*Photos on this page don't necessarily go with the quotes or stories. They show a slice of One Heart Equestrian Therapy*
What One Heart means to riders and volunteers
One Heart’s reach extends well beyond the time riders and volunteers spend in the arena. Riding can change a person’s life, child or adult. Children as young as two or three have ridden with One Heart. One Heart’s oldest, consistent rider was John, who rode at all three of the first locations, and only quit riding in his early-80s. Volunteers range from teenagers to grandparents, all of whom are committed to keeping One Heart running, rain or shine. There are probably as many “transformation stories” as there are riders and volunteers.
Chloe is a teen with an intellectual disability. She began with the mini horse program, and moved on to riding. According to her mother, riding with One Heart has brought great benefits. She said, Chloe “learned the basics of interacting with, caring for and riding full size horses in a beginner class. The sense of responsibility was important, but so was Chloe’s continued learning about how her behavior and movements impacted the horses. She has come a long way and has since progressed in her skills to the independent rider group and loves that freedom.” The benefits have extended into other areas, too. “Being at One Heart has led to a new social world for Chloe. She is accepted for herself at One Heart by everyone: Kris, Jen, Dani, all the volunteers. She has made many other friends who have introduced us to other activities and more like-minded individuals. It has been a wonderful experience.”
Ricky, who was eleven when he began riding with One Heart, has moderate/severe autism, and a moderate intellectual disability. He generally will not speak with anyone he doesn’t know, and has very limited speech in general. He figured out very quickly, however, that talking in the arena had definite benefits. If he asked his horse to “walk on, please,” he would make the horse move. Sometimes, the horse would even trot! Just as impressive to his parents was the realization that riding the horse had given Ricky greater awareness of his positioning in space, and of the existence of other creatures outside himself. It took a while, but within a few sessions he was voluntarily petting and showing affection to the horse, something that had been difficult for him. Nellie, Bri and especially Shane had captured his attention and his heart. They have captured his parents’ hearts as well, since no other recreational program available in Story County has been so adaptable to Ricky’s needs.
Carson, another youngster with autism and an intellectual disability, has thrived at One Heart. His mother explained what One Heart has meant to Carson. “Our youngest son, Carson, has participated in One Heart Equestrian Therapy program for 3 years. It has been a wonderful program for him. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4 and is moderately intellectually challenged. Initially, Carson was very sensitive to his surroundings and very reluctant to ride. He has made great improvement in his tolerance of the environment. His balance and coordination improved, as well as his ability to verbalize commands to the horse. He is full of laughter and smiles when he rides now and it is apparent that he loves the connection with the horse, which can be challenging for people with autism.”
Kris views part of her role as both director and instructor to assure that the goals and instruction are actually following the therapeutic plan for the rider. She asked Carson’s mother if she could tell if the therapeutic teaching in the arena lingered outside the arena. This story was relayed; Carson was born and raised all of his fourteen years in a rural town which featured a weekend of celebration each summer. Every year Carson attended the parade never showing any emotion or connection to the floats, bands, emergency response vehicles, candy, balloons, or entries. Following a fall session of riding Nellie and participating in the Special Olympics, Carson again attended the summer parade. No response was given to the floats, bands, and other parade entries. However, when the final entry in the parade, the horses, passed by Carson, he stood, and he clapped. The connection had been made and it had been demonstrated.
There are so many One Heart success stories.
A young woman who had the use of only one hand wanted to participate in Special Olympics. The best possibility was the Ball Drop, which required the least amount of abrupt motion of the horse. She could hold onto the ball with one hand, but how was she going to carry it to the target? She went home to practice, practice, practice, stretching her fingers around a tennis ball – and won a gold medal.
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| Rosie says HAPPY HALLOWEEN! |
A partially paralyzed three year old began making significant progress after just three weeks of riding, astonishing the physical therapist who had worked with him since he was six weeks old.
When a young rider had a change of condition that made it impossible for her to either ride or drive, One Heart developed a program that would allow her to work with a miniature horse that she could lead while walking. One Heart adapted to her changing needs, and allowed her to keep challenging herself.
A boy with Angelman’s Syndrome improved his balance, and began to initiate walking on his own, something he had rarely attempted to do previously.
An adult with multiple sclerosis found that the program got her out, and got her moving. The therapy allowed her to improve her strength and range of motion significantly.
One Heart has given a boy with autism a chance to have fun while benefiting from activities that improve his core strength and balance. His mother commented, “One Heart Equestrian Therapy has been such a blessing in my son's life. My son also gets to participate in Special Olympics Equestrian competition, something Kris is very involved in.”
Another adult rider commented: “The program has taught me confidence- not only in myself but in trusting the horses, volunteers and instructors. It has also deepened my love for horses and helped me in so many ways.”
One Heart also changes the lives of others who come in contact with its programs. Students have done necessary research for masters and doctoral degrees, working with One Heart. Home schoolers, pre-vet students, and assorted interns have found projects to do with the organization. Girl Scouts have completed badge requirements and community service projects. Boy Scouts have done their Eagle projects with One Heart.
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| Spencer with Sensory Trail |
Volunteers, who have slogged through weather conditions of every kind, have found their lives enriched by One Heart. One volunteer said, “no matter what kind of day I have had, once I get to One Heart, I come away with a perma-grin.” Anna Wolc, a volunteer and Iowa State University student, reflected on the importance of One Heart in an essay she wrote for a composition class. “My shift is over. I sometimes wonder if the volunteers don’t gain more than they give. It seems to be a therapy for me, too. I get home tired but relaxed and happy with strength to get through the next week. `The greatest happiness in the world is lying on the horseback!’ If you don’t believe me, ask our riders. They’ll tell you with their smile, or eye blink, or `Yupi!’, or whatever way they use to communicate.” Volunteers often learn as much as the riders, developing their determination, attentiveness, and relationship skills. Many have never before worked with individuals with disabilities, and volunteering gives them the opportunity to learn about people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. As Kris commented, “It’s a transformation and process that’s always enjoyable.”
Looking toward the future
As of fall 2016, One Heart is not riding while looking for a new home. With the possibility of buying a “move-in-ready” facility in north Ames, One Heart is looking to raise at least $1.2 million, in order to make the dream a reality. One Heart hopes to continue its Motion, Developmental and Sport riding programs, as well as its driving and mini classes. A new location would make it possible to provide expanded services, including new mental health programs that require the privacy the new facility would allow. If One Heart is able to raise sufficient funds, a heated riding space for the most medically fragile riders will be possible. With a healthy, well-trained herd of therapy horses, and four PATH certified therapeutic riding instructors with Lori Weyhrich‘s recent certification, One Heart is ready to ride into a new era of services to the central Iowa community.
The story of One Heart Equestrian Therapy is continuously developing, even if this series of updates is over. Keep up with our progress here, on our website, and on our Facebook page.
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