Michele's Story
Hi! My name is Michele and I’ve recently moved to this area. I have always loved horses. I have a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and am a licensed social worker. For the past 17 years I’ve been working with the Alzheimer population in nursing homes and assisted living environments. I have also worked with chronically mentally ill and developmentally disabled clients.
After so many years of this I felt the need for a change, so I started searching out where I could test the waters. I started volunteering at the Hanson Center in Burr Ridge, Il. The work there was very rewarding and I really enjoyed working with the students. But due to life changes had to move away from that area after just a short time.
With God’s help, He led me to Victory Reins and Sandy. I had put this desire to work with horses on children on my “ GODS TO DO LIST” and believe or not within a week or two I received a call from Sandy. She was recruiting volunteers for the Center and when I mentioned that I had moved to Manhattan she stated that she was opening a new therapeutic riding center very close to my home. I made an appointment to come and meet her and see what she had to offer and HERE I AM! I come out on my days off and have been learning to feed and turn out the horses, clean stalls, water buckets , side walking with kids and whatever else comes my way!
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the horses and learning their personalities. This experience has been exceptional and has been filling my passion and dreams to work with horses and kids with so much more to come!
In November I am planning on going through my EGALA ( Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certification that will enable me to work with severely mentally challenged individuals and horses through EAP( Equine Assisted Psychotherapy).
This is all an answer to prayer and I am so excited to see what doors will be opening for me. Finally I feel like I am doing what I was created to do by combining my education and my passion for horses!
So if you have a passion or a desire to make a difference in someone’s life come out to Victory Reins and spend a little time helping out here and you will see that it will make a huge difference in your life as well as someone else! See you there☺!
Michele
Sonny's Story
My name is Sonny, I am 13 years old. And have a clinical diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome. Usually we aren’t able to walk with out support or talk at all. Amazingly I can almost run! I have been riding horses for about 5 years now. When I first started, I needed to be supported in order not to fall off with each step the horse took. Now I ride totally independent and am learning lots of fun things. I have been learning how to communicate using sign language
I was lucky enough to have my own horse to ride whenever I wanted but all I did was sit on the horse while I was being led around. This was very helpful for my core/trunk muscles but sometimes I would get bored. Now that I am riding at Victory Reins, I am learning how to steer and even stop my horse. I get to play fun games on horseback and steer around barrels and weave cones. They have even taught me how to communicate ‘walk on” to my horse by tapping in the saddle. I can even trot now! I love to trot! A few weeks ago we went to our first horse show and I won a blue ribbon! I love the staff at Victory Reins look forward to seeing them every week!
Georgia's Story
I never imagined, in my entire life ,that I Georgia would ever be able to ride a horse. I was born with Cerebral Palsy and am rather limited as to my mobility. My Physical therapist recommended that Horseback riding would be an excellent way to help me stretch my legs. It would also improve my balance, strengthen my core muscles and do a whole lot more that I really don’t understand but am living proof that it does!
Riding not only helps me physically but also mentally. It gives me such a great feeling of accomplishment. It helps me unwind and relieves stress. It gives me a “ can do” attitude! Riding has given me such a freedom and a feeling of pure happiness that definitely puts a smile on my face.
Trust me, Victory Reins is awesome! They encourage me to be as independent as possible and are always coming up with new exercises that I do on horseback to work to strengthen my muscles.
It is such a pleasure to work with the volunteers, Deb, Geri, and Sandy at Victory Reins! I look forward to our session every week!
-Georgia Abbott-
Ethan's Story
Hi my name is Ethan and I’m a 3-year-old little boy. At the age of 1 was diagnosed with Hypotonia, lack of muscle tone, in my trunk and Hypertonia, excessive muscle tone in my arms and legs. For the last two years I have received Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and pool Therapy. My Mommy and Daddy have seen great increases in my mobility. This summer I started Therapeutic Riding at Victory Reins. This type of therapy will help me gain strength in my trunk and overall muscle endurance. The increased trunk strength and muscle endurance helps my everyday functioning like improving my posture for sitting up tall while playing and improving my coordination for other play activities like coloring or catch. The therapy also provides a prolonged stretch for my tight muscles.
The first time I rode at Victory Reins the staff was very patient with me. They allowed me plenty of time to warm up to the horses and let me start with a pony named Ollie. I got to pet Ollie’s tail and feed him a carrot. I was still very unsure of getting on the pony so one of the Victory Reins volunteers rode the pony, Ollie so that I could see what it would be like. I was still scared when mommy put me on the pony but after Ollie took 2 steps I was hooked!
I have had four lessons at Victory Reins now and Mommy will tell you, it’s all I talk about. I don’t hesitate at all when it’s my turn to get on the horse. By my third time there I was so confident on the pony that I got to start riding the big horses. I am so proud that I ride the big horses I tell everyone about it.
The Victory Reins staff has taught me how to give the horse verbal cues like walk on, whoa, and trot on. I also know the names of several pieces of equipment and what they are for including the bridal, reins, saddle, and stirrups. While on the horse I perform different stretching activities like touching the horses ears or tail. There are also many fun games that I get to play while I’m on the horse. Mommy says the Victory Reins staff are very creative.
I just competed in my first riding competition, in the Therapeutic Riding Class and got a first place ribbon. My whole family was there to support me along with my Victory Reins family! I love the people at Victory Reins and can’t wait to see them each week!
