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Just a quick holiday reminder of the Smiles you can help create with a donation - large or smaller.. our Riders will appreciate your thoughtfulness. You can go here for easy Pay Pal Donation for our Scholarship Fund http://dreamoncurls.bbnow.org/ Wishing all our Riders and their families/caregivers/support staff |
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Therapeutic Riding brings joy to more than just the riders
The following 'historical fiction' was written by our Board President, Sandra Howell. Not only is she a horse lover and owner and active member of the Dream On Curls Riding Center Board; she is also the mother of a child born with many developmental delays and disabilities.We see this all the time at Dream On Curls Riding Center. The riders smile, chatter, anticipate their lessons with eagerness and happiness. But, the families, biological/adoptive, the caregivers, the staff - anyone related to our riders in any way -are affected by the many benefits of therapeutic riding as well.
Because it's the rider who is the focus, we often forget the circle of support people - those who maintain, nourish and endure through it all. The smile they see, no matter how small or bright... can make a big difference for them in the long road.
One mother of a young rider says- "It's kind of a bittersweet moment for me, my son loves his time riding - but it's the only time I see him smile. " She is certainly grateful for that smile, but yearns to see it more often.
For those of you who have children who smile and dance through life as 'normal' happy imps.. it may be difficult to imagine how precious a small smile can be.
Please remember this when you are contemplating a donation. Your kind gift brings smiles to more than just the riders' faces - but also joy and hope to the hearts of all the people who care for him or her.
A boy and a horse
She lifted the young boy high onto the horses back. He was quite heavy as he was wearing bulky leg braces and he did not have the ability to help.
The young horse, Wil, stood quietly, waiting for the boy to mount. Wil was the perfect horse for the child to ride. It was as if he sensed that the boy needed him to stand patiently as he threw one weighty leg over the side of the saddle, grabbed onto the saddle horn and sank into the seat. The boy felt no fear and instinctively knew that Wil would take care of him.
The horse and boy knew each other well, and had spent many quiet moments in the barn and in the field while the woman worked with the other horses. Their bonding was built on mutual trust, quiet moments and wordless communication. Many times during his younger non-verbal years, the boy had offered treats to the bay-colored colt. He had held the treats in the palm of his small hand as he waited for the touch from the colt’s tender lips to take his offerings. The colt’s soft nose would tickle his fingers and a subtle smile would acknowledge the boy’s delight.
This was the big day for the horse and the boy and it seemed to have come as suddenly as wind quickly moves in and blows through the trees. The woman knew that this was the day that she had been waiting for and it would mark an important passage in the young boy’s life. This would be one of the many milestones that would mark the boy’s life, but it would be this particular moment that would stay with her and one that the woman would always hold close to her heart.
Four years before, this moment in time, she had stood in the quiet of the day staring down into the crib where her son lay sleeping. He was a handsome two year old but even in sleep his bottom lip quivered as if he found no comfort in his baby dream land. She willed herself to stay in the moment, with no distractions, as she faced the harsh reality that something was wrong with her baby boy.
Since the day of his birth, the woman had tucked her innate feeling of unease into the back of her mind and she had continued to cling to the hope that all was well. Now, looking down at the sleeping boy, she knew deep in her soul, that something was wrong with her youngest son. She confronted the truth that she had denied for two years and she faced with certainty what her heart could not bear. Her plans for this child would not be the same as those for her other two sons and her mind conjured up all possibilities as her thoughts raced ahead and she wondered where to begin.
Tears trickled down her cheeks, ran onto her chin and began their flow of sorrow. She was overwhelmed by the realization that her son would always struggle to make his way in the world and that her dreams for his future would be always be elusive. Time stood still and her tears continued to flow until her heart felt empty and hollow.
