Maggie G. (age 8) is a happy, confident second-grader who loves to ride horses.  A Shea Center rider since 2016, Maggie looks forward to her physical therapy (hippotherapy) on Fridays at the Center.  As much as Maggie loves to ride, she likes visiting the barn and all the other horses even more.  She has fun feeding carrots and riding on the trail, but something about the barn environment enthralls her.

Maggie’s mother, Carina, says that one of the first things she noticed when Maggie started riding was her increased muscle tone.  Riding quickly made her muscles stronger and improved her stability, walking, running and overall coordination.  What pleases Carina is that Maggie doesn’t consider riding therapy; she’s just out to have a good time riding horses.

Maggie is proud of her riding skills and has fun performing tricks and vaulting on the horse.  She attended Shea summer horse camp and really enjoyed it because there were so many varied activities (although riding was her favorite).

Carina comments, “What I like about The Shea Center is that it is so inclusive.  Everyone is so friendly and if a child is having a bad day or acting out everyone, both staff and other clients/parents are supportive and understanding.”