Testimonials

TESTIMONIAL FROM A PARENT

I am writing this letter in reference to my personal experience and praises to the Discovery Riders program in Logan County, Ohio. My 11 y/o special needs son has been participating in this wonderful program for a year now. It has been the single most amazing event in his you life.

My son suffers from several mental health disorders, including bi-polar disorder, ADHD, ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), emotional disturbances, intermittent explosive disorder, serious behavior issues, and suspected autism spectrum disorder. You can probably imagine what a struggle it is for him to function in a school setting, at home and in society.

My son started out with very weak communication and social skills. Until a year ago, he never wanted to leave the house. It was a battle just to get him to go to school everyday. He had no real friends and had no desire to socialize with anyone outside our immediate family.

This is when Discovery Riders came into the picture. My son already had a passion for horses because his grandfather races them, but he never had the opportunity to ride. I thought getting him to go to class would be yet another struggle. Boy was I wrong! The first day, he was up, dressed, and ready to go by 5:00am and class didn’t start until 2:00pm. I have gotten him to ease up on his “I’m ready to go” time. It’s now 7:00am.

The transformation in my son has been miraculous. He has come out of his shell in a big way. He takes pride in his ability to learn and master new skills every week. He has taken huge steps in developing communication and social skills. He has mastered the art of communicating with his horse. I think I get as much joy out of watching him as he does riding.

Because of Discovery Riders I can look at my son and not see turmoil in his eyes. When my son is on his horse, I know in my heart that for that moment in time, my child is at peace with himself and the world. When you have a child like Austin you know the chaos that must go on inside of him everyday and it just breaks your heart because you feel his pain.

I thank God everyday for Discovery Riders and may God bless evry person who plays a part in making this happen. I hope that Discovery Riders can continue to enhance the lives of the many children as it has my son. We have truly been blessed. My son is living proof that this therapy works miracles. And if you can’t take my word for it, just ask my son. He would be happy to enlighten you. He has everyone else.

February 4, 2004

Re: Discovery Riders Inc. Juvenile Youth Program

To whom this may concern:

I am writing to express my support of the Juvenile Therapeutic Riding program designed and implemented by Discovery Riders Inc. This Therapeutic Riding Diversionary program provides positive interaction with instructors and the community volunteers, for youth who are experiencing severe behavioral, emotional problems and have or who are currently on probation.. Many of the young people involved in the program have had little exposure to horses and farm chores. The Juvenile Therapeutic Riding project allows them to find ways to express themselves, develop self-esteem and new attitudes through interacting with the horses and instructors. The bond the student form with the horses is just short of magical. In addition the project builds positive links to the community through volunteerism and being exposed traditions of people who live in the rural areas of west central Ohio. I am in full support of the Juvenile Therapeutic Riding project and look forward to its continuation.

Sincerely,

Judge Michael Brady
Logan County Juvenile Court Judge