In New York, too, a horse is a horse

In addition to Central Park carriage rides, hay rides, weddings, funerals, and even horse modeling jobs, Chateau Stables, the oldest working stable on the island of Manhattan, offers a different type of service. You wouldn't expect a family-run stable in the middle of New York's "Hell's Kitchen" to house 12 children with various physical and emotional challenges, but Anita, her family and a selection of Percherons, spotted migratory birds, Belgians, Standardbreds and ponies join forces as Part of a hippotherapy group led by Richard Brodie, Founder and CEO of Equestria. So many of these horses have helped carry the processions - weddings and funerals for such big names as James Brown, Jam Master Jay, Celia Cruz, Lionel Hampton and Sarah Vaughn. Affectionately known as Anita's most prized possessions of her heart, some of these magnificent horses sniff, nod and nod to little visitors who really need a bond with horses. These majestic animals offer uplifting experiences and provide an outlet for fear and apprehension, as well as many physical benefits.

Some of the horses that work with the children also have a special story. Noelle, a cute blind POA, arrived last Christmas and was in dire need of an immediate home. She was destined to be fed to a pack of wolves at an animal shelter in Waterford, Maine, but is now slowly becoming an inspirational participant and hopefully a permanent member of the therapy team. Then there's Otis, a 15-year-old Belgian who was rescued by the New Holland Auction. His main occupation is hay rides but he spends time in the stable where he is brushed, loved and spoiled. Other hippotherapy horses include Beauty, another rescue horse from New Holland, two Shetland ponies Spanky and Leo, and the newest newcomer, McBrown, a 20-year-old standard brown gelding who was slaughtered by a PA brokerage stable and run by the Friends of Barbaro and kind supporters was rescued by Another Chance 4 Horses, a PA horse rescue responsible for helping McBrown find safe haven and hopefully become a permanent volunteer for Equestria's program. If McBrown doesn't work for the team, he's put up for adoption by Another Chance 4 Horses.

Every Saturday a dozen children, six of them with cerebral palsy, gather in the stable and have fun with the resident horses. A person with cerebral palsy or another neuromuscular disorder benefits from trying to maintain balance in relation to the horse's natural movement. Riding serves to strengthen, strengthen and stretch the muscles. Horseback riding also stimulates muscles, improving circulation and range of motion. In addition to the physiotherapeutic applications of horses, the horse brings emotional calm and a positive outlet for fears and concerns. The bond with the horses brings children over the edge and many a first word has been spoken on an afternoon ride. Many of the children and participants in the program were referred by the New York Housing Authority and New York Medical Center, and the New York State Commission of the Blind.

Equestria was founded in 1998 as a pilot program at Claremont Riding Academy in Manhattan. They are the oldest therapeutic equestrian center in the city of New York, serving all five boroughs. They are supported by grants and donations. This year they hope to expand the program to disabled veterans.

percheron horse
#York #horse #horse

Share on Facebook

Tweet