dbachman@observer-reporter.com
Annie Davis and Pam Vennare may have taken different paths to Horse 'N Soul Riding Academy in Washington, but now, they are both traveling in the same direction.
Vennare owns the horse farm, and Davis is a certified therapeutic riding instructor from Bethel Park. They have combined their love of horses - and children - to provide at-risk and special needs kids throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania with a carefree environment where they can boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.
One of the most recent beneficiaries of their generosity is the Mon Valley School in Jefferson Hills, a special education center operated by Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3.
The school recently received a Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge grant to operate a therapeutic horseback riding program for students with autism. Thirty-one of the school's youngest students - ages 6 to 14 - from the Autistic Support Program are enrolled in the horseback riding program, which is held twice a week at Horse 'N Soul.
"A horse's moves are repeatable, three-dimensional and symmetrical. Those three things cannot be duplicated by equipment," Davis said. "It's a way to get therapy while having fun."
When applying for the grant, Jack Trachoir, principal at Mon Valley School, wrote, "Incorporating a therapeutic riding component into our current program would add another research-based opportunity to maximize the development of students. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and cognitive benefits."
Physically, therapeutic riding strengthens muscles, improves coordination, increases reflexes, improves motor planning, increases range of motion in joints, improves respiration and circulation, reduces abnormal movement patterns and promotes sensory integration, stimulating tactile senses through touch and environmental stimuli.
It also increases self-confidence and visual/spatial perception, and it helps individuals develop patience and a respect for animals.
"It's wonderful. The benefits are amazing," said Erin Lindelof, a teacher at Mon Valley School who recently accompanied seven of her third- and fourth-grade students to one of their riding classes.
"There's a lot more vocalization among students who aren't vocal, while they're on the horse and during the ride home," she said.
Many of her autistic students walk on their toes, which causes their muscles to tighten. Horseback riding, she said, has helped them walk flat-footed.
She also recalled one student who would barely touch the horse during the first class. On this day - in just his third class - it took five minutes for him to summon the courage to mount the horse, but he rode, his arms outstretched and raised as the horse trotted over four ground poles. But the youngster's favorite part of the day is feeding the horses either carrots, apples or peppermint.
Another student with sensory issues doesn't like the feel of jeans. But he'll wear them when the class travels to the riding academy.
Lindelof also said her students' socialization skills have improved, noting that students who typically didn't interact with others are now doing so.
"The kids are so excited when we put the horseback riding days on a calendar," Lindelof said.
Stretching is one of the exercises that is repeated throughout the obstacle course. Students are asked to reach back and touch the horse's tail, and they will remove a ring from a traffic cone, then place it on the horse's ear.
Upon successful completion of the exercise, a student received a high five from Davis, which brought a huge smile to the child's face.
"That is a pretty big achievement," said Trachoir, who, on this day, was attending his first class.
Lindelof and paraprofessionals accompany the students to Horse 'N Soul, where Davis and several volunteers help the youngsters groom the horses and guide them throughout the course. Three adults are always with students while they are in the saddle.
Davis became a certified instructor not long after her daughter was born with Down's syndrome several years ago.
"Therapeutic riding stimulates verbal capacity, improves balance, muscle tone and emotional and social skills," said Davis, adding that the demand for therapeutic riding has grown to the extent there are waiting lists at area riding centers. "It touches so many areas."
Vennare was drawn to therapeutic riding for the emotional and social well-being it provides.
Her parents divorced when she was 8 years old, and she spent much of her time caring for her four younger siblings. The only outlet she had was horses, which she started riding when she was 2 years old.
The family couldn't afford a saddle, so she rode bareback, wrapping twine around the horse's neck as reins.
For Vennare, it was a "big-time" escape.
"I finally felt like I was connecting with someone, and it was a horse," she said.
And that's what she kept in mind when she opened Horse 'N Soul in 2004. In addition to the Mon Valley School, Vennare also has worked with Children and Youth Services in Washington.
"It's about kids, it's always been about the kids," Vennare said. "It's a safe place where they feel loved and protected."