Syd's Paraquest With "Wyburn" the Equicizer

Blog post by Sydney Collier August 10th, 2013 Sydsparaquest.com

Sydney Collier

It has been the most amazing year so far and Wyburn and I have been keeping ourselves super busy training daily and showing almost every weekend this season! In April we relocated to Millbrook NY to train with Wes Dunham at his farm called Woodstock Stables.  

 My mom’s minivan became a horse trailer and Wyburn and I traveled in style J My Mom said Wyburn was the best horse she has ever trailered and she would be happy to take him anywhere hehehehe!  Wyburn settled in nicely at the new barn and everybody loves him-horses and riders alike.  

Sydney & Wyburn her Equicizer

 Every day I ride Wyburn at least 30 minutes before my lesson, and let me tell you the improvements in my hip flexors, balance, and overall flexibility is mind blowing.  I am able to warm up all my body parts at my pace, and then when I climb on Wentworth (my horse) for my lesson we can get right on to the learning!  How can I tell things are looser you might wonder-well for me the biggest thing I notice is that when I get on Wyburn I often need help to swing my leg over his back, and when I am warmed up I can do this movement without any help-something I LOVE!!!   

 

Sydney, Journey, and Wyburn

Before I had my Equicizer I had to spend at least the first 15 minutes of each lesson focused on getting my body loosened up and listening, before we could even begin to think about warming up my horse.  This took up a huge part of our lesson time, and was frustrating to everyone - because we were all mentally ready to get to work.   Now I am ready to go as soon as I mount up!    After I ride I spend between 1 and ½ to 2 hours on Wyburn something Wentworth would like to personally send a big horsey kiss to Frankie for inventing the Equicizer!  

 I have a lot of work to do to be at my peak performance in dressage, and it isn’t fair to expect Wentworth to continue working when he has been a good boy!  That’s when Wyburn steps in and he will keep working as long as I keep moving J The other huge thing Wyburn has helped me with is straightening out my seat.  My trainer, Wes Dunham, and I can pinpoint when the problem begins and with a mirror I can focus on correcting what my silly brain keeps telling me is straight.    

By moving, watching and reacting like I would on a real horse, I have been able to recreate these corrections on my own horse and improve my riding skills incredibly.   Cardio wise I am able to withstand much more activity on and off the horse, and recently I have been working with a fitness trainer to incorporate Wyburn into my daily exercise regime.   Wyburn, Wentworth, and I are working hard to reach for our dreams, and help change people’s perception of disabilities! Every day I remind myself RIDE STRONG and enjoy every day :) 

About Sydney - At a young age, Sydney was diagnosed with a rare condition called Wyburn-Mason Syndrome. At age 11 during treatments, Sydney suffered a stroke that has left her partially blind along with limited use or control with the left side of her body. Still, the you amazing girl continues to inspire everyone that surrounds her and goes above and beyond to help other children with disabilities to reach for their dreams. Sydney is training to qualify to compete as a para-equestrian in the 2014 World Equestrian Games and represent the USA in the in the 2016 Paralympics. To learn more, visit Syd's amazing website at: Sydsparaquest.com

 

The Equicizer is a proud sponsor of Sydney Collier, to learn more about the Equicizer and the creator, visit Equicizer.com or call 419-663-1472 or email info@equicizer.com for more information. 

Joan Twining Elected Region 2 NARHA Instructor Of The Year

Instructor of the Year in Six-State Region Goes To Joan Twining!

Glen Arm, Maryland – (September 30, 2009) Rose of Sharon Equestrian School’s Board of Directors announced today that lead instructor, Joan Marie Twining, has been named Instructor of the Year for Region 2 by NARHA. NARHA (formerly known as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) is the certifying organization that sets standards for therapeutic riding centers in the US and abroad. NARHA Region 2 includes: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.

“It’s an honor to have Joan recognized in this way,” said board member Stephanie Hayes. “Her efforts on behalf of the school have been extraordinary, and the results she achieves with her students are remarkable.” Hayes continued, “When people come to ROSES, they feel as though they have found a home. Much of that has to do with Joan.”

Joan seen here with her Equicizer, Black Beauty in her class room inside the barn that's fully designed to accommodate those with disabilities

ROSES is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization, founded in 1998, for the sole purpose of providing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to develop basic horsemanship and stable management skills in an authentic and supportive environment. The school is situated on 12 pastoral acres 20 miles northeast of Baltimore.

