Program helping to heal

Entering the Rocky River riding arena, one might get goosebumps. The 30-degree temperature might seem chilling, but not if you are Kyle Hommel. The young boy does not appear phased by the cold; instead, he looks straight ahead and drops his jaw as his friend, Mace, appears. \nMace has just been taken out of his stable. He is waiting for Hommel to finish putting on his riding boots so they can begin their weekly lesson.\nHommel, who has been paralyzed since birth, has been through occupational and physical therapy since he was a small child. He began the New Horizons Therapeutic Riding Program about four months ago. \nKyle and his parents, Carrie and Gerald, make the 45-mile drive from Mooresville to the center, on Russell Road, every week. \nCarrie said Kyle enjoys this therapy more than she expected. \n"Kyle is really interested in animals and likes watching rodeos," she said. "This is his element here and it doesn't even feel like work to him."\nCarrie initially heard about therapeutic riding through a friend. She said she was excited to try a different therapy program. "Since coming, his posture is more correct and his confidence level has grown tremendously," she said. "I think he'll be good at this and it's just so worth it."\nThe Program\nNew Horizons was established in 1998 by Rocky River Equestrian Center. Children and adults of all ages who have problems or disabilities utilize the program, which today has grown to some 600 riding centers across the nation. Jennifer Lorinsky, a graduate student, was named director of New Horizons in July 1999. She is a certified instructor who teaches 15-20 hours a week. \nShe said this program enabled her to combine therapy with something she loves to do. \nLorinsky said New Horizons is busiest from March to November. She said the program for people with disabilities is well-established and this type of therapy is beneficial. \n"Animals are completely honest in the way they react. They're not going to lie," she said. "If someone is abused and has a fear of someone bigger, learning to handle a horse could be extremely helpful."\nShe said New Horizons is advertising and visiting area therapy clinics. The program is focusing on clinics that cater to people who have mental disabilities or abuse drugs.\nEvery situation is different, Lorinsky said, so the program tries to tailor each lesson to the individual. \n"Of course a physically handicapped child will receive different therapy than a teenage boy who is involved with drugs," she said.\nShe said about 25 volunteers work at the facility.\n"We could not do it without the volunteers," she said. "They make it possible and safe."\nLorinsky said the program depends on lesson fees and private donations. Past donors include United Cerebral Palsy and Medicaid waivers. \nAlthough a fee is attached to lessons, Lorinsky said no one will be turned away.\n"For people who cannot afford lessons, we will help them find funding," she said. "We won't turn anyone away based simply on finances."\nMaking a difference\nJunior Danielle Smith, a management major, volunteers a few times per week. She heard about the program while attending events for the Equestrian Club. \nSmith has been riding horses for about two years and said the experience is thrilling.\n"I love everything about it," she said. "You get on a horse and everything else escapes you. It's amazing how successful this program is."\nSmith said she assists a variety of children, including some who are autistic or paralyzed. Some horses, she said, specialize in different areas. For example, some horses are comfortable having a wheelchair near them, while others would be scared. \nDuring each lesson, the rider progresses through the different stages of riding, Smith said. For example, a rider might use the reigns one week for balance and not use them the next.\n"They're so excited," she said. "Some are scared at first, but you would be surprised how much progress they make over time."\nMike Hovious, a 12-year-old Bloomington resident, has been riding at New Horizons for nine months. He attended a session Wednesday afternoon with his grandparents, Bill and Erma; his mother, Lisa; and brother, Mark.\nMike has attended other therapies, Lisa said, but soon grew tired of them. \n"Therapy was boring for him when it just consisted of standing and sitting on a bench," she said. "Now we've found this and we're going to stay with this indefinitely. He doesn't even know it's therapy; it is just fun"