Riding on Angel's Wings

Yesterday at her horse therapy program; Bette Shipley* asked Bill if it would be ok if they started working with Taylor more individualized? Of course. Why?

They feel she is ready to advance and she has been chosen one of three to begin training for the Special Olympics. The training will be over probably two years.

Her horse's name is Wendy. By the end of her lesson yesterday, she had full control of the horse herself. This means no lead walker or side walkers. She has the reins on her own. Even had the horse backing up. She is SO proud and gives her such a sense of worth.

I will try and post more later about this wonderful program called Riding on Angel's Wings.

*Bette Shipley and her husband offer a program to children with disabilities called “Riding on Angels’ Wings”, which involves therapeutic horseback riding for children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, learning disabilities, etc. The program has grown from 7 riders to 17, with hopes of up to 25 participants this year. It has been proven that this activity helps to strengthen muscles, improve posture and coordination, and increase joint mobility. The children experience a new type of freedom and mobility that the horses provide. Three volunteers are required for each horse and rider.