Four years later, the sun was shining on her son as he sat proudly on the warm back of Wil. His legs found the warm place on the horse’s body and he spoke softly to his longtime friend. The woman picked up the lead line and began to walk slowly through the field of tall grass. Wil moved off with a rocking rhythmic gait while the young boy held tight to the saddle horn. She looked back at her son and saw a small smile of contentment come to his lips and the joy of the moment began to fill the empty place in her heart.
Please remember this when you are contemplating a donation. Your kind gift brings smiles to more than just the riders' faces - but also joy and hope to the hearts of all the people who care for him or her.
A boy and a horse
She lifted the young boy high onto the horses back. He was quite heavy as he was wearing bulky leg braces and he did not have the ability to help.
The young horse, Wil, stood quietly, waiting for the boy to mount. Wil was the perfect horse for the child to ride. It was as if he sensed that the boy needed him to stand patiently as he threw one weighty leg over the side of the saddle, grabbed onto the saddle horn and sank into the seat. The boy felt no fear and instinctively knew that Wil would take care of him.
The horse and boy knew each other well, and had spent many quiet moments in the barn and in the field while the woman worked with the other horses. Their bonding was built on mutual trust, quiet moments and wordless communication. Many times during his younger non-verbal years, the boy had offered treats to the bay-colored colt. He had held the treats in the palm of his small hand as he waited for the touch from the colt’s tender lips to take his offerings. The colt’s soft nose would tickle his fingers and a subtle smile would acknowledge the boy’s delight.
This was the big day for the horse and the boy and it seemed to have come as suddenly as wind quickly moves in and blows through the trees. The woman knew that this was the day that she had been waiting for and it would mark an important passage in the young boy’s life. This would be one of the many milestones that would mark the boy’s life, but it would be this particular moment that would stay with her and one that the woman would always hold close to her heart.
Four years before, this moment in time, she had stood in the quiet of the day staring down into the crib where her son lay sleeping. He was a handsome two year old but even in sleep his bottom lip quivered as if he found no comfort in his baby dream land. She willed herself to stay in the moment, with no distractions, as she faced the harsh reality that something was wrong with her baby boy.
Since the day of his birth, the woman had tucked her innate feeling of unease into the back of her mind and she had continued to cling to the hope that all was well. Now, looking down at the sleeping boy, she knew deep in her soul, that something was wrong with her youngest son. She confronted the truth that she had denied for two years and she faced with certainty what her heart could not bear. Her plans for this child would not be the same as those for her other two sons and her mind conjured up all possibilities as her thoughts raced ahead and she wondered where to begin.
Tears trickled down her cheeks, ran onto her chin and began their flow of sorrow. She was overwhelmed by the realization that her son would always struggle to make his way in the world and that her dreams for his future would be always be elusive. Time stood still and her tears continued to flow until her heart felt empty and hollow.
Four years later, the sun was shining on her son as he sat proudly on the warm back of Wil. His legs found the warm place on the horse’s body and he spoke softly to his longtime friend. The woman picked up the lead line and began to walk slowly through the field of tall grass. Wil moved off with a rocking rhythmic gait while the young boy held tight to the saddle horn. She looked back at her son and saw a small smile of contentment come to his lips and the joy of the moment began to fill the empty place in her heart.
Please visit our web site for more information about our program. We have a donation page on the site.
http://www.vermontel.net/~top/dreamoncurls.htm
Also, you can find out more information here for donations - http://dreamoncurls.bbnow.org/index.php
Did you know if you use the iGive search bar for all your internet searches http://isearch.igive.com/toolbar.cfm it's very easy. Sign up for Dream On Curls Riding Center as recipient of your searches.
Also - through iGive, you can do your holiday shopping on-line using their coupons and discounts. You can facilitate a donation and save money !! Over 700 of the web’s best stores participate in this free program, and up to 26% of each purchase benefits our cause.
Please support our program. Even a small donation mounts up if many give.
Many thanks !
Here's a photo of Sandy and her American Curly Horse- Wil, one of the stars of her short story.
