Ride With Pride
People with disabilities have found a new resource to help them overcome their weaknesses. Ride With Pride is a non-profit, therapeutic riding program for individuals with disabilities.
“The goal is to provide quality horse riding lessons to people who suffer with disabilities,” said Pat UpdeGraff, founder of Ride With Pride. “It’s all about the experience.”
For three-year-old Ryan Moore, this experience is what keeps him motivated. He is autistic and cannot walk on his own. Ride With Pride is helping overcome his disabilities.
“Since he can’t walk yet this really helps him,” said Sarah Moore, Ryan’s mother. “He’s always so excited to come ride the horse. It makes him happy even after when we are at home.”
The program is based around the rider’s connection with the horse. Since Ryan has trouble with his balance and walking on his own, he must learn to trust the horse he is riding.
“The movement of the horse mimics the movement of a persons hips moving when they walk,” said UpdeGraff. “So for a person in a wheelchair it’s moving those muscles that would normally move if they were able to walk.”
Trainers are helping Ryan strengthen his muscles through stretching, reaching, and hand-eye coordination.
Ryan has not developed his speech yet. Ride with pride trainers are teaching him through riding and controlling the horse.
“It’s as simple as saying ‘go’ for the horse to move forward or ‘whoa’ for the horse to stop and hearing that for the first time is very rewarding,” said UpdeGraff. “It’s a skill they learn just like other kids that allow them to go out and ride and compete.”
It’s a skill that takes time, but one that makes kids like Ryan feel like they can succeed.
“They have such a great sense of accomplishment and it gives them a real satisfaction to be able to get on a thousand-pound animal and have a good time,” explained UpdeGraff. “You will always see a huge smile on our riders’ faces because they are really enjoying the experience.”
It’s an experience that will keep Ryan smiling and enjoying life.
