Five-year-old Delphine is a happy little girl who loves to ride Ginger. She looks forward to coming to Shea all week and on riding days, has all her gear on early, and rushes out the door with her helmet ready to go. Delphine loves riding in the arena, on the trail, through the barn, checking on the horses, and feeding carrots. She and her brother, Fritz (age 4), always manage to have one or two carrots for themselves.
Delphine was diagnosed with autism when she was almost two years old. She is currently involved in several different therapies at other clinics, but this addition of occupational therapy sessions at Shea utilizing hippotherapy takes her out of the traditional clinic environment.
Delphine’s most significant hurdle in riding was her lack of stamina, which quickly improved as her core strength developed. Occupational therapist Karen Yamasaki says, “When Delphine started at Shea, she could not stay upright on her horse whenever we stopped or started moving. Now she sits straight to trot and goes up on her hands and knees in “puppy dog” position. The horse’s movement is calming, and Delphine ends every session with a big smile.
Delphine’s mother, Casey, comments about comparing Delphine’s initial exposure to Shea with now, “Today, you would see a much more confident rider, along with a strong, independent, and confident young lady compared to a timid young girl who first started riding at The Shea Center.
“Riding at Shea has given Delphine confidence, independence, and self-assurance. Riding is an activity she does that is all her own, and I feel she appreciates that this is ‘her own thing.’ The confidence, independence, and self-assurance she has gained by riding has positively impacted other areas of her life such as school, engaging with peers, and time spent with family.”
Casey says, “When you walk into The Shea Center, you can feel the joy. It is a cheerful, kind, and loving place. It is wonderful for the whole family. I am grateful to be exposed to so much and learn about other disabilities. I feel so lucky. As a parent with a special needs child, I am used to apologizing for behavioral issues. Here, people understand and are supporting and loving.”
