Content provided in partnership with

Commentary: A horse of another color

Long Island Business News, Nov 9, 2007 by Kennth R Cerini

The horse is a kind, majestic and elegant creature unlike any other - loyal in sport, in leisure, in work and, according to Katie McGowan, executive director of Camp HorseAbility, in providing therapeutic services.

"More than 15 years ago, I had lent my horse to a physical therapist who utilized him as a tool for treatment for somebody with cerebral palsy," McGowan said. "I saw the magnificent outcomes of the child, both physically and emotionally, on and off the horse. I knew that was the direction I wanted to go."

Can you tell us a little about HorseAbility?

Most Popular Articles in Business: Research and Markets : Tesco Plc - SWOT Framework Analysis; Do Us a Flavor - Ben & Jerry's Issues a Call for Euphoric New Flavors; eBay made easy: ready to start an eBay business? These 5 simple steps will ...; Katrina's lawsuit surge: a legal battle to force insurers to pay for flood ...; Wal-Mart's newest distribution center opened last month near the southwest ...; More »

HorseAbility is a therapeutic horseback riding program that I created 15 years ago. The natural gait of a horse is about a 1/4- inch difference from that of a full-grown adult, and the horse's movement - up and down, side to side, front to back and diagonal - in just one step engages the riders' systems in a way that cannot be emulated by any other means. Because it matches the muscle movement, the structural bone movement and the sensory movement of its riders, the horse acts as a tool for physical therapy, occupational therapy and even speech therapy. There are children and adults who are unable to walk before getting on a horse; after their half-hour session or their therapeutic ride, they are taking steps - guided, aided or even unaided. It's miraculous.

How does the speech therapy component work?

The first thing needed to speak and speak properly is to have the correct breathing rhythm - as a horse is moving, it creates a rhythm. The natural rhythm of the horse creates vestibular input, or balance, within its rider and that vestibular input unconsciously sets off the internal respiratory system. While the horse creates an opportunity for internal organization, the therapist brings that pattern to the rider's consciousness. I have a client, an adult with cerebral palsy, and when she's not on the horse, she gets winded, holds her breath more and often stops to regroup herself, collect her thoughts and continue with conversation. When she's on the horse, she can speak clearly and continually for the 45 minutes she's riding.

What other special-needs diagnoses does therapeutic horseback riding assist with?

We serve a full gamut of special needs, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, autism, pervasive development disorder, blindness, deafness and more. We have certified instructors for our therapeutic, recreational and competitive riding programs. Specially trained therapists work with us who utilize the horses as a tool for treatment instead of taking their clients to the office to reach their therapeutic goals. Our clients are currently as young as 2 1/2 and as old as 81, and we've branched out to include more than just therapeutic riding.

What else does HorseAbility offer?

In 2001, we started a camp program at the Thomas School of Horsemanship in Melville. It's a one-week program and we have over 225 volunteers who help make it happen. We've also created a second location in Northport at Ketchem Farm, at which we additionally offer equine facilitated programming staffed by equine professionals, social workers and credentialed counselors. We accommodate the entire family through programs that are inclusive. For example, while one sibling with special needs is riding, the other siblings may spend time at the playground. We also offer family riding, so the whole family can share a new experience together. Between the two locations, we have 23 horses and truly unique opportunities for those we serve.

Address: 238 Round Swamp Road, Melville

Executive director: Katie McGowan

Phone: (631) 367-1647

Web site: www.horseability.org

Founded: 1993

Staff: 17

Annual budget: $521,000

Fundraised budget: $135,000

Program services: 85 percent

Kenneth R. Cerini is the managing partner of Cerini & Associates, a full-service CPA firm. If you are a not-for-profit agency and have an interesting story to tell, call (631) 582-1600 or send an e-mail to kenc@ceriniandassociates.com.

Commentary: A horse of another color

Long Island Business News, Nov 9, 2007 by Kennth R Cerini

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Arts

Most Popular Articles in Business

Most Popular Publications in Business