New participants are evaluated by a therapist before starting the sessions. Susan Dees, the program director, is certified through the North American Riding for Handicapped Instruction Association. Howarth, who formerly worked at a therapeutic-riding center in California, described an autistic child she worked with who rarely smiled. But after one particularly good riding session, she smiled and gave her horse a hug bringing tears to her parents eyes. It s one of the typical breakthroughs that can be made, whether it s a physical breakthrough or an emotional breakthrough.
Volunteers can serve in a variety of ways.
The center needs side-walkers and leaders for the horses, stable managers, fundraisers, transporters, horse exercisers, and others. 24000 County Road L, Cortez. The center is offering sessions on Saturdays for five weeks beginning May 5. Some scholarships are available for riders. Copyright 2001 the Cortez Journal.