1984 June Newsletter

.:;

The Lower Connecticut

Valley Educational

Riding Association,

Inc.

L.C.V ER A Hadlyme, Ct.

06439

Vol.

3

June

No.2

This spring we launched our First Annual Membership Drive enough to hoping to be successful eliminate the need for several In the fall fund raisers a year. we published our first handbook, a fine resource for anyone interested in Therapeutic Horseback Riding . During the year we have given several demonstrations involving our riders and some of our riders have in the had a chance to participate competition of the show ring. The program first started in 197 4.

Consider us in 1984. We are 73 riders, have 78 serving volunteers, a hard working Board, an Executive Director, 4 Instructors, 2 Physical Therapists and a bright :future. We've come a long way.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Spring

- 1984

been a great year, not It's always easy, with the uncertainty of a stable for Tuesday's classes, the loss of our most suitable horse for backriding, the announcement of our Instructor's resignation.

But in true LCVERA style these challenges have not interrupted the program.

We never cancelled a Tuesday session, we are looking for another Santa Claus (he will be hard to find), and the Transition Committee's recommendations for a newly organized LC VERA are well underway.

This is the nature of LCVERA, I am certain that the Human- Companion Animal Bond is as powerful for us as trustees, as it volunteers and instructors is for our riders.

How else can one explain the committment and extraordinary dedication of all of us to LCVERA. As recommended by the Transition Committee, the Board of Trustees has appointed Judy Lovelace as LC VERA 's Executive Director.

She will be responsible of for coordination of all aspects the program.

In addition to Judy, there will be four instructors and two Physical Therapists working with the riders in the ring,

··-

Judy

Lightfoot

CITATION FOR TBN YHARS OF DEDICATION AND SBRVICB TO LCVBRA

Given to Anne Wright at the Meeting in April.

To Anne: Whereas, riders

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you have taught for ten years humor, enthusiasm, dedication

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Whereas, you have trained our volunteers and increased their knowledge of Therapeutic Riding to Whereas, you have lectured numerous groups with talent for public speaking always enhancing LCVERA's

SPRING SEMESTER

The Spring semester ended for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday classes the week of June 4th.

Thursday classes continued until June 14th, was missed.

However our Anne a interim instructors have done most creditable job, Holly Ridgeway of Chester took over the Monday evening classes.

These riders are young adults from SARRA. One of these riders now at the walk rides independently and posting trot.

Holly is a professional instructor at the a B,A, Westbrook Hunt Club, has degree in Education and is an all around sportswoman, The Tuesday Lyme - Old Lyme classes were held at the Gould's except on rainy days when Kingswood was used. time riding Natalie Bieber, long to exceptional and instructor unexceptional riders, horse breeder, special education teacher, chairman of the Sports Advisory Committee to the United Cerebral Palsy Association of to teach our America, continues physically disabled and to to act as instruct.

Edi Griswold her substitute.

Edi, a resident of Ivoryton, has volunteered to LOVERA for several years and has participated in numerous seminars, as well as workshops and claases immersing herself in a course of independent study of disabilities, therapeutic riding and equestrian skills, Tuesday classes from Regional School ii 18 were taught

by Jonni Edwards of Madison, Jonni Pony Clubber, lifetime is a "B" rider, horse owner and functioned as Anne's assistant instructor during past years. Her classes are

image entertained Whereas, you have the Day in at our friends the Country you have driven Whereas, horses and tack Whereas, you have been LCVERA's #1 Lady

It is with tremendous gratitude for all you've done for the program and admiration for your talents that the Trustees for your years tonight thank you of service to LOVERA,

TWO RIDERS ATTEND REGIONAL GAMES of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORT FOR CEREBRAL PALSY Dorothy Burgess and Sylvia LaChappelle competed in the NASCP Games at the University regional of Massachusetts in Amherst on May 24th, Both were in each of the following classes; equitation, dressage, and an obstacle course, with They rode well and came home many ribbons to their credit.

A special thanks to horses, Sunny and Cashel, and to volunteers Edi Griswold, Anne Wright, Natalie Bieber, Molly Francisco, Marianne Pfeiffer and Judy Lightfoot who was a great went with them, It day, Congratulations Dotty and Sylvia,

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progressive, active, lively and fun.

Wednesday classes at Westbrook Hunt Club are ably taught

by Holly Ridgeway, teacher of our Monday evening classes, and

by Patti Peoples of Killingworth.

Patti is the proprietor of a horse breeding facility, a special ed teacher, a long time "horse show mother", and owner of May Apple, that invaluable and patient fourlegged teacher.

Last fall Patti developed and taught a LOVERA pilot Stable Management I Riding Class for three riders in the Madison I Guilford vocational instruction program which received high marks from the school system.

Patti continued that program on Wednesday as well as teaching a second class in riding skills.

Thursday riders work with specific volunteers each week, a system developed

by Anne which continues to work well with this diverse group.

Pecky Schwartz, Linda Elgart and Frank Hamilton have been especially successful with their riders.

Anne Lightfoot and Caroline Vincent, charismatic young volunteers whose senior project was working with LOVERA, were able to give extra riding days to a physically disabled youngster under careful supervision of Carolyn Jaqielski our LPT. We are all very pleased with of this semester of the outcome transition and feel confident that next fall will see us most able to give the best service ever.

