The Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center is a unique institution nestled in Orange County, N.Y., that allows disabled children to heal their bodies, minds, and souls through some good old-fashioned horseback riding.
“Over the last seven years of my class attending the [Winslow] program, I have seen continued improvement in the students’ abilities, both physically and academically,” said Shannon Hirsch, a special needs teacher in a testimonial about the program.
Disabled children involved in the program have shown improved coordination, posture, balance, motor skills, and vocabulary. And that’s only what can be easily measured. First-hand accounts indicate that after beginning at Winslow, children show more self-control, self-esteem, and confidence.
Four-year-old Nicholas Grogan had developmental delays and was known to be quiet and shy, according to Orange AHRC, a non-profit organization that worked with him. After going to Winslow four times, Grogan became more outgoing and even led a parade of horses around Winslow’s arena.
“Walk on,” Grogan boldly told his horse.
Another uplifting story, which was detailed in a Fox News report, is that of Jacob Miller.
“When he first came, he could only sit on the horse for five minutes. Now he is able to ride the whole hour,” said riding instructor Cathe Struble, according to the report. “Jacob also came non-verbal. Because of Duke [the horse] and Winslow and the job we provide for him, he can [now] say small things like ‘walk on’ and ‘whoa’ and that kind of thing. So it’s pretty amazing to see him transform like that.”
Delightful Evening
Horseback riding is a big business in the state of New York, where one of the three Triple Crown races for thoroughbred horses takes place at the Belmont Stakes each year.
Winslow’s Denim and Diamond Gala was a chance for the industry to give back.
The packed and lively event was held at the elegant Falkirk Estate and Country Club in Central Valley, N.Y. The benefit featured Grammy award-winning Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra, who treated the dancers to one of their renowned polka numbers.
The event’s location came courtesy of Wayne and Carla Corts, who built Falkirk Farm six years ago as one of the world’s premier equestrian facilities. The Corts have regularly lent the Falkirk Estate and Country Club to philanthropic events.
In appreciation, the Corts were honored with the Winslow Award. The award “formally acknowledges our respect for actions and deeds, which confirm the unique value of every individual, the majesty and unending possibilities of the human mind and spirit, and the enormous potential for good which exists in every person,” said Winslow.