Joan will be receiving her award at the 2009 NARHA National Conference, Nov. 18-21 in Fort Worth, Texas. According to NARHA, the annual awards banquet is “designed to celebrate the innovation, diligence, and the sometimes miraculous accomplishments that occur in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy industry.”

NARHA was founded in 1969 and continues to be an authority, resource, and advocate for Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies at approximately 800 member centers throughout the world. The association ensures its standards are met through an accreditation process for centers and a certification process for instructors. More information about NARHA can be found at www.NARHA.org

Information about ROSES can be obtained by visiting www.RoseOfSharonSchool.org

Contact:
Karen Buchanan, Manager
roses@iximd.com
(410) 592-2562

Equipony In Children's Rehabilitation Center

Ride 'em Cowboy! Mechanical pony provides therapeutic option for children
By CORY FROLIK Sandusky Register, Ohio Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Register photo/ABBY VERBOSKY Frank Lovato Jr., creator of the Equiponies, helps Benjamin Jarabek, 4, with his reindeer antlers as Jarabek tries out the new Equipony at Fisher-Titus Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday afternoon.

Say “mechanical pony,” and what comes to mind are those coin-operated children’s rides outside grocery stores. Peaches is not that type of pony.

Peaches does not accept quarters and is no toy. Instead, Peaches is a serious therapy tool that will help Fisher-Titus Medical Center staff develop better motor skills in young children while improving the children’s strength, balance and flexibility.

It must also be said that Peaches is awfully cute.

Within moments of laying eyes on the hand-crafted pony, Nicole Campbell, 2, was petting its snout and stroking its synthetic hair.

Nicole’s grin widened to a huge smile when she was placed on Peaches’ back and began rocking back and forth. Her mother, Linda Weilnau, could tell this was the beginning of a long relationship.

Nicole didn’t know it, but she was receiving treatment while riding Peaches.

“It strengthens their core — their stomach, their back, their abdomen. You have to have a strong core to be able to really do most of the activities of daily living: To be able to walk well, to be able to balance, to be able to write, even,” said Joyce Hill, Fisher-Titus’ director of rehabilitation.

Nicole has a slight case of cerebral palsy. For a long time, she didn’t use her left hand at all. But thanks to working with pediatric therapy staff, her left hand gets almost as much use as her right.

“It’s an amazing difference. ... There was a time when she couldn’t have even sat up (on the pony),” Weilnau said.

The hope is Peaches will help children like Nicole progress developmentally.

The staff of the Fisher Titus Rehabilitation Pediatric Department Norwalk Ohio

Like the other items at Fisher-Titus’ pediatric therapy department — the swings, the zip line and ball pit — Peaches was purchased for its therapeutic benefits.

Peaches will help many of the department’s clientele, who include children with autism, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or other neurological issues.

The pony was trotted out Tuesday during the pediatric therapy department’s annual Christmas party. The $2,000 therapy pony was purchased using money raised earlier this year by plastic surgeon Teresa Ghazoul. The investment was an instant hit with the children.

Hill said the rehabilitation department discovered Equiponies by accident.

Equiponies is the name for the devices designed for children. The adult-sized devices — used by professional jockeys and Tobey Maguire for the filming of “Seabiscuit” — are called Equicizers. They are all made by one man.

“About a year ago, we were looking for a different means of therapy — a different way to treat children — and that’s when we learned about the Equicizer. Then we learned the Equicizer is made right here in Norwalk by Frankie Lovato,” Hill said.

Frank Lovato Jr. moved to Norwalk about two years ago after a 25-year career as a jockey, mainly in New York.

He built his first spring-loaded training device 20 years ago to help with his rehabilitation after he was seriously injured. It occurred to him there could be a serious market for his invention.

He retired from horse racing with the intent of going into business selling his hand-crafted mechanical horses. He owns and operates the Wooden Horse Corp.

He estimates he’s built about 800 Equicizers and Equiponies. The devices received national attention when they were used to film much of the movie “Seabiscuit.”

Eighteen of the last 20 winners of the Kentucky Derby have an Equicizer in their home, Lovato said.

Riding Equiponies helps children build and strengthen crucial muscles. But the devices are attractive to hospitals and pediatric departments for another reason.

Children can connect with Equiponies in ways they cannot with most other training equipment. A treadmill, after all, has no personality, Lovato said.
For more information;
Email; Equicizer@aol.com
Or visit www.equicizer.com

Happy Equicizer Customer!