Abby's Story
Abby is a typical 4 year old in many ways. She likes to ride her bike, play with dolls, and spend times with friends and family. She loves school and has a smile that can light up a room. What makes Abby different from a lot of 4 year olds is that she has cerebral palsy. As a result of her CP she is unable to walk independently and her speech is limited. She has undergone a myriad of therapies since she was 9 months old. She is a good sport and a willing participant in them all. She never gives up! However, her favorite therapy is therapeutic riding at Victory Reins. Abby began riding at Victory Reins when she was three. Right away, the amazing staff made her feel completely at ease. They really care about each rider and their unique needs. She loves riding the horses! She has become friends with her fellow riders and all of the amazing adults at Victory Reins. It is easily her favorite part of the week. Therapeutic riding is a fun activity for Abby. As a result of riding, Abby’s posture has improved, she has increased core strength, and, most importantly, she has greater self confidence. Abby and her entire family are extremely grateful for Victory Reins, all of the volunteers and instructors, and Sandy, Jim and Anna being so knowledgeable, patient, and caring. They are very creative and are always thinking up new games and exercises to keep challenging their students to become stronger everyday.
Volunteer Story
Hi, my name is
Elizabeth Cassidy and I am proud to say that I am a volunteer at Victory Reins.
Although I have only been a volunteer for a short time, I feel as if it's one of
the most worthwhile things I've ever done. From the first day that I came out to
work with Sandy and the horses, I was hooked! I have really come to love and
respect the horses for their gentle souls and the gift of fun and freedom that
they give to the children. I now have a stockpile of carrots in my fridge and
love to reward them every time I come out. With each visit, I have observed the
love and dedication of Sandy, Jim, and the entire group of volunteers that makes
Victory Reins a very special place.
To tell you a little bit about myself, I earned both my Bachelor and Master
degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Saint Xavier University and work with
children with special needs in an Early Childhood Program. I feel so blessed to
have a hand in helping my students improve their communication skills and learn
to love school for the first time. I am married to my wonderful husband, Bruce,
and we live just a few miles away from Victory Reins in Frankfort.
Several years ago, I arranged for a therapeutic riding instructor to do a
presentation for some of my students in my classroom. We were learning about
pets and I thought what would be a better pet to teach them about than a horse!
Following the presentation, I learned that many of my students were taking
riding lessons and how they benefited in so many ways. This inspired me to
become a volunteer with therapeutic riding but couldn't because I lived so far
away.
Fast forward a few years and I saw an article in the local newspaper about
Victory Reins. I saved that article in my drawer for a year and finally called
Sandy to ask her if she was in need of another volunteer. Thanks goodness she
said yes and here I am today loving every minute of it!!!
Upon the day of my graduation from college, one of my professors gave me a
plaque, which I keep on my desk to remind me that we all have a calling in life
and it reads; May HE who has chosen to limit some of his children be merciful
enough to guide those entrusted with their care.
A Diamond in the Rough
Summer is coming alive here at Victory Reins. The word is getting out about who we are and what we do. Due to our rapid expansion we felt the need for another lesson horse. After looking at over six prospects, none of which would be suitable for our program, I shared my frustration with Betty, a friend of mine. Of course I also shared with my best friend, the Lord, in my prayer time. I cried out to Him and told Him that I knew that He had to have something better in store for us. The very next day, I received an e-mail from a lady by the name of Debby who had rescued a horse out of Indiana. She heard about us and wanted to know if we wanted him. She said he was turned out in a field with a bunch of young horses who, in their own fight for survival, were biting and kicking the heck out of him to keep him from getting any hay. We tried to set a date for me to go and see him but due to hectic schedules, we just could not agree on a date and time. Sensing my frustration, Debby offered to drive him out to our farm, which was around 98 miles away. At first I thought, boy, she must really want to get rid of this horse. Debby said that he was a very gentle soul and just in need of a good home. She had gotten a few pounds on him since she had taken him in and also gave him his shots and had the farrier trim his hooves. With an apprehensive heart I agreed and the date was set. Good Friday was the day for him to be brought to our farm. Debby and I talked the night before he arrived and I relayed the story about asking God to provide a new horse for our program. She too had prayed to God that very same day, to help her find a home for this precious boy that she had rescued. She already had enough horses of her own and did not need another mouth to feed. We both shared our stories and agreed that God really does answer prayers. In my heart I just knew this horse was going to be a blessing to everyone here at Victory Reins. Moving day came and off the trailer came the most pathetic looking, malnourished, horse that I had ever seen. His hair was very long and curly yet rubbed to the skin in some places. After a short grooming session, we realized that he was covered in lice! After conferring with the vet and getting information on line as to the cure, it was off to the store to purchase lice dusting powder. The Internet suggested that we body clip him and burn the hair as well. He stood for over three hours while I shaved his hair off and then blanketed him to keep him warm from the chill. Once I shaved his hair off I realized that this horse was near death. You could place your fingers in the valleys between his ribs and every vertebra on his spine was clearly defined. He was nothing more than skin stretched over bones. We kept hay in front of him and every time he finished a flake we’d toss him another. There were some days where he went through a whole bale of hay. It took him several weeks to realize that he would no longer have to fight for his food and that he was in a safe place now. We almost called him Hoover, since he sucked up every last piece of hay. It took him several days to get up the energy to attempt the trot and after about 10 days he actually let out a pathetic little buck in the arena. It was so comical that he made me laugh. After weeks of lunging him to get some muscle tone and trying to find a saddle to fit him since he had no fat pads to cover his withers, we gave him a spin around the arena. After taking a chance on him and feeding him and vetting him for months before we would even know if he’d work out for the program, he has blossomed into the sweetest, most honest horse in our program. Appropriately, we have named him Chance. He has a story of hope to tell each and everyone he meets. Once broken and abandoned, useless in the eyes of the world, near death, God intervened and brought him to that safe place. He now has a great home, an awesome job and is loved by everyone he meets. Love has restored this broken horse and given him a purpose in life. He is God’s gift to us here at Victory Reins and we will continue to use Chance for God’s glory!
