Horseback riding program helps children heal

By Nicole Arias
Staff Writer

An abused girl who refused to speak started talking to her horse after one month of participating in a therapeutic horseback riding program.

A girl with a spinal disease who at first could barely sit on a horse, is able to ride without the constant assistance of side walkers or a leader.

These two stories are examples that volunteers gave for reasons why they participate in Therapy, Health, and Education through Children and Horses As Partners, THE CHAPS.

The program provides horseback riding opportunities for people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

Although the organization is a cooperative effort of the community, YMCA Camp Tecumseh, Purdue University’s School of Agriculture and the School of Veterinary Medicine, it relies upon donations and fundraising to fund the program.

The Ride-A-Thon, the program’s annual fund-raiser that was held Sept. 29, raised approximately $25,000.

This amount consisted of the sponsorships collected by the benefit’s 77 riders and money given by 15 corporate sponsors.

Carma Buschman, a participant at the benefit and an eight-year volunteer, had 75 sponsorships for a total of $2,000 for this year’s Ride-A-Thon.

"It’s really hard for me to ask for money," she said. "But then I see what (the disabled riders) are doing and I say to myself, ‘It’s not so hard to go bang on some doors.’"

Buschman’s largest sponsorship was $100. Her smallest sponsorship was given the night before the benefit.

Buschman had just finished totaling the amount of money she collected when she said, "Wow, I’m just $2 short of $2,000."

Immediately, a friend in the room jumped up and said, "I got it right here in my pocket."

The enthusiasm and dedication fostered through the organization is shared amongst the 100 students and the 200 volunteers.

Tina Parker, a five-year volunteer and a member of the Friends of CHAPS committee, said she always looks forward to the one hour each week when she volunteers as a sidewalker.

"They brighten up when they get on the horse," she said. "It’s wonderful to be around their smiles."

Parker said children are timid and shy when they start, but they gradually realize that they can achieve something.

"The horse adds a lot of confidence to children," she said. "It reflects in other work they do and in other relationships."

Kristina, a 12-year-old student who’s been in the therapeutic riding program for five years, said, "I feel better about myself knowing that I can do things."

Her grandmother Jean Bowers said being involved has helped Kristina build her self-esteem by making her feel in control.

"At first, she wouldn’t go in the horse barn by herself," Bowers said. "Now, she wants to lead a horse by herself."

Bowers said THE CHAPS program is the biggest thing in Kristina’s life and enrolling her is the best thing she ever did.

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