Hi Sandy & Frankie,

He made it! Thank you very much! My Equicizer Moonstone is wonderful! Absolutely beautiful; the face & mane are perfect! I am most impressed by how great it feels riding him....it's even better than I imagined it would be! Even bareback he feels great!
The form, solid horse presence and motion you have achieved in the Equicizer design is remarkable. When I first starting researching riding simulators, I found several models that ranged from bizarre-looking stools to motorcycle seat/saddle on a post. These simulators have totally missed the boat...I'm not sure what they simulate but I doubt it is riding. I am so glad I didn't pursue one of those as it wouldn't have been at all what I wanted! I've set Moonstone up in my artroom/office away from my other pets (2 cats & dog) who are most curious. Well, the cats are; the dog (toy-size) took one look and ran!

Thanks again for your exceptional customer care and, for creating this wonderful horse; I'll treasure him forever!!

Gratefully yours,
Shannon

Hi Sandy!!
I had wonderful ride last night....poor Little LucyJane (Chinese Crested) still doesn't know what to make of Moonstone (she's still covered up in her little bed). I had an excellent ride and love a gentle canter. I told my husband that I thought I could almost feel breath movement beneath my lower leg....he thought I was completely nuts! Anyway, amazing creation Frankie! I'm definitely a believer! Yes, share, there are lots of people who would love an Equicizer and knowing how customers really feel about them is important. I am a huge fan!! Both of the Equicizer & company!

Best wishes!
Shannon

Testimonials about the Equicizer

Testimonials about the Equicizer

Hi Frankie and all at the wonderful home of the Equicizer!

Wonderful news.......I rode my flesh and blood horse!!!!!!!!!!!! After four years out of the saddle I rode again on 20th December 2006 and had no physical problems afterwards.

I can't begin to tell you what a thrill it was Frankie. And it's all thanks to you and my Equicizer 2005 'Mate'. I couldn't have done it without him, I know that for certain.

It's been a tough year for me one way or another and it took me longer than it should have, because I didn't get to ride Mate as often as I would have liked. And when I did, I sometimes had to push through some fatigue and pain, but I can tell you that it was worth every minute of it. The feeling I had to be sitting on my real horse again, even cantering and trotting around was exhilarating to the extreme. I am full of hope again, and am even writing out some entries to show again in March 2007!

I've attached some photos for you of me riding Scud, a sixteen and a half hands Quarter Horse gelding and the love of my life (after Mate that is!). One photo is of a good friend Kym, who was crying because she was so overjoyed to see me riding again.
God bless you Frankie. Keep on doing what you are doing, you are a very special person and I owe you so very much.
Have a blessed and happy Christmas and know that I will be grateful to you forever. You have changed my life for the better and made me so happy!

Love
Beverley (Manners) and 'Mate'.

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Hi Sandy,I can't thank you enough for all your kindness,understanding, and help. If there is anything at all I can do to help,please, let me know. On a personal note, I want to thank you and your husband for the wonderful gift you have given special needs children and adults. I have seen the miraculous benefits of hippotherapy.Without your husband's wonderful creation it would only be available to people in such limited areas.Best regards,Georgeanna

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Hi Sandy and Frank,

Well, we used "Abilene" (our Equicizer) for the first time today with a new therapeutic riding client. What an amazing piece of equipment! Our physical therapist was extremely impressed with what the possibilities might be by incorporating an Equicizer in our therapy programs. We are also talking with the Rehab Department at the local hospital to see if they might want to utilize "Abilene" in their programs. This is a very exciting opportunity for our Center. I thank you for your creativity and kindness.

Lynne
The Medicine Horse CenterEquine Assisted Therapies
P.O. 1074
Mancos, CO 81328

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Frankie and Sandy - "Trot Bot" (then name I have given my Equicizer) is unpacked and ready for riding - he is absolutely beautiful. I'm in love! Honestly, it was really an emotional reaction seeing him all unpacked and real. Everything is so perfectly done - the way he was packed, the mane and tail, the saddle - it's an incredible experience to really have this work of art in my home. You can tell how much love and dedication went into making this horse. I will treasure this equicizer truly....and plan to take my first ride tomorrow. For now, I just want to look at him and take it all in....thank you for this gift.

Deborah E.

