KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasHorseback Riding Helps Children With Disabilities

Horseback Riding Helps Children With Disabilities

Horseback riding is a great form of recreation. But for a child with disabilities, it can have profound effect on their life.

None of the six students from Basic High School in Henderson are able to verbalize their thoughts. But a picture is worth a thousand words, as they express curiosity and amusement.

At Spirit Therapies in Las Vegas, horses connect with children that have disabilities ranging from severe mental retardation to downs syndrome.

Program director, Laurie Willmott says the students, many for the first time, experience a feeling of freedom and control. "Just the movement makes them happy. And makes their strength core get stronger. And the basic thing with the horse -- they move just like we do."

More than 1,000 special-needs children have been through the program. For Basic High teacher, Denise Caudill, this is her second field trip to Spirit Therapies.

"They do a job. They know they have to brush the horses, they have to walk the horses, feed the horses. And they enjoy it," said Denise Caudill, a special needs teacher.

Horse therapy would not be possible without the help of volunteers, like Heather Cadd. Cadd grew up with horses and hopes that her own two children will enjoy riding someday, when they're old enough.

In the meantime, she helps out at Spirit Therapies where she sees the benefits through the eyes of a parent. "Not a lot of personality. But then when they get on the horse, you see them smiling and reacting. It's a beautiful sight as a parent."

Spirit Therapies can always use volunteers and donations.