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Laurie
& Sam
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A Rider's Story
Laurie
I contacted Lydia shortly
after having a bad riding accident at another local stable. I had
always wanted to ride and loved horses, what young girl didn't,
so I started to ride at a local stable taking lessons. After having
the accident there I looked for someplace else to ride. Then I heard
about the Therapeutic Riding Program, I don't remember how, but
I contacted Lydia and great things began to happen.
My family and I went
out to the farm and met Lydia and the horses and within the hour,
she had me up on a few ponies and horses assessing me and figuring
out which mount would be the best fit. Now each person is different
and assessment varies, however I was fairly mobile and had already
been on a horse. That session I was matched up with Joey, a quarterpony
(half quarter horse/half pony) and that was the real start of my
life with horses. Joey and I started riding together and learning
together in the spring of 1990. It is so true what they say, on
a horse you are just like everyone else, I was just as tall, and
I could walk and run/trot just as fast as any normal sized person.
With Lydia's direction and guidance, Joey and I were becoming a
team, and we were doing it under the safest possible conditions
under a very experienced and qualified coach who had been specially
trained to help people such as myself.
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Laurie
& Just Joey
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That first summer I decided
to enter the local Therapeutic Riding show.The Therapeutic Riding
has competition levels that riders may compete in, from divisional
to provincial, Eastern/Western Canadain division, to Canadian championship.
Joey and I did well in the various events and won 1st place overall
- that motivated me to set my goal of competing in the provincial
dressage show next summer. After a lot more training and practice,
Joey and I earned the right to compete at the CNE for the provincial
competition. That year we won 1st place for Ontario and 2nd place
for the Eastern Canadian Division.
Within a few years after
that I was no longer able to ride due to medical conditions however,
last year I again became a participant with the new driving program.
As I was not able to ride, I decided to learn to drive the horses.
This has been a wonderful experience as I am again involved with
horses and the stable. As an added benefit, the work with the horses,
brushing, harnessing up, etc. has strengthed me so that this past
summer, I was back in a saddle! I am looking forward to practicing
both disiplines now. Who knows, I might even make it back into competition,
but if not, I still have the freedom of being back with the horses.
As I felt Lydia and the
Therapeutic Program gave me so much, I have tried to return some
of that help by being a volunteer for the program. I help with calls,
or paper work, or even in the barn. Basically I try to help Lydia
with whatever I can.
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Ted
& Applejack
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Ted Prest's Comments
Riding has given me a
new dimension in my life. Riding has helped me with my balance.
Learning the names and parts of the horses and their equipment has
helped me with my memory. It has been really great getting to know
the instructor, volunteers and the other riders. I like driving,
but riding gives me a greater sense of control over the horse. I
look forward to riding each week, but am sorry that the lessons
go by so fast.
For the Love of a
Horse Named "Comet"
The day
Christopher met Comet was a miracle in the making. Among his several
other disabilities, which include Cerebral Palsy with some spinal
scoliosis, Aspergers Syndrome, and some psychiatric problems, Chris
is a recovering addict (61/2 years clean now).
His relationship
with Comet was so amazing that Chris gives him a lot of the credit
for helping him overcome his personal problems. He has become a
pleasant, gentle, helpful young man.
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Chris
& Red Venture
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Chris and
Comet could sense any discomfort each other was feeling and make
adjustments - a relationship Chris had never been able to experience
before. This was the final breakthrough needed to create a loving
relationship with his family.
Comet has helped Chris
build self-confidence and self-esteem, and the ability
to compete on an equal level with his sister. Chris also learned
coping skills when the horse he adored passed away. Now he is learning
to be adaptable by riding the other therapy horses with their different
tack and temperaments. Comet will always have a special place in
Chris's heart.
Chris now accepts how
truly lucky his is, and shows this by helping others. He is now
living on his own with some parental supervision. Besides riding,
he loves to cook, do gardening, read and care for his asthmatic
cat and pet mouse.
Kayla's Testimonial
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Kayla
& Thumper
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Hi, my name is Kayla
and I’m 15 years old. I’ve been riding here at Rainbow Stables since
I was about 5 years old and it’s been my greatest experience yet.
I love horses as much as I love riding. I guess you can say I’m
horse crazy. I’ve been partners with many horses, such as: Thunder;
he was my very first pony to ride in competitions at the Fall Fair,
Joey, Scooter, Sunkisst, Moonlight, Comet; I rode Comet for about
two years. I went to Val-Rita for a horse show and we won some ribbons
and two trophies. It was Comet’s first time at a horse show, he’s
a wonderful horse. Thumper; was my recent horse that I was riding
for about 2 years, she was only 4 years old. One of the events that
I participated with Thumper was a Halloween show last year. I’m
currently riding Digger; he’s pretty new at Rainbow Stables but
he’s adjusting quite well. It hasn’t been very long that I’ve been
riding him but I think we make a good team. I love each and every
one of the horses and I will always remember them with great memories.
These years of riding has helped me build more confidence in myself
and also the ability to do more beyond my disability. I also do
volunteer work at the stables whenever I’m needed. It’s a lot of
fun and a great experience for me. I would like to thank my riding
coach Lydia Dubanow and all the volunteers for making it all happen.
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Kelly
& Moonlight
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Comments from Kelly
F.
When I started riding
2 years ago, I didn't have much balance or confidence or anything,
but thanks to Lydia and some volunteers, that has all changed. My
balance improved dramatically. I also learned independence. Lydia
taught me a lot of things that I never dreamed of knowing about
a horse. I learned how to be patient with the horses. I learned
a lot from Lydia and I can promise for people who have disabilities
that you will learn a lot from her. She is a great coach. She encouraged
me a lot and had so much patience going on the trail. She showed
me and other riders that we can do things without our parents
around. I really like riding because it gave me the freedom
to do something that I totally love and it also got me to make friends
with the other riders. If anyone is thinking of joining, please
do. A lot of things will improve, I can honestly say, I did, in
a lot of ways even more than I can think of. If it weren't for Lydia
and the Timmins Therapeutic Riding Association, my dream would have
never come true.
