GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT.

Special Equestrian Riding Therapy

Special Equestrian Riding Therapy in Moorpark, California provides therapeutic horseback riding to physically and developmentally challenged individuals, fostering emotional and physical growth. For more information visit sert.org or contact Connie Gilly at SERTinfo@aol.com.

As Program Director at Special Equestrian Riding Therapy (SERT), Connie Gilly sees special bonds develop between children and their horses. The program’s 10 horses carefully protect their precious cargo while the young riders learn to perform tasks and control their bodies.

The students, who are physically and developmentally disabled, learn skills in the riding lessons that help them succeed in daily life. But success can be small and gradual.

SERT helped Ben*, who began the program at age 10, to change his behavior and improve interactions with people.

Ben’s autism prevented him from having regular relationships. He would spit and hit others. During the evaluation to determine if he was an appropriate candidate for equestrian therapy, Ben kicked, squirmed and tried to get off the horse. SERT instructors wondered if Ben could handle the program.

 “This is our last hope,” Ben’s mother told SERT instructors.

So SERT instructors ignored Ben’s disruptive behavior as they walked alongside his horse, offering him a break from the constant reprimands he received in daily life. Eventually, Ben stopped spitting. For his reward, Ben chose a walk through the barn.

“We let riders express what they want to do, to have a decision-making opportunity,” Gilly said. “That’s not something they’re always given. Everything’s decided for them.”

Now Ben greets his instructors with a hug. When he arrives at SERT’s stable, he knows his job is to take care of his horse. Ben feels he is not there to help himself; he is there to help guide his horse through the day’s tasks.

At lessons, students learn to direct their horses over poles on the ground, weave through cones and play an equine version of basketball. The students work on muscle strength, hand-eye coordination and staying focused.

As a result, students gain confidence and patience while learning the importance of teamwork. On “Leave An Impression Day” students were invited to place a painted handprint on the stall door of their favorite horse. One little girl left a colorful handprint on every stall, not wanting any horse to be left out.

Likewise, SERT strives to put its own handprint on every child and allow each and every one the opportunity to flourish.

* Names of individuals participating in the program have been changed.