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Over a Barrel and Into the Saddle
Penn-Mar Human Services seeks out opportunities for fun experiences with therapeutic value
For the past several months,
Penn-Mar Human Services
has been working with Easter Seals
and the McCabe Star Stables in
Red Lion, Pennsylvania to provide
men and women with intellectual
disabilities the experience of
riding horses. This program has
been an overwhelming success.
“For the past several years
Penn-Mar has helped provide men
and women with disabilities with
riding lessons,” said Michelle
Delozier, a Residential Program
Manager at Penn-Mar, “but these
men and women are functioning
at a high level and do not need
a great deal of extra assistance.
We wanted to expand this opportunity to men and women whose disabilities are more pronounced. It is really a part of Penn-Mar’s approach to offering activities that are fun and have therapeutic value.”
With this idea in mind, Michelle contacted Easter Seals to see if there was a local program to answer these needs. She was referred to Matt Ernst, Director of Therapeutic Recreation for Easter Seals of Central Pennsylvania. “We talked with Matt Ernst about a pilot program for men and women with pronounced disabilities,” Michelle recalls, “We gave the concept a great deal of thought before moving forward. When we knew what we wanted, Matt suggested we talk with Barb and Joe McCabe. The McCabes have been outstanding partners in this effort. It is truly a pleasure to work with them. Their commitment is inspiring.”
Carolyn Bardnt, Activity Coordinator at Penn-Mar, agrees. “There are so many opportunities for learning and social interaction. Everyone at the Star Stables works closely with Easter Seals and Penn-Mar to help meet the individual needs of the men and women from Penn-Mar and make their experience enjoyable.”
Murray Stang did not feel the same way at first. He enjoyed being with the horses and petting them, but when he was encouraged to ride one he had some doubts. Murray likes to have his feet on the ground. After sizing up the distance between a saddled horse and the ground he simply said. “Too high.” Getting Murray to change his mind required some creative thinking. Barb and Joe thought helping Murray to feel more comfortable in the saddle might be the first step. They threw a saddle over a barrel sitting on ground level. It worked. Murray did some “barrel riding” and did not seem to mind so much.
The next step was getting Murray to walk up a few stairs to get on a horse. Joe McCabe built
a platform in the indoor arena that enabled
Murray to climb the stairs and move toward
a horse standing next to a platform. The
horse was placed so Murray could not see
the ground. The next thing Murray knew, he
was off and riding. The reactions of Murray’s
brother, Dave, and sister in-law, Robin,
say it all. “You talk about making my day!”
said Dave Stang, “This is HUGE and has
brought a very bright smile to my face.”
“This is so awesome,” Dave’s wife, Robin,
agreed, “…notice how Murray is surrounded
by pretty girls. I’m sure that had something to
do with him getting on a horse.”
This story just proves the point that everyone in the adaptive riding program can learn from one another.
Penn-Mar Human Services is always looking for ways to promote social involvement and interaction for men and women with intellectual disabilities and the community at large. Horseback riding, sailing, kayaking,and hiking are among the many activities people with intellectual disabilities enjoy.
If you would like to know more about ways to help a person enjoy life to the fullest, please call
(410) 343-1069 ext. 230 and ask forJudy Bobby. You can also visit their website at
www.penn-mar.org.
Submitted by Rich Robinson
Murray Stang, participating atop the practice barrel.
Photos courtesy of Penn-Mar Human Services
