Giving Back Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center

Today I am honored to have my dear friend Lisa on the blog. Lisa’s daughter and my youngest daughter became friends in kindergarten. They moved when Gracie went into third grade. Our families spent a lot of time together before they moved. But I have seen Joshua, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy excel since moving to Colorado and I believe that this has a lot to do with it. 

The Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center provides Therapeutic Riding for children and adults with special needs. They also allow group homes to tour their facilities for outings. Since most insurance companies will not cover this therapy, they charge the lowest rates possible and fundraise to provide grants to as many as possible. Nancy Harrison and her family run the center. They work harder than anyone I know and always put others before themselves. Very worthwhile non-profit!

Jamie, the owner’s daughter, is Joshua’s instructor. It takes three people to help him ride. One horse leader and two side walkers. Riding a horse is hard work for Joshua and he does not always tolerate it well. Jamie plays music on her phone since we know that is soothing for Joshua. She also knows how to keep him distracted by sensory things he enjoys so that he can tolerate riding and strengthen his core. She is always gentle with all her riders. Some of the side walkers are volunteers. Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center does a great job finding and retaining volunteers. Joshua is 14 and has avoided scoliosis so far. I credit riding for this. Although Cerebral Palsy (CP) is not considered progressive, the negative impact of too tense muscles on the body is. Most kids with CP end up with such extreme scoliosis that it starts to impact organs and they require surgery (metal rod in the spine.). Joshua has made it 14 years with a normal spine.

Marlena’s (Lisa’s youngest daughter) troop has chosen CSTRC as their hometown hero the past few years for cookies for their volunteers. 

Please consider donating to this amazing cause.  You can donate by using this link as well.

And please check out another post that Lisa wrote about the Purpose behind Pumpkin Carving.

[su_box title=”About the Author” box_color=”#abbeef”]Lisa Brenneman is married to Jason Brenneman (AF retired), with three kids, Alyssa (almost 16), Joshua (14), and Marlena (12). Her son, Joshua, has Cerebral Palsy. They live in Colorado Springs, CO.[/su_box]

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