At six months of age, Isabella C. (age 5) was diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip where the “ball and socket” joint of the hip did not properly form.  After surgery at seven months, she was in a hip spica cast from her abdomen to her ankles for four months.  After the cast was removed, Isabella lacked confidence in her abilities.  She didn’t take her first steps until she was 2 years and 3 months old.

Isabella was in clinical therapy when COVID-19 struck and her mother, Alice, was looking for outdoor therapy for Isabella when she discovered The Shea Center website. Physical Therapy utilizing hippotherapy at Shea seemed the perfect fit, and Isabella has been a rider at Shea for several months.

In the past, Isabella did not confidently participate in group activities.  Now, with her gross motor skills improving, riding has built her self-confidence and shown her she can excel in something too!  Isabella is proud of her accomplishments and when she gets home from Shea, she shows her dad what she learned during her riding lessons.  Recently, she had to miss a few weeks of lessons due to surgery and was concerned that her horse, Boog, missed her.

With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, this past summer Isabella participated in a musical theater camp and The Shea Center’s summer horse camp and is now in kindergarten.