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REGIONAL NEWSConnected to your communityHealing through horses with Lanark County Therapeutic Riding ProgramBy PAGE TAYLOREMC News – Have you ever wonderedhow a horse can help?Since 1986, the Lanark CountyTherapeutic Riding Program (LCTRP)has been enriching the lives of both humanand horse alike by providing specializedlessons for those with physicaland/or developmental disabilities. Theprogram, which celebrates its 27th anniversarythis year, offers rehabilitationand recreation for children and adultsfrom ages two to 70, with some of theolder riders having been with the programfor almost 20 years.Cedar Rock Farm, near Perth, runby owner Pat Nolan, is one of the twofarms in the region that offers lessons,the other being Willaway Farm nearCarleton Place.“Today, there are more one-on-onekids (pairings), so we have more volunteers.Ideally we need nine,” said MariaHofbauer, the riding instructor for bothfarms, during a lull between the horsesgetting brushed and tacked up and thekids starting to arrive during a recentvisit. Looking up at the bloated cloudslooming over the outdoor riding arena,Hofbauer confessed that this Wednesdaylesson may need to be put on hold.“The horses have to be very quietand people-tolerant,” she said. “But ifit thunderstorms, even these horses getuneasy.”Nickers from the four steeds nearbyseem to punctuate her statement. Thehorses, two decked out in English saddlesand two dressed in mere barebackpads, waited patiently beside volunteersfor their riders. Their names areas pleasant and friendly as they are –Monkey, Cricket, Ebony and Calabar.Out in the riding field, Jane Irwin, avolunteer with the LCTRP for close tosix years, set up a table with colorfulplastic toys and foam swords. Framingthe toy table, which stands in the centerof the field like the hub of a wheel, arepoles that protrude from the ground ina perfectly straight and evenly spacedline. Weave poles, as they are called,are used in a more relaxed version ofthe sport “pole-bending” where horsesduck in and out around them at a walkingpace.Balancing on top of the poles arelarge, plastic rings.“These are the rings that they pick upand we ask what color they are,” Irwinexplained. “The volunteers will hold upthe rings and they (the kids) have to getit with the sword.”She demonstrated by spearing thefoam sword through the ring. It maynot be jousting, but the activity is agreat way to practice balance and handeyecoordination, “which the little boysjust love,” Irwin chuckled.However, the program doesn’t aimto put the cart before the horse whenit comes to the physical benefits of thelessons. Improvement happens gradually,but when it does, it is a victory.“We had a little boy who couldn’t situp on his own, and was too impatient tolisten to stories. With the program, hisbalance improved and his parents sawhim at home sitting quietly and coloringand it’s pretty amazing,” Hofbauerexpressed.But the physical improvements arenot the only positive of the program.Another benefit that is gained throughtherapeutic riding is the self-assured airinstilled in humans that goes hand inhand with being around horses. It is oftensaid that horses can sense emotions,and that calm, purposeful movementsare needed to reassure the horse. Theriders build confidence with the freedomthat horseback riding offers.“We had another little boy whodidn’t speak, but after a few months,he would walk around his house saying‘Whoa Ebony, whoa Ebony,’ whichis what the volunteers were repeatingto the horse he was riding,” continuedHofbauer.As the kids start to arrive, the horseswere brought to the mounting blockand volunteers helped the riders ontothe horses. Bennet Kaslof, who hasbeen with the program for two years,was all smiles as he was set atop thedark mare Ebony.“It was a struggle at first, but nowhe gets excited when the time comes,”commented Bennet’s father, Larry Kazlof,as he watched the lesson with theother parents.“It’s so rewarding,” attested JaneIrwin in whispered awe from behindthe fence. “I’ve never seen Eila smilebefore.”Eila VanWingerden, riding astrideCricket, has been in the program forfive years, and has seen improvementsin her trunk control and balance.Despite the success and longevity ofthe LCTRP, Hofbauer noted that keepingit running can be difficult.“We have to apply for grants everyyear, and we are always looking forvolunteers and donations,” she said,going on to explain that Cedar RockFarm plans to build a walk-in-shelterfor the horses once the funds have beenacquired. Saddles are also required,among other equestrian equipment.Those interested in donating or volunteeringcan call 613-257-7121, ext.238, or visit the website therapeuticriding.cafor more information.Page Taylor is a cooperative educationstudent from St. John CatholicHigh School.Photo by PAGE TAYLORBennet Kozlof takes Ebony through the paces over a jump rail as he isaided by volunteers with the Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program.Type 2?This means you.Consider a Clinical Study to Evaluatean Oral Investigational Drug forType 2 DiabetesWe are now enrolling adults who... Have type 2 diabetes Have uncontrolled blood sugar levels Are taking metformin (at least 1500 mg per day) Do not have severe uncontrolled high blood pressureParticipants may receive study-related... Doctor Visits Research Drug or Placebo Laboratory Work and Procedures Blood Glucose MeterTo Learn More about how you may be eligibleto participate, please contact:Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Persons depicted are models, not actual patients.Volunteer Deanna Barry is delighted with the progressof Riley Brown as he blows bubbles in the middlePhoto by PAGE TAYLORof the field. Brown has benefitted from the LanarkCounty Therapeutic Riding Program.R0012100052_0516For Free Study Medication/ Testing SuppliesPlease Contact:Canadian Center for Research on DiabetesesShelly or Emily613 - 283 - 8582Photographs areforillustrati124262-CE 08/2012THE EMC - 6 - Thursday, June 6, 2013