Riders

Our Riders

Marjorie

Editor's note 6/29/13: Marjorie, after 8 rides is now riding independently in the arena.
You go girl!!

Who knew that a college class in English History would lead to my transition from a wheelchair to horseback? During classes at EKU, I became friends with a fellow student, Aleana. A few months later, Aleana met me on campus and told me about a wonderful equine therapy center where she volunteered that turned out to be less than a mile from my house.
At age 75, and a full-time wheelchair occupant, getting on a horse seemed like a monumental obstacle, but at the Kentucky Foothills
Therapeutic Horsemanship Center, Mark and Cheryl Martin and their volunteers made getting on the horse not only possible, but fun.
Mark and Cheryl and their assistants make the rider feel safe and confident.
I’m not quite ready for the Kentucky Derby, but I'’ll bet I enjoy riding as much as the jockeys do!

Franklin

Editor's note 7/09/13: Franklin transferred himself from wheelchair to horse with 50% independence and rode Roy 30'
2 times with no assistance.
Yee haw!!

Franklin's caregiver and sister were nervous and proud during his first ride at KFTHC. After spending the past few years in a wheelchair, horseback riding seemed improbable, but with plenty of hands-on support Franklin was able to enjoy his first time on horseback.