Straight from the Horse's Mouth December 2016 | Página 2

Counting Our Blessings
THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

Blessings to you and your family during this Christmas season of giving! It’s the time of the year were we give
gifts, bake cookies, spend time with our loved ones and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Everything seems
just a little more special this time of year and we hope you’ll share in our joy of celebrating all the milestones
achieved in 2016 by our friends and clients of Ride On St. Louis. Joe has added a new sound to his speech,
Mary Clare has improved her walking and there are many more stories and accomplishments to delight in. We
hope you enjoy reading about the improvements your support has brought.
Our team and everyone working to serve you, your family and our community joins me in thanking you for
your advocacy of Ride On St. Louis.
If you’re able, please send a gift today. Your gift is extremely important because it offers immediate resources for
the current needs and opportunities at our center. As more people are turning to the healing programs of equine
assisted activities and therapies, Ride On St. Louis stays committed to serving each and every person who comes
through our (barn) doors. Please help to make this happen with your prayers and if possible, financial gift.
Merry Christmas and love, happiness and health in the New Year!

Eve

STAFF | LAUREN MARKOVICH, OTR/L
VOLUNTEERS | AMANDA A., JOHN B., BRIAN F., JEAN G.,
NANCY R., KEN S. & MARITA W.
HORSE | LADY APRIL’S DELIGHT “APRIL” &
COFFEE BUCK JOHN “JOHNNY”

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As she opens the gate into the paddock, Eve is already smiling and greeting her
friends and helpers at Ride On St. Louis. Brown waves of hair roll effortlessly
from under her helmet and she prepares to begin another occupational therapy
session. The scene is familiar as Eve has been coming to ROSL for nine years
now. But it almost didn’t happen this year. Eve requires a horse with a special
something in order to participate—a balanced horse with moderate movement
best supports Eve’s abilities and appropriately challenges her developing skills.

As horses and clients transition, staff
evaluates and adjusts teams routinely
to find the best fit for everyone. This
year Eve has worked with April and
Johnny. Each horse evokes a different
response.
Eve combines riding and occupational
therapy to achieve functional goals that
translate to her everyday life. Being
on horseback not only challenges her
body physically, but also supports
her mentally. The horse’s stimulation
and the activities designed around it
promote Eve’s attention, processing,
planning and task completion goals.
Exercises, games, puzzles and riding