Wednesdays are 16-year-old Brenden C.’s favorite day of the week.  It’s the day he gets to ride at The Shea Center.  He has been getting speech therapy treatments and participating in adaptive riding at the Center for four years.

Brenden currently rides Shaw, but one of his favorite horses is Champ.  Brenden used to be nervous around animals, but not anymore!  Riding has built his confidence, increased his sociability, and he engages others more now.  He likes to ride on the trail and shares his riding experiences with his friends and family.

Brenden’s mom, Virginia, reports that riding has had other effects on Brenden.  His strength, flexibility, balance, and posture have all improved.  He is focused and listens to directions better, communicates with others, and projects his voice, which he didn’t do before. Virginia remarks, “Everyone knows Brenden at the Center.  They say hello to him and ask how he is doing.  Brenden feels at home at The Shea Center.”