The Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center in Middletown opened the doors to its new facility on Tuesday and is offering indoor riding sessions to people with special needs as well as veterans who are living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
"We work with individuals who have physical, cognitive and behavioral issues,” Janice Anderson, the program coordinator, said. “Probably our largest population is individuals on the autism spectrum."
Manes & Motions, a member of the Hospital for Special Care, can help provide more than 1,400 rides each year.
"Sitting on a horse strengthens core muscles and provide sensory input," Anderson said.
The new facility has a special lift system that helps people with disabilities get onto the horses.
"We do something now called a crest mount, so instead of swinging their legs over the back of the horse, we have them sit sideways and swing their legs over the front of the horse," Anderson said.
This is the first time the organization has been able to offer riding sessions during the cold winter months.
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Middletown Mayor Daniel Drew said he realized the benefits after a short stroll with a horse named Sisco.
"I can see how this is therapeutic for people. You can connect with the animal. When you're walking with him, you can feel every movement. When you turn your head, he responds,” Mayor Drew said.
Manes & Motions is located at 874 Millbrook Road. For information about the program or to schedule a visit, call 860-685-0008 or e-mail ManesandMotions@hfsc.org.
