For the past three years, Tom Mines Jr. has taken a weekly 45-minute riding lesson at STRIDES Therapeutic Riding Center in Lockport. His horse, Belle, long retired from her career as a jumper, has a gentle nature that makes her a good choice for Mines, 33, who was born with Down’s syndrome.
Mines is one of more than 100 STRIDES students ages 4 to 80 who have a mental or physical impairment, or both.
Rose Mary and Tom Mines of Orland Park are convinced that the riding lessons have enhanced their son’s self-esteem.
“It’s improved Tommy physically, mentally and socially. It’s broadened his horizons by making him a bit more independent,” his mother said.
STRIDES (Special Trinity Rider Involved in Developing Equestrian Skills) is the creation of Carol Doenges, 52, of Kankakee. Doenges developed the program to provide children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to learn horsemanship.
“It’s very rewarding. When you see the difference it makes–the confidence, the smiles–it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” said Doenges, STRIDES program director.
The program is run by Trinity Services Inc., a Joliet-based non-profit, non-sectarian agency that provides services to the mentally and developmentally disabled.
After teaching physical education for 22 years at Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Doenges left in 1990 to run the STRIDES program.
“I had my own horse and had been riding for about five years. I was doing a paper on therapeutic riding and came to Trinity to do some research and ended up with a job,” Doenges said.
“It was a big career change. I’m still teaching, but it’s all outdoor work except in the barn. We teach them to ride horses as much as possible. (Depending on their disabilities), they can learn to ride independently, guide the horse and give the horse commands,” Doenges explained.
After she completed riding instruction courses at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center in Augusta, Mich., in 1990, Doenges was certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association in Denver. More than 2,900 riders, program directors, therapists and volunteers belong to the association, and STRIDES is one of 200 therapeutic riding centers in the country that it accredits.
“They meet our standards and guidelines for operating a center,” said Sarah Engle, association membership coordinator. “These programs give participants a great sense of accomplishment.”
Two instructors, six volunteers and 11 donated horses serve 60 to 70 riders each week.
“There are quarter horses, saddlebreds, a Morgan and a paint, but the breed really doesn’t matter,” Doenges said. “It’s the temperament of the horse. These horses are quiet, trustworthy, bombproof. Nothing scares them.
“A volunteer might lead the horse, but the rider still has the reins. Most of them learn at least some skills,” Doenges said.
On horseback, participants shoot basketballs, master an obstacle trail, and pick letters from a bucket, then ride across the arena to match the letter on a wall.
“Tommy’s dad never thought I’d get him to give his horse verbal commands,” Doenges said. “He did eventually say `whoa’ and pull the reins back.”
“When he really wants something, he can verbalize,” Tom Mines said. “I was amazed. By watching Carol get him to do things, we get him to do more.”
Lessons, which last 45 minutes, cost $15. The program is partly funded by boarding fees for other horses and a yearly fundraiser.
“The program is wonderful,” said Chris Mines, 25, of Orland Park, Tom Jr.’s brother. “There are some children riding that you’d never think could walk, let alone ride. They’re accomplishing something above and beyond their dreams.”
“Sometimes there’s a fear the first time getting on,” Doenges said. “When they conquer the fear and learn they can control the horse, there’s a tremendous rise in their self-confidence.”
Doenges’ main concern is safety. All participants wear helmets; saddles have safety stirrups, which prevent riders’ feet from slipping through. If the rider can’t mount the horse from the ground or a mounting block, a ramp is provided. At a recent lesson, Mines walked up the ramp and mounted the horse unassisted.
“If you’d see him walking now compared to before, he’s a lot better,” said his father. “He’s really unsteady, but riding teaches him balance.”
Kristy Mazer of Lisle is a behavior technician at the Downers Grove office of Premier Rehabilitation Center of Chicago. Once a week, Mazer brings two clients, ages 36 and 46, to the center for riding therapy.
“One has a really hard time getting (motivated to get) out of bed unless it’s a day they go horseback riding,” Mazer said.
One of Mazer’s clients has a traumatic brain injury, and the other has severe memory impairment.
“Riding helps with their balance. And it’s exercise; even getting on the horse is not an easy task. They both really love it,” Mazer said.
If their strength and coordination permit, some clients may help brush and saddle the horses.
“There are clients from other facilities who use wheelchairs. (Riding) is good for them because they must support their back instead of leaning into a chair,” Mazer said.
Those who work with Doenges praise her commitment.
“Carol has a very good rapport with the clients,” Mazer said. “One (of my clients) is easily agitated, but she keeps him laughing. You have to have a lot of patience to do this.”
“Carol has to have the largest heart and the biggest dose of patience,” Chris Mines said. “It shows she’s determined (to help people).”
“A lot of people say, `I would volunteer, but it would be too sad.’ It’s not sad at all,” Doenges said. “You get a good feeling, and you know you’re adding to the quality of life of that individual.”
STRIDES relies heavily on donations of time, money and equipment. An adopt-a-horse program helps defray the costs for the feed and care of the horses.
“We need volunteers. They don’t have to have horse knowledge,” Doenges said. “We can teach them everything they need to know. A desire to help people and a love of animals helps.”
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For more information, contact STRIDES, 16145 Bruce Rd., Lockport, at 815-838-1694.
