spectrum with social problems and behavioral issues,” Anthony said.

SIRE volunteer Karen Hawkins leads Alexys Manske at the CGG Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-a-thon at the 7iL Ranch in Cat Spring, Texas. Photo courtesy of SIRE.

SIRE volunteer Karen Hawkins leads Alexys Manske at the CGG Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-a-thon at the 7iL Ranch in Cat Spring, Texas.
Photo courtesy of SIRE.

Overcoming Challenges

While every day is a blessing at SIRE, it’s also a major undertaking. With so many different types of riders with varying needs, volunteers and staff need to be well educated and prepared to handle difficult situations.

Anthony explains that for people on the autism spectrum, communication is a primary challenge. “For people with autism who have more social, behavioral or cognitive issues, there are challenges in making that connection. They tend to live in a parallel world. They don’t like social interaction. They’re withdrawn. So with the horse being a less threatening creature, it’s easier for them to start making connections with the horse by bonding.”

However, that doesn’t mean making the connection with the horse is easy either. He explained that sometimes students are fearful of the horse and will be placed on the horse while kicking and screaming, at the request of their parents. After a lap or two around the ring, Anthony says that with most clients something clicks and the next time they come to ride they’re eager to get back into the saddle.

With physically disabled clients, Anthony says it’s all about balance and alignment. Often times, clients spend their entire lives in a wheelchair and riding is a unique opportunity for them to feel motion through the footfalls of a horse. This, of course, is an extremely positive undertaking for them, but a major undertaking nonetheless. While riding, these clients use muscle groups they haven’t used before and struggle to achieve balance. However, after spending time on the back of 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.

Ainsley Alley on Max prepares for jousting at the All SIRE Horse Show in May 2014. SIRE board member Reneé Adair is leading Max. Photo by Jaana Eleftheriou

Ainsley Alley on Max prepares for jousting at the All SIRE Horse Show in May 2014. SIRE board member Reneé Adair is leading Max.
Photo by Jaana Eleftheriou

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.”

Emileigh Marsh shows off one of the ribbons won at the All SIRE Horse Show in May 2014.  Photo by Jaana Eleftheriou

Emileigh Marsh shows off one of the ribbons won at the All SIRE Horse Show in May 2014.
Photo by Jaana Eleftheriou

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Tagged under: PATH, sidelines-magazine, SIRE, Therapeutic Riding

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Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

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A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
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