A horse is a horse, of course, especially for Rocky Top
Equines prove divine for disabled children

by Diana De Leon, reporter

    Handicapped children play basketball while sitting atop a therapy horse as part of a program designed to help children with physical and emotional disabilities.

   At the Rocky Top Therapy Center in Keller, the benefits of therapeutic riding include improved muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor skills and emotional well-being.

   Jean Enzian, executive director of the center, said, “I have the best job in the world because my office is outdoors, and we do see miracles here.”

   The Rocky Top Center has a variety of programs for children and adults with disabilities.

   The center has 53 therapy horses, sees 200 patients a week and has a roster of 150 volunteers every week.

   The patients have a minimum of three volunteers with them at all times while they are on the horse: the horse leader to lead the horse and two side walkers, to offer support if needed.

   The horse leader is in charge of the horse while the side walkers are in charge of the rider.

   “The volunteers are an important part of the programs,” Enzian said.

   The hippotherapy program at the Rocky Top Center uses the movement of the horse as a treatment tool to improve neuromuscular function.

   The horse’s movement is variable, rhythmic and repetitive and is similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking.

   “The children are stretching all the muscles used for walking,” she said.

   Licensed physical therapists and therapy assistants use the horse to accomplish treatment goals as specified by a physician’s prescription. Periodic evaluations by the physical therapist are sent to the rider’s physician.

   “There are goals to be met, and outcomes are evaluated,” she said.

   Melissa Carrier of Fort Worth takes her 7-year-old son, Christopher, to Rocky Top two days a week for therapy.

   Christopher goes to occupational and physical therapy in a clinic setting but likes Rocky Top better.

   “He likes it so much, he does not want to leave,” Carrier said.

   Children with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other medical conditions can benefit from hippotherapy.

   The Rocky Top Center offers a program called Trail Blazers, a continuation of treatment previously received in hippotherapy.

   This program develops fine motor skills and improves posture and balance. Riders develop horsemanship skills, and many compete in Special Olympics or Top Hand Competitions.

   As with hippotherapy, Trail Blazers riders have goals and outcomes evaluated.

   The Rocky Top Therapy Center was founded in 1990 by Doug and Vivian Newton on their ranch in Keller.

   The idea for therapeutic riding started with the Olympic games of 1952.

   Liz Hartwell won a silver medal in the 1952 Olympic Games for dressage, a horseback riding event.

   Her victory in a very public arena caught the attention of handicapped people around the world because she was a victim of polio.

   Hartwell’s experience inspired a Norwegian therapist, Boothker, to establish a riding group for children with disabilities.

   This was the beginning of therapeutic riding centers all over Europe, which led to the birth of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

   In the United States, therapeutic riding centers were established in the ’60s.

   In 1969 The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) was formed.

   It is an organization that promotes the rehabilitation of individuals with physical, emotional and learning disabilities through equine-facilitated activities.

   Therapeutic riding has an emotional benefit as well, according to the NARHA.

   On horseback, those with physical limitations can experience a freedom of movement, and self-esteem is boosted from this ability.

   The sprit is as important as the body, states NARHA.

   The Rocky Top Center offers a program called the Right Trial to students from ages 9 to 18 who are at risk, including students who are dealing with the death of a loved one or students at risk of illegal activities.

   The program uses horses, a low-element challenge course and counselors to help youth improve their lives and handle stress.

   Professionals work hand in hand with school counselors on this program.

   “Learning to ride a horse builds self-esteem,” Enzian said.

   The Rocky Top Center and all their instructors are accredited through the NARHA.

   The NARHA offers educational resources and instructor certification. It also provides standards of safety and guidelines for riders.

   Children or adults with 40 percent or more curvature of the spine are not allowed to ride.

   The horses go through an evaluation that determines their acceptance into the therapeutic riding program.

   Staff members look at the horse’s temperament, gait and personality.

   Horses go through a training period, as do instructors and volunteers.

   Hippotherapy and therapeutic riding offer children and adults with disabilities more than just a horseback ride.