Times-Advocate, 1979-04-25, Page 6By ELAINE TOWNSHEND
Page 6
s
Timei-Advocate, April 25, 1979
Riding for rehabilitation
The rehabilitative value of
horseback riding for the
disabled has been recognized
in Europe for fifty years. In
the past ten to fifteen years,
riding associations in
Canada and theUnited States
have offered this innovative
therapy to North Americans
with physical, mental
social handicaps.
Most organizations
made up of volunteers,
all have an advisory medical
board. Some associations
have private stables used
solely for handicapped
riders; others use multi
purpose stables in which
and
are
and
disabled riders are in
tegrated. A stable with the
latter concept is located near
Stratford.
Instructors are sometimes
appointed by the
associations, while others
work for the stables. An
instructor is not required to
have special training but
should be people-oriented as
well as knowledgeable of
horses.
Volunteers are found by
the stables, the associations
or the riders. Ideally a rider
has four people working with
him — the instructor, the
leader and two spotters, one
on each side of the horse.
Depending on the in
dividual’s handicap, his’ need
for help will decrease as his
experience progresses.
Half of the first lesson for a
new rider is devoted to
becoming familiar with the
horse and the stable and to
learning basic safety rules
and grooming methods. If a
student signs up for a certain
number of lessons, the in
structor commits himself to
the same length of time and
the same horse is used for
each lesson, if possible.
The student mounts a
wooden horse first to
discover whether he can
straddle a horse and to
. overcome possible fear of
height. On the real horse, he
learns proper position and
balance.
Exercises, such as stan
ding in the stirrups, swinging
one’s arms and rotating
one’s body, reaching the
horse’s ears and tail and
making a complete turn in
the saddle, are done by
anyone learning to ride a
horse They improve balance
and muscle tone and build
self-confidence.
Next the student learns
how to handle the reins and
how to take control, starting
and stopping the horse and
guiding the horse to right
and left turns. In subsequent
lessons, the rider progresses
from walking to trotting to
cantering.
Benefits to handicapped
riders are both physical and
psychological. Motor skills
improve. For example,
fastening buckles on the
cinch requires finger dex
terity. Handling the reins
and maintaining balance in
the saddle improves co
ordination. A hyperactive
rider discovers he must slow
his speech and movements in
order to control the horse.
Although many programs
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20% Off Blouses MR. AND MRS. DOUGLAS CUNNINGHAM
Deborah Irene Johnston and Douglas Gray Cunningham
were united in marriage April 7, 1979 at the Chapel of Huron
College, London by Dr. J.G. Morden. The bride is the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andu’w Johnston, Exeter and the
groom is the son of Mrs. Estelle Cunningham, Burlington. The
bridal attendants were Joan Lumsden, Barbara McIntosh and
Pamela Cunningham. The best man was Dr. Michael Foster
and guests were ushered by Ian Johnston and Duncan Cun
ningham. After a honeymoon to Bermuda the couple has
------■ . Pix by Peake
are designed
therapeutic rather than
recreational, they take the
patient out of the hospital
setting and the horse
provides motivation.
Inter-action with the horse
is important. As the rider
learns how to control his
mount, he gains self
confidence.
Most associations or
stables hold annual Open
Houses or Mini-Horse Shows
in which their riders com
pete for cups and ribbons
under show conditions. Itis a
highlight of the year for
riders, volunteers and in
structors alike, and it is a
means by which the public
can be educated to the im
portance of riding for people
with physical, mental and
social handicaps.
Recreational benefits of
horseback riding include
exercise and fresh air; many
people, who were never
before mobile, are able to go
cross-country on a horse. A
partially blind rider sums it
all up: “It’s a gas!”
weprovide:
*
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Chambers
and Gloria along with Mr. &
Mrs. Lome Preszcator were
in Windsor, Saturday, at
tending the funeral of Mr. Ed
Maguire, Mrs. Chambers’
brother and Mrs. Presz-
cator’s uncle. They also
called on their other
daughter and family Mr. &
Mrs.William Priestley in
Tilbury.
Boyle*s Ladies* Wear
EXETER
MR. AND MRS. MERVYN HERN
Teresa Frances Daniel and Mervyn C. Hern were united in
marriage at Exeter United Church on April 7, 1979, by Rev.
James Forsythe. Parents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. J. P.
Daniel, Exeter, and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Morris Hern, Exeter. Ruth Noels was maid of honour, with Viki
Cunningham and Mrs. Lynda Hern as bridesmaids. Flower
girl was Michelle Wright, cousin of the bride and groom. Best
man was John Wurm and the groom'sattendants were Chris
Daniel and Leroy Hern. Guests were ushered by Stephen
Daniel and Vernon Hern. After a honeymoon in Florida, the
couple will reside at RR 1 Granton. Photo by Jack Doerr
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Tiebacks • Holdbacks
Chains plus holdbacks are
especially practical because
the fabric folds fall naturally.
Holdbacks just off center, at
approximately % of the win
dow’s length...probably the
most favored position.
Placed low, holdbacks create
a “lengthening” line. Without
valance, this treatment would
add height.
Holdbacks are most popu
larly placed even with or
just below cafe rods. But can
also be used above them.
Use holdbacks as extra ac
cents to emphasize the
graceful swag as well as to
hold the draperies in grace
ful folds.
Drapery Hints
Where do holdbacks and tiebacks go?
Most popular positions are approximately three-fifths up or down the window
or at the sill. The “scoop” of the draperies can help achieve this proportion.
If cafe curtains are used underneath^ the over-draperies are most often gath
ered back at the level of the cafe rods or somewhat above it. Placing a hold
back low “widens” a window. Placing it high adds height. Narrow drapery
panels add to height while full ones increase width. The one-way effect,
sweeping a single panel across the entire window, is also a popular treatment.
DRAPERIES DONE PROFESSIONALLY AS YOU WOULD WANT THEM
FROM MEASUREMENT TO INSTALLATION DONE WITH CARE.
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