Caledonia Argus

ëGreat Stridesí program provides opportunities for disabled riders

Posted: 11/18/03

Some local folks are enjoying a therapeutic horseback riding program.

Great Strides of Northeast Iowa, based in Decorah, offers it for adults and children with disabilities served by ABLE.

ABLE, which stands for A Brighter Living Experience, is a non-profit organization that provides residential support to adults and children with developmental disabilities.

Iona Novak, who works for Great Strides and whose daughter Tonnie is in the program, sent the following article and accompanying photos to the Caledonia Argus.

There are three six-week sessions of Great Strides, each consisting of two sessions.

The first hour is for the recreational riders, which consists of a group riding lesson given by the ìStridesî riding instructor.

The second hour emphasizes the therapeutic aspect with exercises and games. ìStridesí has two physical therapists and one occupational therapist involved in the program. As a member of NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association), the center and riding instructors adhere to strict standards of safety.

The horses are not owned or cared for by ìStrides,î but are volunteered each week by their owners. Of the original three horses and one pony evaluated for the program in 1997, all but the pony remain active in the program today. The horses involved are each evaluated by the riding instructor for suitability. They must be calm, willing, patient and very tolerant of the games and exercises undertaken in the program. Both horses and ponies are used in the program.

Tonnieís horse was Sara. Sara is an experienced program horse. Very calm and laid back. These horses put up with things being done to them that most people wouldnít tolerate. They have their manes pulled, they get kicked, they have children scream in their ears, they get hit with toys and they are drooled on. All the while this is going on, they just keep walking around the arena or stand in the spot the therapist tells the horse leader to stop at.

A.B.L.E. has had participants in Great Strides for a couple of years. Dennis and Eddie were A.B.L.E.ís first two riders. Dennis would get all geared up in his cowboy boots, hat, and his cowboy shirt. When he got there, he would have to trade in his cowboy hat for a safety helmet. Great Strides provides boots for those who do not have their own cowboy boots.

In the beginning Eddie was a little apprehensive about mounting his horse and it took several volunteers to assist him. After the second week, Eddie was eagerly mounting his own horse with no assistance, only with the volunteers standing along side for safety. It has been a wonderful experience for Dennis and Eddie.

This was Tonnieís first year as a Great Strides rider. On the very first session, every rider is introduced to their horse. As Tonnie was introduced to her horse, tears and a loud scream of joy followed. This is Tonnieís way of expressing happiness and she signed that she was ready to get on her horse.

Mother appreciates program

Iona had this to say about the Great Strides program:

ìA.B.L.E. has given Tonnie many experiences that I would never have been able to provide on my own.

ìI knew that horseback riding is good therapy so was very excited when Tonnie was given the chance to go. Never having been near a horse before, I was a little apprehensive as to whether she would even go near one. Thanks to very capable staff she took to it immediately. I went along one evening and was very proud of the way my daughter handled herself on the horse.

We are very lucky to have an organization like A.B.L.E. in this community for our citizens who have special needs.

Thank you A.B.L.E. and all the staff who work so hard to make this a better living experience.î

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