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It is already one week that Franco trains with his Equicizer he named "Frankie" and the results are incredible! He is very very happy also if for now he can ride 2-3 minutes continuosly: it is really very hard the first times...but he feels it can help him very much! We already had one contact and meny people here in Siena already know that Franco has bought it...so hopefully we will have some good news for you soon....Franco is using Eq. both with and without saddle. Without saddle it is much more difficult, but he says that the work with saddle is more complementary to the work he does with true horses...In a few days I will write you agein to tell you his progress....Thak you for now!! Bye Bye
Barbara & Franco

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My Equicizer "Willow" arrived today in perfect condition and we were able to assemble herwithout any problems. She is beautiful and we love her! She is magnificent!I am so thrilled! Thank you Thank you! Are there any other Equicizers in themidwest? We're hoping to be the only one in the area!!!! Susan K.

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Kristy from Sumerset Texas

I ride English and Western Pleasure. I purchased the Equicizer for therapy for my Rheumatoid Arthritis and also have a class for kids to learn proper horsemanship. My Equicizer has exceeded my expectations and enabled me to "ride" when Being outside on a real horse was just not practical. Even though the Equicizer does not have the up and down "trot" motion, I have found my Equicizer a great help in conditioning my students posting with no saddle. I have also incorporated my Equicizer in some pilate's exercises. I can do sit ups and core training while I am still doing riding exercises. The feel and motion is the closest thing to being on a live horse without being on a live horse. To Anyone that is interested in purchasing an Equicizer/Equipony. I have to say, riding is believing. You really have to try it to believe how well it works. People watch my class and are a little skeptical, I tell them to get on. That is all it takes. It is a work out in a half!

Frankie and Sandy, Yall have become just like family.....you have gone above an beyond the customer service experience.....I thank you both!

Kristy

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Hi Sandy and Frankie!
Things are going pretty well around here. My Equicizer "Noah" had a great first day here. I offered everyone a free session on that Saturday and each one enjoyed the experience.

Mary, my adult hemiplegic patient. Has a left arm that we have been working on with Joey, my paint horse. He imparts a gentle rotation motion to the patient as he moves, which relaxes the tone in her arm and allows it to stretch all the way down (otherwise it can be as far up as her other armpit!). She was skeptical at first and even made some comment about where to put the quarter! She was a great one for feedback, though....being a longtime patient of mine and a nurse to boot! We found that if we put her "sidesaddle" without any saddle on the horse, we could pretty fairly simulate the motion she gets from Joey! At the end of the session, we tried the saddle and her arm is still in a pretty good position!

Jessie, is my "real cowboy". His father thought that he would not be interested in riding Noah...only the real horses...but he came anyway out of curiosity! Well, it turned out that Jessie really had a ball...the best thing was he could practice his roping! Trying to move the horse, and hold the reins and the rope proved to be quite the challenge! After a few attempts in which Jessie roped himself...he did manage to rope the stool...at which time I told him to freeze and I took his picture! WHAT A THRILL! Jessie has pretty significant cognitive and physical limitations...I've tried to rope things myself...and this is no small feat!

I also use Noah for a 2 1/2 yr. old boy with Cerebral Palsy. He is so tight and spastic that the real horses are too hard to straddle. We backride with him on Noah and have managed to get him straddling. He also was way out of his comfort zone up in the air on the real horse and cried and cried through his first session on CC. He cried through his first session on Noah too...but now is happily settled into his Saturday morning "rides" and doing great!

We worked with another patient, Lily and had a wonderful session. She actually did more independent sitting on Noah than she does on CC, my Morgan mare. Being able to backride and support only at the pelvis or even at the thighs made a big difference in the challenges we put to her trunk control. Often times on the real horse we, as sidewalkers are supporting her back, and then sometimes from the front...having to watch the head and neck control and this can be quite difficult from the ground!
Hope all is well with you...keep us in your prayers!

