Thirteen-year-old Dylan has been an adaptive riding client at The Shea Center for sixteen months. He is diagnosed with postural scoliosis, low tone, autism, and ADHD. According to his mother, Rebecca, riding at Shea has significantly improved Dylan’s core strength. He has progressed from needing two sidewalkers to being able to do some independent riding. He is sitting up straighter and becoming more aware of his posture.

Dylan is a devoted animal lover with two dogs and a cat at home. His instructor, Patti Reed, has observed Dylan’s transformation since he started riding at Shea. She notes, “Dylan’s improved posture and confidence while riding his horse has manifested itself in strengthening his social interactions with me and our volunteers before and after his lessons. With little prompting, he now chats openly about his close relationship with his cat, Monty.”

Dylan’s fondness for horses has grown since starting at Shea, evolving from timidity to comfort and ease. When riding, he finds calmness and sensory enjoyment. He expresses his feelings by saying, “I love the joy of riding; horses are interesting creatures.”

His passion for animals extends to his involvement in Boy Scouts, where he eagerly applies for all animal-related merit badges. Flipping hamburgers is among his favorite activities at Boy Scout campouts.

Dylan gravitates towards individual sports outside his riding lessons, preferring to set his own pace. However, recently, he has embraced tennis as a new challenge.