Ryden, diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy, was born at 26 weeks, weighing 1.5 lbs. He is nonverbal, but when his mother, Brittany, talks about going to The Shea Center, Ryden quickly runs to the door.

Ryden has some sensory issues and when he first came to Shea almost a year ago, he didn’t want to wear a riding helmet; now he goes straight to the helmet cabinet to make his selection.  Brittany says, “It is really cool to see his progress.  His core muscles, posture, and balance have really improved, which helps with his safety too.  That is important to me as a parent.  Physical therapy utilizing hippotherapy makes Ryden more centered.  He tends to get over stimulated, but after riding he is calm for the rest of the day. Even his teacher has noticed.  Before he wouldn’t sit still or sit up straight, now he doesn’t need as much assistance or physical therapy at school.”

“I love that Randi Shannahan, Ryden’s Shea Center physical therapist, explains the details and changes she sees in him, some that I don’t even notice,” Brittany remarks, “The therapists here really care; Ryden is in good hands.”

Brittany also gives a lot of credit to Patti Stennet who has been Ryden’s volunteer sidewalker since he began riding. The two have formed a special bond and Brittany says Patti is just like family.

Brittany continues, “Ryden has had seven surgeries, and if it weren’t for the generous donors to Shea who provide the funds for financial aid, we wouldn’t be able to be here.  We are very grateful.”