Special needs awareness raised with equine therapy

Erica Johnston of RNG Farms hosted a Christmas-themed riding party for individuals with special needs Saturday.

Johnston, a certified therapeutic riding instructor through the Certified Horseman Association, said the purpose of the event was three-fold.

Not only does she hope to continue to raise public awareness for special needs individuals, but the Christmas celebration also provided attendees with a much needed socialization opportunity.

Therapeutic riding is a mode of therapy for special needs individuals that utilizes equine movement and riding skills to help achieve specific cognitive, physical and emotional goals. Including riders, their families and volunteers, more than 65 people attended the event, Johnston said.

The day’s activities included a visit from Santa, face painting, horse painting, as well as horse driving and riding.

The most popular activity at the event was horseback riding. Johnston attributed that to the physical and emotional benefits the individuals receive from being mounted atop a horse. “It boosts their confidence,” she said. “They get to sit on this massive animal and they have control over it.” The physical contact with a horse also provides an emotional bond, she said. “They get to feel the power and energy of the horse,” she said.

Those who were intimidated by the thought of mounting a horse had the opportunity to maintain physical contact by “horse painting.” Though the non-toxic finger painting was mostly for fun, it also provided individuals with the opportunity to touch a horse.

Johnston gives lessons and facilitates horse-related activities in a normal horse environment focusing on maximizing an individual’s abilities rather than focusing on their disabilities. Johnston said she does not offer group riding lessons, instead she provides individual attention to each rider.

Johnston has begun a sponsorship program to give lessons to individuals with special needs. A person can volunteer at her farm twice per month to clean six stalls and one round pen. In exchange for the work, she will give a lesson, once a week, to an individual with special needs.

“I’ve seen the emotional benefits that individuals with special needs have from spending time with horses. I know there are people out there who can not afford lessons and I want those kids to have this experience,” she said.

RNG Farms is planning a St. Patrick’s Day themed event in March.