Pat Brown leads Luke, riding Penny, while Deb Brya and Rick Meeker keep an eye on the rider
Locally, there’s a collective interest between Tootsie Rolls, horses and handicapped children that seems to avoid recognition, but instills confidence and self worth, warming the spirit in a manner much like the comfort stemming from a taste of the chewy chocolate that fosters the unity.
The candy is tied to the Knights of Columbus organization; the horses belong to area owners; the children are intermediate school district students who – under the caring attention of dedicated volunteers – ride the horses. The equation produces enjoyment, personal balance improvement and a great measure of physical therapy to combat sensory challenges. The collection is known as Clinton County 4-H Horseback Riding for Health Program and it’s been around since 1983.
Currently, it’s a three times a year, three week schedule of three days each week where handicappers are saddled up and led through a series of activities that range from simply walking the horse, to negotiating a small maze, to completing a stretch to drop a baton, ball or bean bag in a pail and return. While the riders delight in such contests, a hidden benefit unfolds. It’s called “hippotherapy.” Literally, “treatment with the help of a horse.”
As the horse walks, center of gravity is displaced three-dimensionally – back/forth, up/down, side to side – resulting in a therapeutic effect on the rider through the repetitive pattern of movement. Additionally, there is a positive interaction between the rider and the horse as the rider experiences warmth and acceptance from the horse and in turn expresses love and care.
Donna Apostol, a physical therapist, has been with the program since its inception in 1983 under the aegis of then Clinton County 4-H agent, Theresa Silm. The two were instrumental in initiating what has become a well scheduled and effective activity. Age of participants range from 4 to 26 and three-week sessions are conducted in April, August and October.
Donna Apostol, left, and Kathy Grew are key members of the staff conducting the horseback program for handicappers.
During the year long three session schedule nearly 30 students are involved, attended to by roster of 35 volunteers. Each rider is accompanied by three volunteers; one leading the horse and one walking on either side while attentive to the rider. Riders are contacted two weeks in advance of the first session and are selected on a first come, first served basis.
“The children love it,” explained Apostol. “We really don’t have to worry about horses without riders!”
Both riders and volunteers come from across Clinton County and are aligned with the program through connections with 4-H and Clinton County Intermediate School System (RESA). Many of the volunteers are horse owners and bring their charges to each session.
While Apostol serves as coordinator of the program, active sessions are conducted by professional trainer, Kathy Glew who not only works with the local 4-H organization, but with Beekman Center as well. She is a member of PATH, an acronym for Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. In addition to the local program, she conducts workshops for riding instructors.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t tied the Tootsie Roll to the routine, herein lays the relationship. Each year the Knights of Columbus conduct a sale (you’ve missed it?) of the candy in partial funding for support of programs benefiting handicapped children. Local KofC chapters – St. Johns, Fowler, DeWitt, Pewamo and Westphalia – have united to provide substantial funding to the Horseback Riding for Health program.
“We are extremely grateful to the Knights of Columbus,” commented Apostol. “Their ongoing support and response to special requests are vital to our schedule. Another organization, St. Johns Lions Club, has also been very helpful when out of the ordinary expenses occur. We are most appreciative.”
That appreciation extends beyond to many who make periodic donations of funds, horses and equipment and countless hours of personal time.
The next scheduled series of rides is set to begin June 11. For more information interested persons may contact Donna Apostol, 989 224 8010 or apomead@frontier.com or Kathy Glew, 989 224 2394, handsonharmonykg@yahoo.com.
A snack in the grass is enjoyed by riders and volunteers prior to graduation from the spring session of the 4-H Therapeutic Horseback Riding program.