Meet Riley, Our Featured Equestrian of the Week!

Riley

In the summer of 2003, Riley joined the therapeutic riding program at RTES. Diagnosed

with Ataxic Cerebellar Atrophy, Riley was able to sit up but his balance was poor and he

was unable to walk or even bear weight on his legs.

A cheerful young boy, Riley enjoyed his weekly rides and activities on horseback. As

with most children participating in our program, Riley wasn’t aware of the huge physical

benefits of his participation.

Now, eleven years later, Riley is16 years old and we have been privileged to watch him!

continue to grow and develop from the young boy with very low muscle tone, sitting

slouched on the horse, requiring the full assistance of two side walkers, to where!

he is today. Riley now rides his horse with a leader and one side walker walking beside

for safety; he’s learned to control his horse using the reins and can now sit tall in the

saddle and balance on his own. We have watched him slowly but surely increase

his strength and improve his balance.

Riley has progressed to the point where he is now walking with just a little help

occasionally to stay balanced. When you watch this young man make his way from the

Rider’s Lounge to the horse on his own two feet and requiring so little support, it really is

the most fabulous, heartwarming moment anyone can experience. With his family,

RTES staff and our fabulous volunteers behind him all the way, Riley has achieved so

much. We are very proud of Riley and his accomplishments. We can honestly say

that this is what Therapeutic Riding is all about.

- RTES