Village Squire, 1979-09, Page 27In the barn at Pineview Stables, a rider and volunteer groom the horse and prepare to "tack
up". --Photo by Elaine Townshend.
department of Oxford Regional Centre, he
does exercises on horseback. that are
designed to improve balance. co-ordination
and muscle tone and to help overcome fear
of height.
These exercises, which include standing
in the stirrups, rotating the body and
touching the horse's ears and tail, are done
by all new riders.
Next the rider learns how to handle the
reins and take control of his mount. which
helps to build his self-confidence. The rider
progresses from a walk to a trot.
Ron Taylor enthusiasticly endorses the
program, because of the improvement he
has noted in almost all the riders who have
taken part in the past three years.
Another group that uses the Pineview
facilities is the Sunbeam Home for
Mentally Handicapped Children in Kitch-
ener -Waterloo. The children come one
morning each week for pony rides and
bring their own volunteers, Mrs. Rommens
recalls five -year-olds and even younger
children beaming during their rides.
According to Mrs. Rommens, horseback
riding is an experience that should not be
out of bounds for handicapped children and
adults. Besides its rehabilitative value, it is
an enjoyable recreation.
"I feel all people need to be close to a
living thing," explains Mrs. Rommens.
Although she is pleased with the
progress at Pineview, she would like to see
it develop further. She wishes more groups
would "give their people a chance to
benefit from the therapy of horseback
riding. because the relationship between
horse and rider adds incentive to a
rehabilitative program."
She adds that in her experience, parents
of handicapped children usually have been
reluctant to let their children try. They are
often the most difficult people to convince
that horseback riding is not only possible
for their children but can be very helpful.
Mrs. Rommens also wishes more
physically handicapped people would find
out for themselves that horseback riding is
possible for them. Not all people will be
interested in the recreation and not all
people will benefit from the therapy, but
she maintains those who want to try should
have the opportunity. Handicapped people
should not be segregated and should not be
restrained from doing what the rest of
society is doing.
In the arena, four riders back up her
opinions. A young man, who a few months
ago could climb only two steps, overcomes
his fear of height and mounts a horse.
Another boy rides alone controlling his
horse and, at the same time, controlling his
hyperactive tendencies. An autistic rider,
who is usually in a world of his own, takes
part in the exercises.
And a young girl, who has balance,
co-ordination and speech difficulties, urges
her horse to "Trot on! Trot on!" 0
drumclos
arlm
crafts S herbs
Spinning Wheels
Spindles Carders
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and Niddy-noddies
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Canadian and British
Fleece, Wool, Mohair,
Camel, Alpaca, Yak
and Goat hair Tops
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FIBRE SAMPLES 52.00
RR 5, BRUSSELS, ONT.
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AIL
HAND CRAFTED
PINE FURNITURE
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Varied selection of
PINE
REPRODUCTIONS
Quilts
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New Summer Hours: Tues., Wed.
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Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sun. 12 to 6 Closed Mon.
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SEBRINGVILLE
TEL. 393-6660
September 1979, Village Squire 2S