Magic the Therapy Horse Rides into CUMC Posted by Vanessa [http://columbiaphysicaltherapy.org/blog/magic-therapy-horserides-cumc] on September 16, 2015 September 9, 2015: Columbia Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy faculty, students, staff, friends and family attended a special presentation given by Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. It was founded 16 years ago by a single family. One of the family members, Dr. Francisco Garcia-Bengochea, was a former chief resident and instructor in neurosurgery at Columbia. The presentation featured an appearance by Magic, a real live horse. Needless to say, she stole the show the moment she walked into the room to her theme song…that’s right, “Do You Believe in Magic” by John Sebastian. Miniature therapy horses are a special breed known as “minis.” They can help hospital patients as part of a team alongside physical, occupational and speech therapists. They work in therapy gyms, and help patients who are learning to use adaptive equipment like walkers and wheelchairs. They demonstrate walking on stairs and ramps. They also visit children and adults in nursing homes, hospices, and other institutions. Additionally, they visit families, first responders and others who have experienced traumatic events. They have gone to the aid of children and first responders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, child trafficking victims in Washington, DC and tornado survivors in Moore, OK, just to name a few. They go through a two-year training process that includes going on hospital visits with their mother. Thus, they learn to navigate in an environment with equipment, stairs, elevators, noise, people and other distractions. Magic, in particular, is a star among therapy horses. She has garnered numerous awards for her service, including Time Magazine’s One of History’s Most Courageous Animals, AARP’s Most Heroic Pet in America, a Reader’s Digest/Americantowns Power of One Hero, and was named to the 2015 United States Equestrian Federation Horse Stars Hall of Fame. She was the first of The Gentle Carousel’s therapy horses to visit a hospital, and she charmed everyone who
met her. Dr Janet Falk-Kessler, Director, Programs in Occupational Therapy, observed, “What is so appealing about these miniature horses, and why they are such terrific therapy assistants, is the fact that they encourage participation through their gentle demeanor coupled with their novelty.” Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, Education Director, gave an introduction and presented a short video showcasing the organization’s work, but the highlight of the event was the appearance by Magic herself and the opportunity for audience members to take photos with her. Jef Fox (CUDPT 2016), commented, “It was great getting to introduce [baby son] Wyatt to Magic, his first horse friend, and seeing the energy in the room.” Dr. Debra Krasinski, Director of the Program in Physical Therapy summed up the event. “It’s amazing how the room was transformed when Magic made her entrance. People of all ages were entranced by her. The little horse truly embodies her name.” For more information on Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses , visit their website and like them on Facebook. Special thanks to Stephanie Henkin, Administrative Assistant for Clinical Education, for organizing this event, Gentle Carousel’s Education Director Debbie GarciaBengochea and her team, and of course, Magic.
Magic making new friends:
L to R: Dr. Janet Falk-‐Kessler, Director, Programs In Occupational Therapy, Dr. Debra Krasinski Director, Program in Physical Therapy, Magic
(L to R) Jef Fox (CUDPT 2016) and son Wyatt with Magic and Jorge from Gentle Carousel
Rachelle Bordlee (CUDPT 2016)
Madison Said
Photo: Janet Falk-‐ Kessler
Emily and Grayson Abbruzzese
Photo: Edwin Bobrow
Stephanie Henkin (L), Debbie Garcia-‐ Bengochea
L to R: Kabi Deo, Jef Fox, Jorge from Gentle Carousel; Pete Terilli (all students CUDPT 2016)
Photo: Eleanor Chiger (CUDPT 2016)
Photos by Vanessa Corwin unless otherwise indicated