The Equestrian Therapy Program isn't just pony rides.
The Equestrian Therapy Program is creating miracles every day. Executive Director Michelle Andrews-Sabol told us that ETP is currently providing therapy horseback riding to 83 people every week. Riding a horse moves the client's muscles in the same way they would move if the person was walking, helping stretch and limber the muscles. Physical therapists help their clients do exercises on horseback, building strength and balance. "One trip around the ring is the equivalent of working on eight pieces of exercise equipment," says Andrews-Sabol. Clients also receive emotional benefits from bonding with the horses. "Our horses have done so many special things for our riders. We've had non-verbal autistic children say their first words on there. That is the first words the parents have heard their children say. One of our volunteers was in a wheelchair and could not walk. She went from a wheelchair to arm crutches to running along beside a horse and becoming an instructor herself. That's the kind of miracles that happen out there." ETP currently has 19 horses and is about to acquire a 20th - a 17-3 hand Belgian/Quarter Horse cross named Peanut. "He is extremely quiet. For a lot of our riders, he will fit them well, and I hope that he will be part of our program for a long time." Andrews-Sabol encouraged everyone to attend ETP's Kentucky Derby Party on May 4 which is a major fundraiser for the organization.
Johnny Appleseed Parks Director Kevin Haver provided an update on the expansion of the Rotery Riverwalk from Roush Road through Country Club Hills to the OSU/Rhodes campus. They are meeting with affected property owners for right of way access and Haver says so far, things are positive. He also told us that the All People's Trail at Kendrick Woods has been removed and as soon as the weather improves it will be rebuilt. The 1/3 mile handicap-accessible trail is more than 30 years old and was deteriorating. The Lima Rotary Club donated $5,000 to the project.
Also at Rotary, President Paul won the PolioPlus auction for 4 tickets to Crafton Beck's final concert with the Lima Symphony Orchestra with a winning bid of $100.
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