by Erica Heartquist

SCAPPOOSE, ore. — When people with disabilities ride a horse, experts tell us, the bond that’s formed can lead to positive strides in many other areas of their lives.

Horse Therapy builds stability

The new program T.R.O.T. or “Therapeutic Riding of Tomorrow” has begun in Scappoose. It’s a therapeutic horseback riding program and 26-year-old Kassi Sande is the brainchild behind it.

“There’s something about being able to control, manage, manipulate and make friends with a thousand pound animal,” said Sande.

Sande grew up around horses and said she quickly saw the benefits of riding, especially for people with disabilities.

“Most people don’t look forward to therapy, but they certainly do here,” she said.

By incorporating the principals of hippotherapy, which helps people with movement dysfunction, Sande teaches her special needs’ students how to ride horses while they work on overall coordination.

One of her students, Felicity Matson, 4, rides horses every week for therapy. Her father, Eric Matson said each week, Felicity can’t wait to be lifted onto the horse.

“It’s just a matter of getting her interested in some therapy that actually doesn’t feel like therapy,” he said.

Felicity has a neurological disorder called Sensory Processing Disorder, which slows her reaction time and daily functions.

In the four months that Felicity has been going to T.R.O.T. for horse riding therapy, her father said he’s noticed a significant change in her confidence level, strength and coordination.

“It’s a huge benefit. If we didn’t have it, I don’t know what we would do,” said Matson.

T.R.O.T. is just getting started at the stables in Scappoose.

Sande said she is working towards acquiring non-profit status.

“I love my job. Everyday you feel really good about what you’ve done. It doesn’t just help people ride horses – it helps people in their life,” said Sande.

If you’d like more information about the program, head to:

http://www.therapeuticridingoftomorrow.org/