Capri W. (age 7) loves animals and loves riding at The Shea Center.  She would ride everyday if she could.  She likes to hug all the horses and enjoys grooming, feeding them carrots, and telling her friends she rides horses.

Riding in the Center’s adaptive riding program gives Capri confidence in her abilities.  Diagnosed with ataxia, which is a lack of coordination and control of body movements, riding is the first activity she has been able to manage by herself.

When Capri first came to Shea, she couldn’t walk well and fell a lot, but she has been empowered with her improved coordination and self-confidence.  She began with two sidewalkers and now rides without sidewalkers and sometimes steers the horse without a leader.

Capri’s mother, Chantel, says riding has not only given Capri confidence, but has helped with her sensory challenges, body awareness, built her core strength, and helped her focus and pay attention.  Capri also participates in swimming, art, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.