Therapeutic horse riding brings joy in Rathdrum
Jackson Shtein lights up as he throws a stuffed animal from the back of Jubilee at Harmony Ranch. The disability agency Chrysalis took summer campers to the ranch in Rathdrum for some equine therapy Thursday morning.
Left to right: Sean Mahon, Peggy Zappone and Jackson Shtein.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
Hunter Nap receives a round of applause from Misha Shtein and Melissa Schroeder after succeeding during an equine therapy game at Harmony Ranch.
Ethan Starr pumps his fist after playing a game while on horseback at Harmony Ranch.
Diana Clemons celebrates Tanner Flinn getting a stuffed animal into a basket at Harmony Ranch.
Mark Poncato and Ethan Starr get ready to mount horses at Harmony Ranch.
RATHDRUM — Mark Poncato's heart remained with Rodeo the horse even after he finished his ride at Harmony Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center.
"I love him," Poncato said.
Rodeo, a 20-year-old horse blind in one eye, along with Heiress and Jubilee, left a lasting impression on the riders during their session.
Chrysalis CEO Terri Johnson said that equine therapy was chosen for Camp Chrysalis' penultimate day because it offered both excitement and a calming experience.
Tanner Flinn, who learned to use the reins over the course of the morning, shared his favorite part: Telling jokes on horseback. "Two goldfish are in a tank," he said. "One turns to the other and says, 'Do you know how to drive this thing?'"
Diana Clemons, who has run the horse therapy ranch for 20 years, designs activities adaptable to riders' varying needs. Johnson praised Clemons' understanding of the challenges faced by children with disabilities.
"For those that are afraid of animals, horseback riding can help that. Some of our kids are afraid of horses and getting up on them. So, for some it can be about overcoming fear in a safe environment" Johnson said.
Hunter Nap receives a round of applause from Misha Shtein and Melissa Schroeder after succeeding during an equine therapy game at Harmony Ranch.
Ethan Starr pumps his fist after playing a game while on horseback at Harmony Ranch.
Diana Clemons celebrates Tanner Flinn getting a stuffed animal into a basket at Harmony Ranch.
Mark Poncato and Ethan Starr get ready to mount horses at Harmony Ranch.