Horses are good therapists.
“Getting on a horse not only elevates you physically but it does something to your mental and spiritual and emotional health,” says Diane Kinrade.
At Valhalla Sport Horse and Therapeutic Riding in Queen’s Bay, Kinrade helps anyone over four years old develop their balance, motor skills, hand-eye coordination, self-esteem, and confidence.
“I have people with cerebral palsy, autism, Down Syndrome, anxiety, depression, victims of motor vehicle accidents, a child who has no feet and hands, someone who suffers from hydrocephalus.”
Kinrade said the school board has recently begun referring wheelchair clients to her, and she thanked Maglio Building Centre for a lumber donation to help with that project.
“I’d like to thank the occupational therapists, speech pathologists, classroom support workers, and parents for accompanying the children and creating a safe learning environment and recreational environment for the students,” she said.