meaning they can act as a bellwether indicating how a person truly feels in any given moment. This is a distinct advantage for a therapeutic instructor trying to engage a student. “Bonding with horses has the potential to heal,” says Fitzgerald, adding that the children who come to her barn ride a variety of breeds, from Welsh-Arab crosses to American Quarter horses. While Horses as Healers works
with all children, it’s geared to connect with those suffering from a range of conditions: traumatic brain injuries, fetal alcohol syndrome or a condition in the autism spectrum that has rendered a child nonverbal. Fitzgerald believes that direct contact with horses is important. “Physically engaging — grooming — horses, is an integral part of the connection for people,” says Fitzgerald. In touching the horses “you can feel a horse’s aliveness,” she says, deepening the connection to the animal. Riding instruction also helps create
balance in the brain. “When you ride, you use both sides of the body,” says Fitzgerald. “And some of our kids have either a pronounced, or a very pronounced, side of their brain that is weaker than the other. The movements involved in riding horses help to integrate brain hemispheres,” she says, which in turn has the potential to heighten learning. Horses as Healers shares their knowledge and experience with special needs as part of the UVA medical program, to help the aspiring doctors better understand how families experience the medical world. “I totally respect the approach to
horsemanship and equitation that Eleyne provides,” says Lee Manning, a physician and mother of three. Her 9-year-old daughter, Lola, has been riding at Horses as Healers for four years. “Add that to Eleyne’s easy-going, accepting, positive, and encouraging way with kids, and it’s a wonderful experience. Eleyne has been so, so great for Lola and all of my family,” says Manning, a rider herself since childhood. All three organizations — Edenbrook,
C.A.R.T. and Horses as Healers — believe there are telltale signs to indicate a worthwhile therapeutic riding program. Make appointments at the riding stables. Look to see that children and animals are safe. Is there proper equipment — helmets, riding boots and accessories — on hand for first-time riders? Observe whether horses are in well-kept pastures and clean barns.
Give your child the tools to reach their full potential!
“Disconnected Kids”. Call NOW to learn more about our programs!
Dr. Robert Mellilo, the author of
trained by Staff
Occupational Therapy | Interactive Metronome Sensory Integration | Chiropractic | Nutrition Cognitive Testing & Exercises | and more...
Helping with...
Behavior | Socialization | Communication Sensory Integration | Nutrition/Diet Motor Coordination | Academics
Serving children with Autism, ADHD, Developmental Delays and other related disorders.
434-823-2199 Located off Rt. 250 in western Albemarle
Programs for adults also offered. Call today!
www.connections4children.com
Curry School of Education SHEILA C. JOHNSON CENTER
The Sheila C. Johnson Center creates a unique environment for clinical research and the provision of integrated, multidisciplinary services for individuals of all ages.
SPEECH- LANGUAGE- HEARING CENTER
Offering comprehensive services for the diagnosis and treatment of language, speech, swallowing and hearing disorders for adults, adolescents, children and infants.
CENTER FOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
Psychological and educational evaluations for all ages. Providing therapeutic services for: anxiety, depression, couple & family problems, stress management, AD/HD,behavioral problems, autism,
cognitive abilities, learning disabilities, and more.
MCGUFFEY READING CENTER
One of the longest running university reading centers in the nation. Providing diagnostic testing, afterschool tutoring and summer programs. McGuffey Reading Center helps children be successful readers.
PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PCDC)
Providing counseling and assessment services to clients, including career- life planning, personal growth and development, interpersonal and family relationships, life transitions, grief/loss, anxiety and depression.
curry.edschool.virginia.edu/sjc | 434-924-7034
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