For Emily, healing and growth through horseback riding help bring a smile to life’s challenges.
Therapeutic riding plays an impactful role for all who ride in the Challenge Unlimited program at Ironstone Farm. While clients experience the benefits of therapeutic riding firsthand, many parents, caretakers, and friends observe the positive impact the program has on their loved ones both on and off the farm.
One such rider is Emily, who began therapeutic riding this year through our Sponsor a Child program. Emily’s mother commented on how the program has helped her daughter’s mental health. “When we pull into the farm, it’s a whole other Emily. No matter what her feelings are [that day], she leaves here happier and more confident,” she says.
Therapeutic riding has not only increased Emily’s self-confidence. It has also helped her find inner strength. “The way an animal can impact someone’s mental health is huge,” her mother says.
“When we pull into the farm, it’s a whole other Emily. No matter what her feelings are [that day], she leaves here happier and more confident.”
During her lessons, Emily works hard but plays hard too. New challenges are taken on in an environment that is fun and exciting, often presented as games or activities. There may be a different horse each week, but with each horse comes a different personality. Every horse presents a different life experience and its own story to share, teaching life lessons about perspective.
“I am so appreciative of the people who are able to donate, and those who make time to ask people to donate to this program. I know how impactful it can be,” Emily’s mother says about Sponsor a Child. Our community is so grateful to all who have donated to the Sponsor a Child program at Ironstone Farm.