Sandy is currently authoring a novel. You can keep track of the progress by reading her blog - http://curlyhorsenovel.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 22, 2009
National Disability Mentoring Day at the farm
Wednesday, October 21- National Disability Mentoring Day. We were pleased and honored to take part again this year. You can read about the goals and mission of this important date here -
The day began with a breakfast for all 'employers' and participants. Some of the individuals who attended the breakfast were riders we already knew. Others had heard about our facility and came over to talk about their wish to someday participate. The biggest hurdle for most of these individuals is funding-- which is another topic.. but please keep in mind the importance of our new scholarship fund to assist these folks in their dreams. Visit our web site to read more about donating.
We had a great turn-out - of all the participating sites, Dream On Curls Riding Center hosted the highest number of participants ! We were also blessed with a gorgeous Indian Summer day- probably some of the nicest weather we've experienced in weeks ! (maybe months!)
A little introduction by instructor Zoe and then some saddle cleaning along with discussion of types of saddles and their use.
taking time out from cleaning tack to record the day with a photograph.
This woman was a return visitor to the farm- having participated in last year's Mentoring Day. She remembered a lot of what she learned last year and was a great help in supporting her peers in their new experiences. When asked later what she got out of this rewarding day she stated “it made her feel important to help other people learn about the horses.” When working with a group-- it's not always about the horses, but also the interaction that takes place between the human members of the session.
After the saddles were cleaned and oiled - the FUN part of the morning commences.. the horses are brought up for grooming. Another introduction and explanation of the tasks ahead.
Everyone has an opportunity to curry and brush the horses, learning at the same time the importance, purpose, and benefits of grooming for both horse and groomer.
once the horses are properly groomed- the next step is cleaning the hooves.
Zoe shows everyone the proper way to approach the horse safely and how to pick the hoof up and hold it for cleaning.
This important step in preparation can be intimidating for many- but this group was incredibly enthusiastic to learn and eager to try it!
Here is a quick study-- she enjoyed it so much she did more than one horse.
Same with this young man ! For most of the participants, this was their first experience with such large animals and they all displayed respect and willingness to learn and try all the different steps.
Some of the attendees found great satisfaction with this more physically demanding interaction with the horses and their care.
And there were those who preferred to find their gratification in another manner- just being close and 'cuddling' -- bonding through touch.
This proved to be a day that reminds me that all my hard work has a purpose ! While instructor, Zoe gets to see and witness times such as this daily in her interactions with riders and participants-- I am generally busy managing the farm and horses. Today, I put aside my normal work-a-day routine and became a 'volunteer' fetching horses and helping out - in addition to being there to memorialize the event in photographs. It is immensely gratifying to personally take part in the enjoyment and appreciation of participants such as these individuals.
The day began with a breakfast for all 'employers' and participants. Some of the individuals who attended the breakfast were riders we already knew. Others had heard about our facility and came over to talk about their wish to someday participate. The biggest hurdle for most of these individuals is funding-- which is another topic.. but please keep in mind the importance of our new scholarship fund to assist these folks in their dreams. Visit our web site to read more about donating.
We had a great turn-out - of all the participating sites, Dream On Curls Riding Center hosted the highest number of participants ! We were also blessed with a gorgeous Indian Summer day- probably some of the nicest weather we've experienced in weeks ! (maybe months!)
A little introduction by instructor Zoe and then some saddle cleaning along with discussion of types of saddles and their use.
taking time out from cleaning tack to record the day with a photograph.This woman was a return visitor to the farm- having participated in last year's Mentoring Day. She remembered a lot of what she learned last year and was a great help in supporting her peers in their new experiences. When asked later what she got out of this rewarding day she stated “it made her feel important to help other people learn about the horses.” When working with a group-- it's not always about the horses, but also the interaction that takes place between the human members of the session.
After the saddles were cleaned and oiled - the FUN part of the morning commences.. the horses are brought up for grooming. Another introduction and explanation of the tasks ahead.
