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by Chrysa Smith
On a 40-acre parcel in Central Bucks, horses of all sizes, breeds and backgrounds come together for a common purpose. And that is to provide equestrian therapy for those with a variety of special needs. The thoroughbreds, cart-pulling, privately-owned, Norwegian Fjords, ponies and mini horses have what it takes to land the job—good temperaments that can significantly help children with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Therapeutic riding instructors, occupational (OT) and physical therapists (PT), and equine specialists work with clients both on and off the horse.
According to Janice Witt, Executive Director (and registered and licensed OT) of the Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center in Warrington, “Herd animals make them very in tune to emotional states. When in the wild, they need to be able to sense changes in breathing and heart rate, and they can recognize facial expressions. This acts as a mirror to our emotions and sets us up to recognize them and learn coping skills.” Maybe that’s why close to 50 percent of their riders are dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the variety of sensory perception and interactive skills which come with it. “Therapeutic riding (their biggest program), that is riding lessons taught by an instructor, are tailored to the individuals,” Janice adds.
“We receive some referrals. We also work directly with Bucks County Behavioral Health to provide alternative therapy opportunities to kids that aren’t responding to traditional talk therapy,” Janice says. And the facility has received several accreditations, both for their high standards, as well as safety. They have a Premier Center certification from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH International), as well as Equus Guardian Status and are a US Equestrians Federation Community Partner.
People with degenerative disorders, paralysis, substance abuse, Down’s syndrome, ADHD, and mental health diagnoses (PTSD, depression, anxiety) and the elderly benefit too—whether it’s confidence that comes with interacting with the animals, building skills or helping with mobility issues. “The gait of the horse mimics a human gait, so it helps to strengthen the muscles needed for ambulation. Sitting on the horse also requires a lot of core strength and flexibility,” Janice says, “Being able to sense changes in heart rate and breathing help keep the herd safe in the wild to alert to danger. This makes them fantastic mirrors for our participants thought and emotions.”
“There are currently 19 horses on the property—17 working in the program, one retired and one privately owned by a staff member,” the director says. There is a ‘right temperament’ for the horses, and it does consist of a few key traits—mainly their willingness to stand, be slow and steady, easy to manage and non-reactive to loud noises. According to Janice, “Horses are paired based on size and ability of the rider. Taller riders get a taller horse. An anxious rider or a rider that struggles with balance will get one of our older horses that have slow, even, predictable gaits. A more advanced rider that is ready to learn new skills might match with a horse that has more get up and go.” This generally makes the job perfect for horses around the age of 15-20.
According to Janice, “Older horses make for better therapy horses. They have the experience and aren’t as reactive to environmental stimuli.” The horses are monitored for changes in behavior, like an unwillingness to participate. If so, they take them out of the program—perhaps retire them. Yet there is a need for horses that present more of a challenge as members progress with their therapies. So, the youngest horse in the program is six.
Besides the arena and stalls, the complex contains some other ordained spaces—like the one used for initial evaluation of riders. It’s here where the PTs, OTs and their assistants shine. There is an electronic horse saddle simulator to judge a candidate’s ability. And an observation room for parents and siblings to wait and watch, the food and Rx room and the equipment room, where the special riding accessories are kept.
Adaptive equipment is used according to needs. Therapy pads, soft saddle-shaped pads offer more comfort. Rainbow reins (with blocks of color on them) enable the riders to hold the rein in the correct color location. Ladder reins (which look like their name) are used with one-sided paralysis/weakness issues. And a cup that sits inside stirrups for added strength and stability. You might think riders are regularly paired with favorite horses, but not so. They get to ride several of the horses that work best for their situation depending upon availability of the horses already in session.
Founder Kathy Quinn began the program in 1982, With a Psych degree and the study of riding for the handicapped, she had worked and volunteered at another therapeutic riding center in Collegeville, and has experience working in special education. It’s been a steady climb ever since. Last year, there were 440 participants, with about 100 of them riding weekly and others in group programs. Still, the waiting list is long—over 400 others hope to take part in the programs—in working with this array of equine characters.
Janice, who joined the Special Equestrians team in 2019 and became the director in 2022, surely knows her way around a paddock. As she introduced me to her four-legged friends, she spoke of her childhood spent around horses and her time as a riding instructor and a competitive rider. “I always wanted to be around horses,” she says. She certainly got her wish. “We don’t have a need to search for horses recently,” Janice says. “Many times, they come to us.” She rarely says no to a good horse looking for a home. Yet, because of the set number of stalls, they are about at capacity. To accommodate their large waiting list, expansion is something always on their minds.
