Lincoln riding at 2 years old!
Meet Lincoln, a four-year-old little rider reaching large milestones every day. His persistence, infectious enthusiasm, and spirit is why Lincoln is our December Rider of the Month! Congratulations, Lincoln!
Lincoln arrived at Ironstone at just 2 and a half years old, starting as a rider in Ironstone Therapy, our hippotherapy program. On his first day, his mom was nervous he might be afraid of the size of our therapy ponies–but to her surprise, Lincoln climbed aboard his first favorite horse [the now retired, Desmond], and was immediately at ease. Lincoln started Ironstone Therapy with low muscle tone and used a gait trainer (walker) to navigate from the car to the barn. Within six months of starting hippotherapy, Lincoln took his first steps!
“We think the horses played a huge role in the motor development and core strength required to walk. I am amazed at the progress he continues to make with his strengths and abilities on the horse!” exclaims his mom.
Now entering his third year at Ironstone, Lincoln has graduated from Ironstone Therapy to our Therapeutic Riding Program. His favorite part of the sessions is riding his horse out to the trail and being outside in nature.
“Mommy or Daddy will often walk behind him, and he loves to look back to see that we are watching him on the horse. You can tell just how proud he is of himself!” Says his mom.
We are beyond humbled to witness Lincoln’s progress alongside his family and share his success with our community. Lincoln’s joy and confidence bring our volunteers and staff so much happiness, and it is a true privilege to welcome him and his family to the Ironstone Family every week.
“We are SO incredibly grateful for Lincoln’s scholarship. We would not be able to afford weekly lessons if not for the kindness and generosity of Ironstone’s supporters. The magic of hippotherapy is very real – and we are now believers! Horseback riding at Ironstone Farm allows Lincoln to have an extracurricular activity that is just for him – something he enjoys, that builds his confidence and is inclusive of his unique needs and abilities,” – Lincoln’s mother