Horses can be a common bond and a basis for conversations.

Raising a child with a disability has many challenges. Centaur Stride is a vital service, even for those without disabilities just trying to cope with the challenges of life.

One of the goals at Centaur Stride is to facilitate inclusion and integration of people with and without disabilities. Friendships are built on common bonds. The horse can be the common bond and a basis for conversations.

Of all the disabilities I have encountered over the years, one of the most devastating symptoms is loneliness. Imagine the social isolation of COVID, but without ever ending! For many who come to our center, the horse becomes the connection that temporarily fills the void of loneliness. The horse can just be still, and non-threatening.

The horse is an expert in reading body language and seems to know exactly when a gentle breath against your cheek is needed or that nuzzle that makes you feel like nothing else in the world matters, at least at the moment.

Shortly after we opened, a guidance counselor from a local middle school recommended that a teenage girl participate in our program. She had no friends. They had tried numerous interventions, but were not having success. She wanted friends so badly but had little in common with others her age. She would confabulate stories and tell them hoping classmates would believe her.

The more she tried to fit in, the more she was outcast. The school brought her to Centaur Stride during her lunch period which was followed by a study hall, giving her just enough time for transportation and a lesson. She thrived with the horses. Not only did she learn to ride but she bonded with her horse, and learned to read the horse’s body language.

But what happens once leaving the center is just as important. What replaces the horse? After only one month of lessons twice per week (8 lessons), the school said she was progressing well toward her goals of integration and social acceptance. She had so many interesting things to tell about her experiences at the barn that she didn’t have to make up stories anymore. She wrote about her experiences in her English class and her classmates were interested. They started asking her about it. Through counselling and her time at the barn, she learned better interpersonal skills.

It may take a while for someone to find their way to our therapeutic riding facility, but once they do, it may change their life or at least give them something to look forward to!

Volunteers are always needed to help us in many ways. Not only do we need side-walkers and horse leaders (we train you), but there are roles in barn and trail maintenance, horse care, fundraising and even administrative work. We have no paid administrators and rely on community donations and support to continue to provide our services. Most grants do not cover operating expenses, and that is our greatest expense. Horses are amazing animals but require a lot of care. We are not subject to government grant cutbacks because we still don’t get any.

For other ways to help, please contact us at info@centaurstride,org or (716) 326-4318. Thank you! https//linktr.ee/centaurstride

Claudia Monroe is president of Centaur Stride.