So naturally, Janice introduced me to the program’s stars. Each with their own personalities and abilities, the four-legged staff even contains members with their own disabilities, like Salem, who is blind in her right eye. Or Bear, the longest tenured horse in the program who is missing one eye. But he was inducted into the EQUUS Hall of Fame.
According to the organization, the purpose of the Horse Stars Hall of Fame is to honor the contributions of amazing horses, share the stories of their athletic and humanitarian feats, and build a more informed and compassionate America that values the bond between horses and people.
And then there’s Bailey, considered a free lease—with owners that still visit and maintain ownership. Seems that horses have issues too, like digestive problems, requiring time spent with vets and if necessary, a trip to a special facility in New Jersey. While there are exceptions, their health issues don’t seem to fully stop them. From thoroughbreds to pasture horses to those pulling carts, a change in career often comes with these special horses who have a magical working relationship with their riders.
One of my particular favorites was Glow, a dwarf mini horse. She dons a pair of sneakers and a diaper when out on the town. She climbs into the back of a truck, head hung out the window as he makes his way to nursing homes and schools. Another, JZ, also leaves the complex for such visits. Opus, one of the aging horses, had his moments of fame at the Devon Horse Show, winning top honors in the Therapeutic Rider Division. Others participated in the Commonwealth Golf Course fundraiser. The program is both serious and fun. Riders get to play games with their horses, like throwing toys and playing with wind chimes. “These are activities we use to engage the riders,” Janice adds. “Tossing toys requires a lot of balance, strength and sensory skills to complete. While on the horse, we use these tasks to add an increased challenge and motivation where appropriate. Some of the horses like to try and chime in.”
Most of the riding takes place in an indoor arena—outside on good weather days. Within the ring, a soft groundcover provides comfort for the horses, while pictures are hung on the wall. They are visual cues for the participants while learning to ride, A person called a lead might tell a rider to go as far as a picture on the wall when they first begin. Other times, there are obstacle courses set up for a seasoned rider’s challenge. The program for skill development is created by OTs and PTs, while OT interns from Temple University help with the implementation. But in every case, there is always a lead and two side tenders to make sure the rider is safe at all times—and only three horses at a time in the arena. For those with mobility challenges, there is a handicap-accessible ramp to help raise kids up to the horse’s level. “We try to make it as fun as possible for the riders, with new challenges along the way,” says Janice. Outdoors, a sensory garden adds to the fun and challenge, with games to play outdoors
Amazingly, the riders begin at age two, and keep going up through their 70s. At two, the basics are introduced. And in later years, the focus is more on riding with age-related concerns. Petting and spending time with the horses is another opportunity, often providing an activity and a sense of purpose for older folks.
As far as success stories? The organization’s first child with disabilities came to them in 1982. He still comes. Two other young people have been riding for over 20 years. Others gain skills and are able to operate with more confidence, flexibility, mobility and a decrease in emotional issues, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Janice says the average retention rate is about eight years, many riders discharged upon the evaluation of the PTs and OTs.
With four full time staff, over two dozen part-time workers and over 200 volunteers, the program is a large operation—one that includes everything from administration and marketing to horse grooming, feeding, property maintenance, leading the horses and participants around—The large parcel, requires a lot of work—time, funding and involvement. There are corporate sponsors who provide funding as well as volunteers. “Most of our new participants we find are through an internet search or word of mouth,” Janice says. And of course, there are financial grants.
Warrington Township had granted them a 30-year lease, which is up in five years. And of course, everyone involved is doing all they can to ensure that this successful and beneficial program continues. Perhaps most touching of all, participants come to Special Equestrians regardless of their ability to pay. Upon joining, everyone’s fee is immediately reduced by 50% and many riders receive additional funding through their own grants. The program is truly an impressive venture. What was started over 40 years ago still provides a wonderful service to the community. And everyone involved pulls together to make this a special place for so many special people.
The Special Equestrian center is located at 2800 Street Road, Warrington, PA. To learn more about Special Equestrians, including opportunities to make a difference, visit https://www.specialequestrians.org.
Chrysa Smith is a regular contributor, born and bred city girl who finds her new stable-bred friends most interesting—and a tad intimidating.