First-grader Brody M. is proud of his accomplishments as a Shea Center rider and talks all about his riding experiences at home.

Diagnosed with ADHD, Brody loves lots of movement on his horse, Merry.  His occupational therapist, Karen Yamasaki, says that at times, Brody displays some resistance to new activities but the heavy work with the toys and sitting backwards increases his body awareness and then he ends the session asking for more.  In the beginning, he didn’t want to try riding, but once he got the hang of it, Brody found it to be fun and now likes to show off the vaulting tricks he can do on the back of his horse.

Riding has built Brody’s self-confidence and occupational therapy has helped his sensory needs.  His mother, Jessica, says Brody’s overall mood, social skills, balance and coordination have greatly improved.