Cathy & "Noah" the Equicizer

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Frankie! This morning was day number seven back at Thistledown, and I've been getting on five horses every morning! Now, last year I could only handle 2-3 and would end up totally exhausted and sore (legs were like jello)! So, after being off since last November, I was imaginging that I was going to be in some very sad shape when I started back...Well, thanks to your Equicizer, five horses every morning is nothing! The only things that got a bit sore were my arms, but only for the first two days. (Two of the big horses pull really hard!) "Morpheus", my Equicizer and I put a lot of miles on together for a few weeks and it really paid off when March 19th (1st day back) rolled around- so I want to thank you, because I know I would have been in big trouble without you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You saved my butt! (and legs, and back, etc...!) Hope all is well with you and Sandy! Take care - Amanda

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Sandy,
You're right… she was alot easier to get inside the house after we removed her from the box. And what a joy to ride! I got jealous because hubby rode her first while I was at work! She was prettier than I expected, and the gentle motion she makes is perfect for an old gal like me. This is the kind of exercise that a person looks forward to and has a lot of fun doing… instead of having to discipline yourself to go to the gym. I am going to buy her a brand new saddle (just for her!). What a sight she makes… she is in the corner of my living room, stalled right in front of my tv set.
Frankie did a truly exquisite job… he possesses exceptional creativity and talent. I will keep her forever, and will not sell her to anyone. Please give Frankie a special thanks from me… he is a truly gifted artist!
Thanks also for the bumper stickers and key chain… I will put these to good use. How did you like the Derby? I picked the winner… wow, when he was in 19th position out of the bunch of 20… For a while there I thought he was out of the running.
Again, many thanks to the both of you. If you would like to use my name as a reference to promote the Equicizer, go right ahead!
Cadel

If you love horses, therapeutic riding- you have to see this

I stumbled on this website www.equicizer.com when trying to find a solution for a little girl trying to learn how to post on a horse. She has some special needs and the therapeutic riding center where I volunteer has a waiting list of over 2 years and she can't get more than 30 minutes to ride per week. I found the Equicizer about a year ago and just recently- that center got their first Equicizer... so now 2 out of 3 of the non profits I'm involved with own one! I have cried more times from equicizer moments in the last 6 months than in the last 6 years and when something moves you that much- you better freakin share it with the world!

Here's one of the 1,723,234 stories and reasons why I think every non-profit, therapeutic riding, equine assisted therapy, racetrack, equestrian center, training center, exercise center and any real horse freak needs to own an equicizer. And by the way- I don't work for them and I'm not some car salesman! Just a girl who believes in the power of horses and finally there is a way to overcome fear, weather and cost for those who can't afford a living horse. While there is no replacing a living animal from an emotional connection standpoint, I had no idea there was a way to replace the physical benefits and believe me, just feeling the motion brings up an emotional memory of riding a living horse. At the Equine Affaire in Ohio I saw a woman just start crying the minute she felt the motion because she hadn't ridden due to a leg in jury in years. Anyway, I have a grant proposal that helped me get funding for an equicizer. Anyone interested can email me at equichick@gmail.com

Ok- get a tissue - this testimonial below is worth the long read. http://www.equicizer.com/

Thoughts and Testimonial about the Equicizer
Amy Austin, therapeutic riding instructor at Chastain Horse Park in Atlanta.

I'm the head therapeutic instructor at Chastain Horse Park in Atlanta. I've been here 7 years now and work with many individuals with disabilities, physical and mental. I also work with many adult riders which is particularly rewarding. I find that there is a misconception out there among adults that therapeutic riding is just for children, and that is just not so! I have many adults who enjoy riding for exercise, therapy and just plain fun.

I have had quite a lot of experience with autistic children and adults here, both boys and girls. And yes, the horses are GREAT for them! I've worked with those that are 'profoundly' autistic, and those that have Aspersers’ syndrome, and other more mild forms. I've had the best luck with those that are doing other therapies at home and in other therapeutic settings. Those children whose parents are overwhelmed and under funded usually do the worst, though the parents all tell me that the riding has been the best for their child.

Riding a horse is very 'organizing' for the brain, especially where the senses are concerned. Riders who struggle to take in all sensory data and make sense of it often have an easier time on the horse. The movement is so gentle and relaxing that most enjoy it, once you get past the initial fear they may have. Also, riding offers different sensory input than they are used to. Trotting especially offers that deep sensory input from the bounce, bounce rhythm. Most don't want to learn to post because they don't get that kind of sensory input in their usual life! We've had riders speak their first words after a riding session, so we know it is definitely doing something! We've also seen riders go from simply parroting what you say to actually talking and interacting with you.

For those with Asperger's, horses offer a good social setting for them to learn how to behave with a peer group. Plus, a horse won't do what you want unless you 'ask' properly! We usually have these riders group up and talk about the lesson at the end, who did something well, whose horse did well, etc.... that way they build those social skills.