Everyone has an opportunity to curry and brush the horses, learning at the same time the importance, purpose, and benefits of grooming for both horse and groomer. 
once the horses are properly groomed- the next step is cleaning the hooves.
Zoe shows everyone the proper way to approach the horse safely and how to pick the hoof up and hold it for cleaning.
This important step in preparation can be intimidating for many- but this group was incredibly enthusiastic to learn and eager to try it!
4 horses - 4 hooves each-- plenty to go around !!
Here is a quick study-- she enjoyed it so much she did more than one horse.
Same with this young man ! For most of the participants, this was their first experience with such large animals and they all displayed respect and willingness to learn and try all the different steps.
Some did need a little assistance- dealing with hooves and co-ordinating yourself in a new way requires practice.
Some of the attendees found great satisfaction with this more physically demanding interaction with the horses and their care.
And there were those who preferred to find their gratification in another manner- just being close and 'cuddling' -- bonding through touch.
Both horse and handler are relaxed and smiling.
All those who attended found that being around the horses was very relaxing and enjoyable-- and could see many of the benefits immediately - from increasing stamina, to reducing stress, to just plain having a great time.
This proved to be a day that reminds me that all my hard work has a purpose ! While instructor, Zoe gets to see and witness times such as this daily in her interactions with riders and participants-- I am generally busy managing the farm and horses. Today, I put aside my normal work-a-day routine and became a 'volunteer' fetching horses and helping out - in addition to being there to memorialize the event in photographs. It is immensely gratifying to personally take part in the enjoyment and appreciation of participants such as these individuals.
One of the women proclaimed at the end of the morning's session - "This was the BEST day of my life ! " How rewarding is that ??
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Rider Appreciation Day and Open House
August 14th, Dream On Curls Riding Center hosted a Rider Appreciation Day to honor all our wonderful and special riders and their accomplishments. We were blessed with gorgeous weather - after a summer of endless rain and gloom ! A beautiful tent was set up on the lawn of Top O' The Hill Farm.
And right around 11:00 - the people began arriving !
Everyone had a chance to watch and ask questions.
People had the chance to study what they wanted and put a bid in the jar. The money went toward our scholarship fund. Anyone reading this who wants to participate in the fundraising can go to the web site and donate through pay pal.
We served approximately 100 hot dogs and 100 hamburgers ! Along with lots of chips and side dishes rider families brought along. Susan Lejonhud from Maine- member of the Board of Directors- did all the grilling. and she was kept VERY busy on a hot day-- Thank you Susan !
Eating, chatting, making friends under the tent and at the picnic tables on the lawn
All our riders received blue ribbons !
And when the time came to draw winning tickets-- what a great
And right around 11:00 - the people began arriving !
The day was planned to include a demo lesson-
Lesson horse Lilly was ridden western through a mock trail course.
Lesson horse Lilly was ridden western through a mock trail course.
Everyone had a chance to watch and ask questions.
Under the tent were tables of hand-outs and Silent Auction items donated by area community businesses.
People had the chance to study what they wanted and put a bid in the jar. The money went toward our scholarship fund. Anyone reading this who wants to participate in the fundraising can go to the web site and donate through pay pal.
We served approximately 100 hot dogs and 100 hamburgers ! Along with lots of chips and side dishes rider families brought along. Susan Lejonhud from Maine- member of the Board of Directors- did all the grilling. and she was kept VERY busy on a hot day-- Thank you Susan !
Eating, chatting, making friends under the tent and at the picnic tables on the lawn
All our riders received blue ribbons !
The face painting corner was crowded all day - Many thanks to the 2 young women who volunteered their time to paint faces all day !
We had a large mirror set up so everyone could view their body art.
And when the time came to draw winning tickets-- what a great
co-incidence when you win what you really wanted !!
We had our Center shirts for sale - Susan models one later in the day.
