The Horse: A Vehicle of Miracles
The
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association is dedicated to improving
the lives of others.
By Wendy
Bird
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| Nine
months a year, six days a week, three classes per day, the Marion
Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) makes a difference every
minute in the lives of many physically, mentally, and emotionally
challenged people. From the young age of 4 to the eldest client
at 78, each participant faces a different set of unique challenges.
Therefore, MTRA uses an “adaptive equestrian experience”
model which enables them to provide a full range of equine associated
therapy programs including, riding therapy, carriage driving
and trail courses, equine assisted psychotherapy, Special Olympics
and much more. Lessons are a combination of riding or driving
with ground time to strengthen the bond between the horse and
participant. This relationship increases confidence, patience,
self esteem, independence and acceptance. MTRA has ten horses
they use on a continual basis, and others that come in to help
out. MTRA treats these animals with the utmost respect and care
because they serve as the vehicle that delivers countless miracles
every day! |
Hillcrest School for the exceptional student
uses riding as a part of their cirriculum. Here, a rider works
on how to hold the reins correctly and how to use them to steer
the horse. |
One
life that will be forever changed is that of Henry Boersma.
Eleven years ago, a stroke left Henry paralyzed on his left
side and without the self-confidence he once possessed. At a
meeting of the Local Stroke Club, he learned about MTRA, and
without any equine experience, decided to give it a try. “The
first time I was on a horse, I was really sore the next day!
Now I ride once a week, and volunteer 5 days a week. I feed
the horses, clean their hooves, and even help clean the fields
and carry manure! I go home tired, but it feels good. This is
such a good program. This program really helps people who can’t
do other things.” Henry has competed at the National United
Professional Horseman Association competition in Kansas City
and won the Exceptional Challenge Cup and third overall!! At
the age of 64, Henry has not only regained his self-confidence,
but also his physical strength through equine activities and
the support of the MTRA and its volunteers!
Equine Assisted Therapy |
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Equine therapy is using the gentle, rhythmic movements of the
horse to help the clients’ body move in a manner similar
to our natural gait. Students with disabilities show improvements
in flexibility, balance, posture, and muscle strength. This
therapy has also been proven to affect physiological, cognitive,
behavioral, and communication functions. As a result, the Hillcrest
School for the Exceptional Student joined forces with MTRA in
1985 and use riding as a part of their curriculum. MTRA is accredited
by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
and is a premier teaching facility. Here students can earn certificates
and degrees in a wide range of equine assisted therapy courses
and workshops. Programs are taught by MTRA staff and Central
Florida Community College. |
Volunteers serve as walkers on each side
to ensure the safety of the rider. They come from all walks
of life, some are retired doctors, lawyers, bankers, and others
are still in school. They all share the same ambition, to help
the riders of MTRA and brighten their days at the farm through
an equine experience. |
More to Offer
This year MTRA is starting a summer workshop series beginning
in June for anyone interested. This is their opportunity to
give back to the community and teach children and adults basic
horsemanship skills through a one week period. The series will
be broken into beginning and intermediate classes and will cover
nutrition, saddlefitting, general horsemanship, and riding.
There will also be opportunities for teen mentors to gain volunteer
hours and celebrate the feeling of community by giving back.
Another program MTRA is introducing this year is an Assisted
Living Program. This program is in conjunction with the Residents
of Hampton Manor, an Assisted Living Home in Ocala, FL. Five
residents will work and ride on the first and third Mondays
through April and May 2008. They will learn how to brush, ride,
and incorporate exercise into their experience. Currently the
average age is 98 and the waiting list is full!
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Facilities
MTRA is a not for profit 501(c)3 organization and operates
on seven acres at the Hillcrest School. They currently see
more than 100 clients from 5 different counties with the support
of over 200 volunteers. In late 2007, MTRA received a donation
of 30 acres form the Florida Greenway and a substantial Marion
County Development Grant to build a fully covered arena featuring
everything under one roof. The Ocala City Council also approved
to lease 5 acres of land with a barn and house for a nominal
fee which will provide for onsite caretaking. This new facility
will help MTRA to meet its goal of doubling the amount of
clients it can serve while reducing the amount of people on
the waiting list.
How to Help
This is not where the story ends. MTRA is continuously fundraising
and accepting corporate sponsors, private donations, volunteers,
and in kind |
Henry Boersma mounts Silva, a Paso Fino
to begin his lesson for the day. Henry rides once a week and
volunteers 5 days a week feeding the horses, cleaning their
hooves, and doing many more chores at the farm.
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donations
to keep the facilities up and increase classes and services
offered. Earleen Kenyon, |
Executive Director, stated, “A great example is Seminole
Feed. They provide us not only with feed, but with leadership
and their expertise in Equine nutrition, business management
and sales. Without their generosity, MTRA could not function.
As a matter of fact, I would like to extend an invitation
to any corporation in our community to match the support of
the Seminole Team!” If you would like to support MTRA
you may contact the office at 352-624-4240 or visit the website
at www.mtraocala.org.
You can help by giving donations, sponsoring a horse or rider,
or even by volunteering. |
Using
the horses to play games stimulates all riders not only physically,
but mentally as well. Learning to use cues to make the horse
walk and stop, and using them on command was the topic of
this lesson. |
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Wendy
Bird is a graduate of the University of Florida with
degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Education.
She currently serves as an Equine Nutrition Consultant
for Seminole Feeds. Wendy has owned horses for the last
16 years and enjoys the tranquility of trail riding.
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