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Written & Photographed by Olivia Halverson Unbridled Ability 108 • April 2018
Anyone who has made a long two-lane trek down Highway 18 has seen the countless pastures, farm animals, and inconspicuous gravel roads that border both sides of the pavement. In the absence of traffic or the occasional slow-moving vehicle, it’s a tranquil drive–so tranquil, that many have likely driven past RideABILITY Lane without the slightest idea of the transformative experiences that take place there. RideABILITY is a nonprofit therapeutic horseback riding center. Husband and wife Harold and Christy Henderson founded the center in 2007 with a mission to improve and enable the bodies, minds, and spirits of those with special life challenges through the benefits of therapeutic riding. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) defines therapeutic riding as an equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs. PATH is a global authority and resource for equine-assisted activities and therapies. The RideABILITY center is a member of PATH, and Christy Henderson is the center’s official PATH-certified instructor. There are 30 riders currently enrolled at RideABILITY, ranging from a minimum age of four with no upper age limit. The riders represent a wide array of mental, physical, and emotional needs. Approximately 40% of RideABILITY riders are on the autism spectrum. During a typical lesson, riders will participate in a series of equine-assisted games and activities with support from volunteers. The therapeutic benefits of these activities generally include improved self-esteem, socialization, improved anxiety, communication development, and balance. Therapeutic horseback riding is especially helpful for people who struggle with balance. Christy explained that the way a horse moves is very similar to the way a human pelvis moves. After students ride for a while, they can experience strengthening in muscles that are used for walking. They can also have stimulation of nerves that have not been stimulated in a long time. Therapeutic riding horses are typically middle-aged or older, and they have a very mild temperament. There are five horses that take residence at RideABILITY: Rowdy, Lily, Toby, Peach, and Cherokee. Trust-building is an important takeaway for those who participate in therapeutic horsemanship. Most riders develop a bond with one or more of the horses. Bonds also develop between riders and the volunteers. As with any nonprofit, money has been a constant challenge for RideABILITY. The Hendersons personally invested in the center for many years, but volunteers and monetary donations have been pillars for sustaining RideABILITY. Despite the physical and financial demands of operating a therapeutic horseback riding center, every penny and bead of sweat is worth it to see a smile on the face of a rider. Over the years, Christy and the RideABILITY volunteers have witnessed several moments of breakthrough. During lessons, Christy has heard a non-verbal rider say their very first word. She has watched a mother burst into tears after seeing her child mount a horse with calm concentration. The mother had never seen her child so quiet and focused. “Therapeutic horseback riding may not cure the underlying diagnoses of our riders,” says Christy. “But it truly makes them stronger.” RideABILITY Lane is a path trodden by hoof prints, wheel chair tracks and anxious footsteps all leaving behind the troubles of everyday life. It is a path that leads many to transformation of the mind, body and spirit, and ultimately toward a life of unbridled ability. Hometown Rankin • 109
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volume 5 number 2 April 2018 Addy G
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