Thank you HorsePower for what you do to improve the well being of people of all abilities, we are blessed because of you.
We found HorsePower by accident in our never ending search for treatments for kids with low muscle tone. We had not yet received a diagnosis for our 3 year old son Paxton at the time, we just refused to accept that we couldn’t do more to help him. Paxton was diagnosed with Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy in the fall of 2016. Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy affects the skeletal muscles causing weakness, stiff joints and hypermobility in their wrists and ankles. HorsePower has been an important piece of Paxton’s success, assisting with his core strengthening, his hip joint range of motion also assisting with his balance due to his wobbly gait. We can’t say enough in regards to Tammy, she is knowledgeable and caring. She knows how to connect with Paxton and does a great job identifying areas she can help him in. The staff is friendly and they genuinely care about their mission.
Jodi Hruby
Charlie really enjoyed riding on the horse all spring and summer and he loved the different activities.
Charlie loves horsepower! I took him to most of his sessions and by the end of the season, as soon as I walked in the room to get him, he started smiling. He knew where we were going once we got in the van because he would smile the whole way there. When I pulled into the parking lot, his whole face lit up and he had the biggest smile. When he got inside he was still smiling and the staff even said that he is always smiling. He did a great job of following and listening to the commands, he enjoyed setting things up for the horse, and loved brushing the horse. The staff even said that by the end of the summer he had improved so much with his strength and flexibility. Charlie also really loves the one on one time with the teacher and volunteers.
Charlie Wounded Shield’s Caretaker
Hippotherapy at HorsePower is probably the best therapy Davis receives.
Davis has cerebral palsy and has difficulty with muscle stiffness, spasticity in all extremities, muscle coordination, and communication. He uses a wheelchair most of the time, can crawl limited distances, and needs a lot of assistance with most activities. Hippo therapy helps Davis in ALL these areas. HorsePower staff come up with new activities every week to work all areas of the body while riding. Riding helps Davis’ whole body loosen up so his muscles can engage and strengthen in appropriate ways. He is able to work on a variety of skills all at once such as engaging his core to stay upright while reaching for an object. Davis’ strength and coordination of his muscles has improved tremendously over the years with HorsePower. Davis has difficulty communicating, but once he gets on the horse, he talks non stop. He listens to instructions and can carry out tasks he normally couldn’t do off the horse. The biggest reason we love HorsePower is because Davis just loves being on the horse. There is something magical that happens between him and the horse. There are days when Davis is upset, tired from school, and crying when we get to the barn. But as soon as he gets on the horse, he gets a huge smile and is instantly happy. I think riding changes the way his body feels. I think riding gives him a sense of control and independence he can’t feel anywhere else. We are so grateful for HorsePower and the life changing benefits it gives Davis.
Anne Harrington
We have noticed several benefits that participating in Therapeutic Riding at HorsePower has provided our daughter with over the years.
Physically she has gained strength in her core muscles and a better sense of balance. Mentally she has improved her sense of focus and her ability to follow instructions. Finally, she has gained a sense of responsibility and confidence that have raised her spirit and sense of purpose.
John Nohr
I have learned so much from the instructors and riders, let's just say when I leave my heart is full.
This program really does help. I have seen tremendous improvement in the clients I have helped; from their core strength, to their vocabulary, to their range of motion. It has been a blessing for me to volunteer for HorsePower. I would recommend this program to both clients and volunteers!