Annual horse show held at Randolph Children's Home
Akil, runs a cloverleaf pattern around the barrels while participating in the cantering the barrels segment of the show. “My experience with the horses is very therapeutic,” Akil said. “I feel like I can relate to the horses, because I am in placement and they are as well.”
“Whenever I am sad I want to come see the horses,” Arielle, 16, said. “They are calming for me.” Arielle was one of the youth who participated in the annual horse show at Randolph Children’s Home on June 21.
“I am very proud of Arielle,” her mother Ann said. “I think she has improved with her coping skills and working toward her goals. All around I have a lot of faith in her.”
The event gives the children an opportunity to show their friends and family what they have learned from working with the horses, and the families get a chance to see the accomplishments of the children.
Arielle, middle, stands proudly with, clockwise from top left, her stepfather Mike, mother Anne, sister Isabella and brother Michael. Arielle participated in the tack race and in the walk and trot in the show. “Whenever I am sad I want to come see the horses,” Arielle said. “They are calming for me.” Her mother is very proud of her and thinks she has improved in working toward her goals.
Akil, 17, participated in cantering the barrel in the show, which is running a cloverleaf pattern in a quick cantering fashion around the barrels. He has been riding for a year, and has learned to be respectful of his surroundings. He has also learned to be extra safe and cautious around the animals.
“My experience with the horses is very therapeutic,” Akil said. “I feel like I can relate to the horses, because I am in placement and they are as well.”
Katrena, 19, participated in the show for her third year, and said that riding makes her feel free and happy. The experience has helped her cope with her challenges, and she said the horses calm her down when she is upset.
“If I am upset, I go talk to the horses, because they listen,” Katrena said.
Katie, 17, another participant, said that the experience has helped her manage her anger more.
“I have learned how my anger can affect the horses,” Katie said.
Arden was another participant in the show, and his mother, Michelle, said that Arden has gained a lot of self-confidence.
“He walks with his head up and feels good about himself,” Michelle said about her son. “He’s learned how to maintain social boundaries, and to interact appropriately in a group setting.”
Michelle, left, said her son, Arden, has gained a lot of self-confidence by working with horses. “He walks with his head up and he feels good about himself,” Michelle said.
Mark, 14, participated in the walk and trot in the show, and said he has learned a lot about how to take care of a horse.
“It teaches me to have pride, and has taught me responsibility,” Mark said.
Mark’s mother, Rebecca, said that Mark is very proud, respectful and patient.
“He is also more grown up,” Rebecca said. “The whole thing is very good for a child. I really thank God for it, because it has helped my child to mature.”
July 16, 2008