Abel’s Story of Strength: Rider of the Month

Aug 1, 2025

Meet Abel

a young child smiles with his hands up while riding on the back of a horse during a hippotherapy session.Abel was born at just 22 weeks old and spent 207 days in the NICU. He has faced a number of medical diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, BPD, chronic lung disease, thyroid issues, and severe prematurity. Abel came to Ironstone Farm a little over a year ago and has progressed both mentally and physically.

When Abel first arrived at Ironstone, he was nervous and unsure. Now, he lights up with excitement when he’s on the farm, proudly waving during trail rides and bonding with his favorite horse, Desmond.

Abel’s goal is to keep building his strength through equine-assisted therapy so he can continue to grow and thrive, and Ironstone is proud to be part of that journey.

At Ironstone Farm, Abel isn’t defined by his diagnoses—he’s just a kid with a big heart, a love for horses, and a growing sense of confidence. From all of us at Ironstone, thank you for making moments like this possible—for Abel and so many others.

“We don’t look at Ironstone as just a place where Abel rides. This is a safe space for our son—a place where he can relax, work on his therapy, and be loved at the same time.” — Shana (Abel’s Mom)

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