All in all, riding has been a positive thing for all the clients I've been around. Some parents have been so impressed, they've actually bought horses for their children to have access to every day. Pretty amazing huh? We just received our Equicizer, and I am amazed at what we are able to do with it!! I work closely with an OT that sees adult as well as pediatric clients for hippotherapy and with her, we have developed some exercises for a few adults that have MS. She has also used it with some of her children, especially on those cold days when it is really hard for the kids to stay warm. At least she can be in the barn. I'd really love to have the pony version to keep in our clubhouse for days like that! I'm hoping that one day we can have a place at the stables that we can use that is climate controlled to put this guy in.

Anyway, the ladies that have MS are the first individuals I have worked with on the Equicizer (we have to come up with a name for him! I call him Elvis, but we are going to have a contest, so hopefully he will soon have an official name). One lady in particular, I wasn't sure we could even get on a horse. She is in a motorized wheelchair and has to be physically transferred out of the chair onto a horse. We were able to get her on for a very short period of time before she was exhausted. She couldn't sit up without pushing up on the surcingle handle, and even that was hard. Forget letting go with even one hand to do any kind of stretching, etc.

She kept coming back and we kept trying, but it was very hard for her. When her horse went on vacation, I wasn't sure who I could safely put her on, so I decided to use Elvis as an evaluator of her ability to maintain on a mount with much more movement than she was used to. We found out quickly that another horse we had in mind would not work at all. So, while her mount was gone, she worked on Elvis. It was amazing. She made small amounts of progress for a month on a horse, but on Elvis, she made progress by leaps and bounds. Coming twice a week for 'workouts' she can now 'ride' Elvis for about 40 minutes. She can make him move on her own for up to 10 minutes with her hands on her thighs, sitting completely independently. She is able to do all kinds of stretching exercises while Elvis is still, and is doing really great with maintaining her balance and posture while a volunteer moves Elvis for her. She even does 'horsey push ups' by placing her hands, fingers facing in, on Elvis's 'withers.' She can now do 20-30 of these. She has come this far in only one month. I have been completely floored by her progress. I always expect the best, but sometimes you just don't know how far that can go. Well, all that has changed. I never expected this kind of progress in so short a period of time. People always ask me how long it will be before they see progress or changes due to riding. I always tell them that it depends on the individual, the disability, etc.... and what else is going on in thier personal life. I would have said it would take much longer to get where we are now with this lady. I asked her once if she was doing so well because she was having a really 'good' day or if she thought the riding was really helping. She was emphatic and said she directly attributes her improvement with the work she has done at Chastain.

She hasn't been back on her usual mount because the weather here in Atlanta has been very bad, especially on Thursdays when she is supposed to ride, but I think she is really excited about her work on Elvis. She has a wonderful attitude and was like that to start, but she is even better now, I think. We are all excited to see how she does back on a real horse this week. We expect her work on Elvis to carry over. She wants to continue to work out on Elvis once a week and ride a horse the other day.

There are some other individuals out there that are going to come out for an evaluation as to whether or not they will be able to ride, but with the Equicizer, I now have another option for them instead of just telling them that riding just wouldn't be safe for them. I also do consults with Shepherd Spinal center for clients who are returning to horses post injury. Some of them haven't been cleared for riding, so all I can do is go over things on the ground they need to do and tell them what to watch for when they ride again. Now, we will be able to work out mounting strategies and riding strategies for these people on the Equicizer.

Another instructor here has had success with a couple of children that come once a week to Chastian with their school for horse experiences. One in particular has never been on a horse. He just refuses to even try. Well, we left Elvis out next to the ramp so that the kids would get a chance to see him on the way in the barn.
This one child got on and sat on Elvis for a few minutes and has done so each week. Who knows? We may get him on a horse yet!

Well, there are a few success stories. I know there will be many more to come. We are just so excited to have this guy!! It has really changed how I consider clients for riding here as I have more options now. I'm also excited about working with the OT and developing more exercises and routines we can use. I'd love to hear about any that you use! I need more ideas than I can come up with!"

I am involved with 3 non profit organizations for people with special needs and they all involve horses, equine assisted activities and therapeutic riding. Ok- so I'm a horse freak. But I am just as big of a "help others" freak and I've decided that I have to win the megabucks lottery so I can buy everyone an Equicizer. Please write your ideas and comments!

Chris Harvey- Clayton, CA