Michelle
11-19-2006, 11:18 PM
Program bonding disabled with horses given a boost (http://www.silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1163952995110450.xml&coll=1)
New funding will allow it to remain open year-round on South Beach grounds
Sunday, November 19, 2006
By TEVAH PLATT
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
Any equestrian knows the bond between people and horses can be powerful.
At a corral in South Beach, it's also therapeutic.
Hundreds of Staten Islanders with various disabilities come to the riding grounds near the South Beach Psychiatric Center for lessons that use horses to curative and educational ends.
They feed, groom, lead, coax and ride ponies and horses in the acclaimed program of the Staten Island Recreation Association (http://www.disablednyc.com/links/links/Staten_Island_Recreation_Association_Inc-400.html), Helping Others Overcome Physical Handicaps (http://www.disablednyc.com/links/links/Helping_Others_Overcome_Physical_Handicaps-687.html) (HOOPH).
Since the program's inception two years ago, activities designed to address a wide range of impairments have been offered seasonally.
But last week, Borough President James Molinaro announced the allocation of $750,000 from the 2007 capital budget that will fund the design and construction of a permanent, enclosed riding ring, enabling the program to operate year-round on the state Parks Department property.
"The building will be a phenomenal asset for us," said program director Megan Delmar. "It takes months and months [for the participants] to accomplish what they do. Then they're set back by the off-season."
The facility is used by about 60 consumers per week, whose disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, and others.
And they're making important strides.
One consumer, a 20-year-old with autism, chooses to speak only during these sessions, Ms. Delmar said. Another, she observed, seemed to feel a swell of accomplishment while guiding a horse from his wheelchair. For some, the effect of hippotherapy is calming. And perhaps for all, it is thrilling.
New funding will allow it to remain open year-round on South Beach grounds
Sunday, November 19, 2006
By TEVAH PLATT
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
Any equestrian knows the bond between people and horses can be powerful.
At a corral in South Beach, it's also therapeutic.
Hundreds of Staten Islanders with various disabilities come to the riding grounds near the South Beach Psychiatric Center for lessons that use horses to curative and educational ends.
They feed, groom, lead, coax and ride ponies and horses in the acclaimed program of the Staten Island Recreation Association (http://www.disablednyc.com/links/links/Staten_Island_Recreation_Association_Inc-400.html), Helping Others Overcome Physical Handicaps (http://www.disablednyc.com/links/links/Helping_Others_Overcome_Physical_Handicaps-687.html) (HOOPH).
Since the program's inception two years ago, activities designed to address a wide range of impairments have been offered seasonally.
But last week, Borough President James Molinaro announced the allocation of $750,000 from the 2007 capital budget that will fund the design and construction of a permanent, enclosed riding ring, enabling the program to operate year-round on the state Parks Department property.
"The building will be a phenomenal asset for us," said program director Megan Delmar. "It takes months and months [for the participants] to accomplish what they do. Then they're set back by the off-season."
The facility is used by about 60 consumers per week, whose disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, and others.
And they're making important strides.
One consumer, a 20-year-old with autism, chooses to speak only during these sessions, Ms. Delmar said. Another, she observed, seemed to feel a swell of accomplishment while guiding a horse from his wheelchair. For some, the effect of hippotherapy is calming. And perhaps for all, it is thrilling.