Our logo on the back.
We had several styles - this one is the women's v-neck in violet.
Anyone wishing to order a shirt can do so soon on the
donation page of the web site- through pay pal, visit the farm and purchase one, or e-mail top@vermontel.net
This was a super day-- our First Annual Rider Appreciation Day combined with an open house. We had some great volunteers collecting food and prize donations.
Remember- our BIG Fundraising event is still coming up.. the Rev Your Horses Motorcycle Ride with a huge Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, BBQ with music etc. We will also have shirts on sale with the bike rally logo on the back.
E-mail top@vermontel.net for more info on this event - or read about it on the web site.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Autism Awareness Festival Day
This past Saturday - August 8th, Zoe and I participated in the Autism Awareness Festival in town. This event was sponsored by HCRS (Health Care and Rehabilitation Services). HCRS is on the front lines in the global effort to manage and understand Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism occurs in about 1 out of every 150 children born today and those numbers are increasing. John Sullivan, case manager at HCRS, was organizer and emcee of the event. He also has his own band-- The John Sullivan Band - which played at the end of the festival.
There were lots of prizes raffled off-- a gorgeous quilt made by community members along with many other smaller items to be won, such as hair cuts and guitar strings for a year !
Dream On Curls Riding Center donated a gift certificate for one free riding lesson-- one young man in particular had his eye (and heart) set on that prize. He bought quite a few raffle tickets and when the time came to pick the winners out of the hat... guess what ? He won the lesson. He was SO excited and can't wait ... telling us it was his dream to ride.
John Sullivan put together a band of individuals on the spectrum... and they performed about midway through 
the festival. HCRS staff work with clients in the community to assist them in reaching their full potential and in becoming as independent as possible. And being in a band and playing music is just one way to achieve this !!
the festival. HCRS staff work with clients in the community to assist them in reaching their full potential and in becoming as independent as possible. And being in a band and playing music is just one way to achieve this !!
Plenty of guests having fun all day as there were 5 different bands playing and lots of food to be had.
Dancing to an AC/DC tune...
It was a great day for all involved and a big success. Kudo's to John Sullivan and HCRS for organizing this great event within our community !
At the end of the day- John Sullivan performed the music and lyrics of his self written song about Autism. Lovely song .
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls.
Autism spectrum disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, although new research is pushing back the age of diagnosis to as early as 6 months. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills. Pediatricians may initially dismiss signs of autism, thinking a child will “catch up,” and may advise parents to “wait and see.” New research shows that when parents suspect something is wrong with their child, they are usually correct. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait: speak to your pediatrician about getting your child screened for autism.
If your child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention is critical to gain maximum benefit from existing therapies. Although parents may have concerns about labeling a toddler as “autistic,” the earlier the diagnosis is made, the earlier interventions can begin. Currently, there are no effective means to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments, and no cure. Research indicates, however, that early intervention in an appropriate educational setting for at least two years during the preschool years can result in significant improvements for many young children with autism spectrum disorders. As soon as autism is diagnosed, early intervention instruction should begin. Effective programs focus on developing communication, social, and cognitive skills.
Dream On Curls Riding Center offers a program specially designed for children, adults, and young adults on the spectrum. Some of the goals in this program are- to learn to engage in a co-operative teamwork, encourage physical activity, strengthening the ability to read social cues and some problem solving, along with learning to multi-task. Bonding with the therapy horses has great value to Autistic people and those with a tactile sensitivity experience opportunities to work through that through the process of grooming.
Dream On Curls Riding Center offers a program specially designed for children, adults, and young adults on the spectrum. Some of the goals in this program are- to learn to engage in a co-operative teamwork, encourage physical activity, strengthening the ability to read social cues and some problem solving, along with learning to multi-task. Bonding with the therapy horses has great value to Autistic people and those with a tactile sensitivity experience opportunities to work through that through the process of grooming.
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