2008 Woodie Awards
Horsin' Around: Equestrian center provides physical, emotional benefits to disabled children
By Katie Kurylo
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: Focus
The center houses 11 horses, all of which were donated. Most of the horses are used in the therapy lessons, but some are also used for the SRU equestrian team.
The SRU equestrian team will have close to 40 members in the fall, which is the height of the competition season. While the numbers taper off during the colder months, many still return for the shorter spring season.
Kimberly Negrin, the newly-elected captain of the team, was pleased when Storm Harbor was completed.
"We used the Westminster College team's barn this year," Negrin said. "It's nice to have our own place."
The team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and rides against universities such as Edinboro University and the University of Pittsburgh.
A variety of events are covered by the team, which rides English style, including jumping and hunt seat.
"What event you do depends on how good you are," Negrin said. "Some of the girls on the team do other shows on their own, but the actual team just rides in the IHSA."
The team has two member types: a formal member and an informal member. The formal members are expected to take more detailed lessons and travel with the team, while informal members can just ride and take less rigorous lessons. Anyone can try out for the team.
"You don't have to have any experience at all," Negrin said. "We are just looking for people who love horses and like to ride."
Though most of the team's members are not physical therapy majors, many still assist with the training lessons given at the center.
"We need three people a lesson," Negrin said. "One to lead the horse and two on each side of the child to make sure they don't fall. We also help brush the horse down after the lesson."
Gramlich said the lessons can have profound effects on the children.
"Riding can increase self-awareness and self-esteem," Gramlich said. "It's really amazing to see an emotional connection that forms between the horse and the child. It's a very remarkable process."
The SRU equestrian team will have close to 40 members in the fall, which is the height of the competition season. While the numbers taper off during the colder months, many still return for the shorter spring season.
Kimberly Negrin, the newly-elected captain of the team, was pleased when Storm Harbor was completed.
"We used the Westminster College team's barn this year," Negrin said. "It's nice to have our own place."
The team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and rides against universities such as Edinboro University and the University of Pittsburgh.
A variety of events are covered by the team, which rides English style, including jumping and hunt seat.
"What event you do depends on how good you are," Negrin said. "Some of the girls on the team do other shows on their own, but the actual team just rides in the IHSA."
The team has two member types: a formal member and an informal member. The formal members are expected to take more detailed lessons and travel with the team, while informal members can just ride and take less rigorous lessons. Anyone can try out for the team.
"You don't have to have any experience at all," Negrin said. "We are just looking for people who love horses and like to ride."
Though most of the team's members are not physical therapy majors, many still assist with the training lessons given at the center.
"We need three people a lesson," Negrin said. "One to lead the horse and two on each side of the child to make sure they don't fall. We also help brush the horse down after the lesson."
Gramlich said the lessons can have profound effects on the children.
"Riding can increase self-awareness and self-esteem," Gramlich said. "It's really amazing to see an emotional connection that forms between the horse and the child. It's a very remarkable process."
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