With over 3,500 volunteer hours logged this year, it's clear that the success of the program is not with just management. Nancy Wennberg of Livermore is one of these volunteers and has been working with hippotherapy for 30 years. She helped start what may be one of the first recognized programs at St. Andrews College in North Carolina. This college now offers a four-year degree in therapeutic riding. I've seen miracles.
Any child can benefit in self-esteem from the power of a horse.
But seeing a child speak who hasn't in years is what therapeutic riding is about, said Wennberg, reflecting on her many years of involvement with these programs. Wennberg has been working with hippotherapy patients in Fort Collins for six years. In the last two years, she has seen some of these miracles while working with Lisa Maxwell. Through the motions of a horse, Lisa has gained strength in her legs. She can now stand in a two-point position on a moving horse up to twice around a ring, when walking a few steps can be a challenge.