Rotary Program: 7/16/03

Program Chairperson: Mike Burke

Speaker: Diane Howell, STRAP

Mike Burke introduced Diane Howell who is a board member of STRAP, which stands for Sydney’s Therapeutic Riding Assistance Program. STRAP is a non-profit organization, totally funded by donations, fund raising festivals, and volunteer support from the community, whose mission is to provide therapeutic horseback riding experience for children with various disabilities. To tell us what STRAP means to her, Diane says, would be difficult. She got involved because she has a daughter, Taylor, who suffered a stroke shortly after birth whose therapy options seemed to disappear after she turned 11 years of age. Diane, Sonya Tackett and her husband Johnny, and several others came up with an idea of building a riding stable to provide the therapeutic horseback riding experience. Although there is no charge to the participants, donations are accepted from anyone who wants to help and everyone is encouraged to volunteer.

Research shows that riding horseback not only improves physical abilities, but also increases confidence, self-esteem, patience and independence. The movement of the horse provides a rhythmic motion to which the rider responds to maintain balance and in so doing stimulates and exercises the neuromuscular system. The result over time is increased strength of the muscles that control posture and balance as well as mobility and function. Though many are a little intimidated by interacting with the animals at first, progress comes quickly and the experience is very beneficial. While there, the children are able to socialize with other children and the parents get the opportunity to network with other parents and staff. The disabilities include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation, Downs Syndrome, autism, stroke or accident victims, multiple sclerosis, emotional and learning disabilities, as well as visual, speech and hearing impairments.

The facility is located just 8/10ths of a mile off US 23 on Cabin Fork Road at Dorton, Ky. They now have five horses and hope to add more as the funds become available. They also dream of the day when the service can be provided all year around in an enclosed arena. Last year, 30 children participated in weekly events including activities on obstacle courses, a basketball court, getting items from a mailbox, and reaching for a various things on a pole equipped with horseshoes from which objects are hung. Each child must have a minimum of three volunteers who walk alongside and in front of the horse to ensure the safety of the rider. The parent must also have a statement from the child’s doctor approving the therapeutic horseback riding experience. Donations may be made by writing to STRAP, P. O. Box 532, Dorton, Ky. 41520 or inquiries may be made at 606-639-8866. Thanks, Mike for the informative program about such a worthy organization. Submitted by J. Morgan Chapman