INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The stars of the Pony Up with Special Equestrians event last week were two eager young riders who proudly demonstrated their riding skills atop Greta Garbo, one of several gentle horses utilized to provide therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with physical, developmental or emotional disabilities.
Founded in 1992, Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast received an extra boost in 2004 after Vickie and Dr. Richard Penly took the reins as program director and instructor respectively.
Their adult daughter Michelle has been riding since she was 4 years old, encouraged to join a similar program in Texas where they resided.
“I love them; they’re my babies,” Michelle said, punctuating her enthusiasm with an infectious giggle. “At my house I have six. I have four big horses and two little guys,” referencing her miniature cart horses.
The event was held once again at Atlantic Crossing Stables & Vero Beach Equestrian, owned by Christina Clark and run by Heather and Brian McCall, in the heart of Vero’s polo district. Horses were put to pasture in spacious paddocks, with the spotless facility turned over to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a riding exhibition, dinner under a full- moon, and a silent auction.
After reading sister publication Vero Beach 32963’s coverage of the inaugural 2010 Pony Up event, long-time equestrian Joan Swiderski picked up the phone to volunteer and became one of several dedicated instructors, trained, tested and certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
“It gives them a sense of control and independence that often is lacking when they have a handicap or disability,” said Swiderski. “The smiles and hugs are the most rewarding thing. Just seeing them grow is incredible.”
To the riders, it is pure enjoyment.
To parents and instructors, it is serious therapy, geared toward each student’s needs.
“Good luck getting her off; she’s a total hambone,” laughed Barbara Hires, as her daughter Lindsay, 9, smiled and waved to the crowd astride Greta. “Riding has improved her core strength and balance, language as she tells Greta what to do, numbers and counting – she just loves being on Greta.”
“I’m so proud of him; that’s the first time I’ve seen him off lead,” said Michelle Vankealen of her son Alexzander, 5, who beamed with delight as the instructor released her lead rope.
Although bright and articulate beyond his years, rheumatoid arthritis has sapped his core strength.
“He was in physical therapy for two years and we saw very little improvement,” she said. “In just six months with Special Equestrians he has improved his body strength remarkably.”
The organization currently leases a barn and land, but their ultimate goal is to raise enough capital to purchase their own facility.
“We’re 100 percent soft money; all our money comes from private donations,” said board president Vinnie Parentela. “We’re unique in that our therapists – meaning our horses – need care 24/7, so we need to have continuous funding to continue our programs. We do amazing things for amazing people.”