Kissock Riding Program (continued:)
by T.K.

Kissock family specifically for the purpose of getting handicapped individuals on horseback.

The program has been active for several years and has been refined and expanded every year. Mentally and physically challenged children have one full day a week where they can come to the facility and ride experienced horses. Older handicapped individuals had a separate day that they could participate in the program. Participants in the program were not just limited to congenital problems, but victims of brain injury participated as well. Mrs. Kissock understood that older horses were less likely to spook and possibly hurt the rider. In addition to the well tempered horses. Volunteers were able to walk on either side of the horse to ensure the riders safety.

Mrs.  Kissock, who heads the program, demonstrated several of the benefits in getting people who don’t walk very much in the saddle. One of the benefits is the interaction with an animal. Animals have an innate ability to bring out emotions ad feelings that human caregivers cannot.  Second, the stride and rhythm moved the rider’s internal organs in a manner resembling the human cantor. The movement of internal organs has been shown in research to improve functioning of the handicapped individual’s body.

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