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fter reading the Arthritis Today article, Diane spoke with Linda Leiden, Instructor and Board Advisor at Greystone Manor Terapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC) about the possibility of offering a similar program to residents at Landis Homes. “I


remember having a conversation with Linda while we were in the aisle at the barn. I told her about the article and asked if GMTRC had ever considered a program for seniors. Linda and fellow instructor Deb Jeffrey had already placed an unmounted program for individuals over the age of 55 on their ‘program growth suggestions’ list, and had developed the curriculum, possibly to be offered for another retirement community. “With a vision ‘to grow as a diverse equine-assisted activities program of distinction that is valued in our community and beyond,’ GMTRC and Lancaster County’s horse friendly, active senior communities seemed a natural fit!”


Landis Homes Life Enrichment and Wellness teams were interested in an equine learning opportunity, so in March 2020, a staff team from GMTRC brought a presentation to Landis Homes residents. “We were all very excited to present and had a wonderful time. Ten the pandemic hit and our work with Landis Homes was put on hold,” said Linda.


“Much later in 2020, as we got through the first wave of the pandemic, we were all craving activities we could physically get out and do,” remembers Diane. Tat’s when Anastasia Petrovskaya, who directs the Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning® in the Lancaster area, called to explore whether a more hands-on program could be offered. “Once Anastasia had contact information for Linda and Deb at GMTRC, I just crossed my fingers!”


When approved, work began to prepare the new program for Pathways Institute participants. “Deb and I chose the name Silver Saddles, because we’re starting to embrace the silver in our hair, but still feel young,” said Linda.


“Four friendly, intelligent, and eager ladies joined our initial pilot program in May of 2021,” remembers Linda. “Teir delight and astonishment at the depth of our curriculum and the relationships they developed with their horses left our Silver Saddles staff and volunteers sure the program would have lasting success.”


GMTRC’s herd of horses includes twelve carefully selected and well-trained equines with gentle natures and low flight responses. Silver Saddles


A participant from the Silver Saddles pilot program brushes her Welsh Pony mare, Makeda.


Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning is a partner of Landis Communities Landis.org | FLOURISH | Fall 2021 • 11


participants are matched with a horse to learn and experience the basics of equine sensory attributes, herd behavior and management, grooming, leading, natural horsemanship skills, and more. While primarily an ‘unmounted’ program, participants have a short opportunity to ride a horse, if appropriate, after four weeks.


“When you start to spend time with horses, you’re opening your eyes to a whole new universe,” Diane states. “What I love about volunteering with Equine Assisted Learning is that you, the horse, the rider, the instructor, become a team, and with the other teams in the same lesson, you become a community. Whatever goals the rider is working toward become common to you all, and there’s real joy in working on them together.”


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