Steven's Story

"Our son, Steven, came to Ivy Hill about 4 years ago after a program he was in had closed.  When he arrived at Ivy Hill, Steven could ride with someone holding the lead.  His instructor, Megan, has worked wonders with him and today Steven is independently trotting in the ring as well as following directions called to him.  That isn’t the true reason why we come to Ivy Hill, it is the smile he carries with him long after he dismounts the horse and helps put everything away.  It is that sense that “ I can do it” which so often times he doesn’t hear in his mind, as when he looks at his peers, more than not, the voice is I can’t do it.  The excitement on the ride home and him wanting to call our family to tell them what he did that night or if it is a horse show, the ribbon he won, is why we come to Ivy Hill.  The instructors and volunteers are great as they allow him to grow and when he doubts himself, they are there to encourage.  Each one looks beyond his disability and focus’s on his ability.   It would be great if everyone in society would do that."

Sandy (Mother)
Buckingham, PA

Justin's Story

"The school is decreasing PT for Justin and putting him in a regular gym class instead of an adaptive PE.  He has met all his goals and many of his OT goals too.  We are very impressed with his progress since last school year.  Last last year Justin wasn’t able to hold a pencil and now he is writing words! He can now button things and he is getting the hang of tying.  I don't think Justin would be where he is today if he wasn’t riding.  We couldn’t be happier with him and his progress."

Bev (Mother)

Evan's Story

“Our eight-year-old son Evan has been in the Ivy Hill riding program for approximately two years.  Having been diagnosed with autism and apraxia when he was 2 1/2 years old, he faces a number of physical and learning challenges.  We believe the program assists him on a number of levels.

     One, the act of riding strengthens the core muscles in the stomach and back, a deficiency in many of these individuals.  Two, the fact, that he has to act on teaching commands (matching colors, throwing and catching objects, directing the horse, etc.) aids in both his physical and mental development.  In addition, all individuals benefit by bonding with the animal.

     The Ivy Hill staff is extremely attentive and understanding of our son's situation.  However, they also are demanding when they need my child to accomplish tasks.

     All parents of autistic children know that they have a long and often difficult road in developing their children to their potential.  We're very fortunate to have Ivy Hill in our area to aid in that growth.  Hopefully the program can continue to flourish in years to come.

                            Steve & Cindy Kozitzky
                            Souderton, PA     

 Sofia's Story

"Today, three years later, Sofia is a healthy 5 year old who continues to thrive in every way.  However, apparently from all of the chemotherapy she received, amount of sedentary time, and most likely an insidious case of graft vs. host disease, she is left with weakness and joint contractures and as a result is delayed in gross motor skills.  So, for the past few years we have been tackling these issues with physical therapy, aqua therapy and for the past year, therapeutic horseback riding lessons from Ivy Hill Equestrian.  Her strength, coordination and ability, comparing last year to today, is remarkable.  From barely being able to sit on the horse by herself, to riding the horse on her knees and even standing on the horse with little help from her instructor is amazing.  Her confidence has soared; she’s so much more independent and proud of her accomplishments.  Her instructor, Megan Strychowski, along with her volunteer assistants, really have been wonderful in moving Sofia along and challenging her to do more as she gets stronger.  I don’t think any of her other activities has given her as much in terms of feeling of accomplishment and pride in being able to do so much more than she could when she began.  Her confidence has branched out into other areas as well. 

Sofia will tackle things that she would not have dreamed of trying months ago, which of course then enables her to master even more.     

And let’s not forget the therapeutic benefits of people interacting with real animals.  It’s not news that animals help people in so many ways; in normal walks of life to seeing eye dogs for the blind, and companions to the elderly.  There is a certain humanity to it that is hard to describe but at the same time hard to deny exists.  It’s the same with the horses and therapeutic riding.  The horse takes care of the child while he is riding, and the child takes care of the horse by learning to respect him and brush and clean him before every lesson.  The bond with animals is like therapy for the soul, which contributes to an individual’s overall sense of well-being and health.  It positively affects attitude, outlook and perspective.  These benefits can never be underestimated particularly in children who have to overcome any kind of disability.

I am so pleased with Ivy Hill’s therapeutic riding program.  I believe it has helped so many children with many different kinds of disabilities."

Lucy Ridge
Collegeville, PA

Congratulations to instructors and volunteers as well. What a great showing for the Ivy Hill Riders and Horses!

 

17 riders competing 49 individual events, 3 Reserve Champions and Sean returning to the Devon Fair Grounds for, I think, the second time.  Great Job, Sean!  We were at Thorncroft to see several Ivy Hill competitors, including our son, and I witnessed Ivy Hill riders with courage, confidence and smiles. (especially Amy in Equitation - cool, calm and confident with a great smile the whole time. It was a great program to watch.)

 

This program builds character in their students and indeed, it starts with you and all the instructors and volunteers.  The tireless hours you spend in the ring with these children as well as the uncountless hours that you spend caring for our horses, are, in my opinion, what makes Ivy Hill special. 

 

As parents who have beared witness to the growth and maturity in this program for the last 8 years -  Ivy Hill has made untold gains in the growth and maturity of the students; and truth be told, you make it look easy, although, and I speak for all of us parents, we fully know how much preparation, desire, dedication, discipline, as well as love, you invest into Ivy Hill's riders and horses that today, and everyday, makes a difference in ways that you cannot possibly know. But, we know.

 

With appreciation and gratitude, we wish you Congratulations on the outstanding accomplishments demonstrated today at Thorncroft.

Greg and Bev McNutt- Parents
Collegeville, PA
May 2010

Dear Janna and Megan,

I just wanted to thank you both for making Devon's experience with the horses so wonderful!  I have never seen Devon be so excited about anything.  When I watch him on the horses, he is so happy.  When I ask him if he wants to do something, he always replies, as long as it doesn't take away from my horseback riding.  You both do such an amazing job with the kids, I cannot tell you how much I enjoy watching them with you both.  The horses couldn't be sweeter,  but it is the both of you that make it such a wonderful experience. Thank you so much!

 Joan Heller- Parent
Perkasie, PA
December 2010

Hello, my name is Crystal Rhodes.  I am 21 years old and have been riding at Ivy Hill since 2003 when I was 14 years old.  When I first started riding I was a little bit afraid of the horses because they are so big.  When I was learning how to groom them I was afraid to pick up their hoofs and when I brushed them I thought they might kick me.  When I was riding on a horse I was always afraid I would fall off.      

My instructors kept encouraging me to keep trying and wouldn’t let me quit. Sometimes they still push me to do things (especially Megan!)  when I am afraid and think its something I can’t do.  Last summer Megan wanted me to start cantering and I was really makes me because before I know it I can do something I never thought I could. 

Therapeutic riding has helped me to get stronger too.  I have some weakness on my left side and since starting riding you can’t even tell my left leg is weaker.  I have learned how to control the horse with my left hand even though it is very weak.  I really like being in the home shows, going to Thorncroft and especially getting to go to Penn State for Special Olympics in June.  It’s really fun.   One year I qualified for the Devon Horse Show and that was really exciting.  I have lots of friends at the barn and I really like seeing everyone at my lessons.  Most importantly, therapeutic horseback riding has taught me to believe in myself and to keep trying to achieve new goals.  I used to be very quiet and shy and it has helped me to come out of my shell.  I have grown into a beautiful, confident, young woman.  (My mom made me say that!) Thank you Ivy Hill for helping me to become the best I can be. 

Crystal Rhodes- Student
Perkasie, PA
March 2011