R.E.A.CH at W.E.E.C

We have started back up with horse lessons at Woods Edge Equestrian Center.  Emily Jo's previous instructor, Jessica Slater, could not find time to squeeze her back in during a time that works for us so she is now taking lessons from Audrey's instructor, Katy Harscar. We go every Thursday and alternate the girls.  Both girls just seem so at peace when they are riding.  It's amazing to witness the calm that overcomes them when they ride.

Because of their interest I thought it might be good to get some horse experience too.  Katy Harscar and Dionne Newton just started a new program - Riders Edge Ability Centered Horsemanship and I'm one of many volunteers.  The students were hand selected from the Heartland hippo therapy program and aren't yet able to ride independently.  All have some form of disability; whether it's ptsd or a degree of autism or another medical diagnoses.

I am a side walker for a little boy and let's just say I'm pretty sure he has taught me way more in the last two weeks than I have him!  He/we tack the horse together and I assist him in listening to the directions from Katy and Dionne during the lesson.  It's very rewarding and I'm excited to be a part of such a valuable new program!