Olivia H. (age 10) has always wanted to ride horses, but her mother, Lauren, wanted to make sure her riding experience was in a safe environment. So, in 2019, they tried out The Shea Center’s summer horse camp and decided the Center would be a good fit for Olivia.

Olivia is diagnosed with autism and ADHD, but Lauren says since riding at The Shea Center, she has seen great improvement in Olivia’s social skills, impulse control, following multiple directions, and her core strength.  Overall, Olivia has become more engaged, has an improved attention span, more self-control and confidence.   

Olivia began speech therapy utilizing hippotherapy with therapist Terri Hutchison.  So far, Olivia has ridden Bliss, Oakley, Rock, Cactus, and Boomer – Oakley is her favorite.  It didn’t take long to determine that Olivia was ready to grow in her riding skills and ride independently. 

Over the last year, riding has promoted Olivia’s independence and she now walks her horse to the arena and even trots off lead.  Olivia loves riding and calls it her “happy place.”  According to Lauren, Olivia enjoys tacking and grooming also and would happily muck out the stalls.  When not riding, Olivia plays the piano and is an avid reader. Lauren remarks, “I just love The Shea Center.  It has been the sweetest blessing for our family.”