Judy

JIM

-

May 17,1984

Jim doesn't speak, Only to his family does he prove he knows how.

His face is usually without expression.

He has been riding with us for a year.

Today Jim rode "Tuesday".

He worked with a volunteer new to the program and a horseleader he knew only slightly.

He did some excellent steering work, working his way through a maze on the ground and over cavaletti, through a small mud hole and on to another maze, His volunteers urged him on and moaned jokingly as Jim repeatedly steered them through the mud hole. He smiled each time and his leader performed clownish steps through the mud. Jim was clearly pleased, Tuesday swished her tail, the side-walker laughed and said "Tuesday swatted me with her tail," From atop Tuesday came a tiny laugh and a little voice said, "I guess she thinks you are a fly."

Jim had found a joke too good to keep to himself.

Marianne

VOLUNTEERS

We have 49 Volunteers who come regularly to one or more classes each week, another 23 have come irregularly or as occas ional substitutes, another 6 or 7 on a standby list for the future . Total 78/79 took or Not all our volunteers but returned their questionnaires are some facts concerning here those that have.

Lovelace

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4 joined the program in 1974, 17 have been with us between five and nine years.

18 from one to four years.

17 joined in 1984 in to various recruitment response efforts. and jobs professional Among numerous teachers listed are secondary and special elementary, ed., several nurses, a nurse's aid, a speech pathologist at a children's psychiatric hospital, and a pre-school LD evaluator, two physical therapists, a movement and dance therapist,and a creative movement instructor.

We have a riding instructor in English riding, another in Western, a recreation director, an administrative assistant to a seminar organizer, a secretary/treasurer to a family firm.

Also listed: Flower store store proprietor, business, artist, engineer, employees, consultant, tutor of fashion craftsman, caterer, English, jeweler.

What a lot of talents!

Those with horse experience include 21 horse owners, several who have bred, raised and trained horses; several instructors; drill team, Pony Club and event participants.

One admits to shoeing horses and barrel racing, facilities and two own boarding many ride for pleasure.

One volunteer has seven years experience in another handicapped riders program.

Our volunteers also volunteer at other organizations, Cited are Meal-on-Wheels, Church functions and social services, juvenile court, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, FISH, 4H, AFS, Applachian Mt. Club, SARRA, Recordings for the Blind, UCPA, NARHA, mental hospital and Middlesex Memorial Hospital.

And our volunteers still find to pursue hobbies: tennis, time painting, reading, writing, poetry, sewing, crafts, skiing, photography, computers, nature study, music, needle work, "guys", raising sheep and spinning wool, archaeology, sports, cooking, gardening, environmental and wildlife protection, dog training, hiking, sculpture and people study are all mentioned.

So what do you think of that?

If you know someone who would enjoy being a volunteer bring him/her along or send their names to Marianne Pfeiffer, 132 Whippoorwill Road, Old Lyme, CT. 06371.

TRANSITION AND COMMITTEES

GUIDANCE

The Transition Committee received two applications for the came job of Director. One of these through the request for the last applications in Newsletter, and contained excellent qualifications but no previous experience with a riding program. We recommended that our acting director, Judy Lovelace, be made Executive Director, Since then this committee has in the sidelines for been waiting the end of the semester.

Meanwhile the action has shifted to the Guidance Committee which is charged to be a support and guidance system for the director and instructors, The Guidance Committee is currently composed of the chairs of our

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The highlights of the conference were the presentations made by Dr. Ingrid Strauss of Krauth, West Germany, director of therapeutic riding at her stable Wahkirschen.

Dr, Strauss, a warm, caring woman specializes in hippotherapy, a medically prescribed method of treatment for physically disabled riders using trained horses as an "exercise

committees dealing directly with the program, our PTs and President.

These are: Program Development - Patti Peoples; Horse Jonnie Edwards; Volunteer Marianne Pfeiffer; Education - Nat Bieber; Finance Frank Hamilton; Therapists - Susan de Laurentis RPT and Carolyn Jagielski LPT; President Judy Lightfoot, We hope to add specialists in learning disabilities and in other areas as members or consultants.

All these people are available individually or as a group to the director, instructors and others whenever needed. of the The smooth running program has been the focus of the guidance Committee's work this spring.

All our interim instructors now have had some experience to help them to decide if they wish to apply as LOVERA instructors for 84/85.

The Guidance Committee will be working with the Director and others over the summer to prepare for the 84/85 semesters.

Marianne Pfeiffer, Chairman

tool".

Sharing information and ideas 100 other volunteers, with over physical therapists instructors, and directors made these four days invaluable, We returned to Connecticut with many new ideas and an awareness of our great potential as an organization.

WESTBROOK HUNT CLUB SHOW The Westbrook Hunt Club held school horse show on June their asked LOVERA 10th and graciously if any of our riders would like to participate.

Jonni, Patti and Holly selected our more accomplished riders to enter.

There were three divisions of a trail class, one division of walk - trot (sitting) and two divisions of walk - trot /posting), Nineteen riders were able to compete, " I'm good enough to be in a horse judge!" .... "a show?", ... "a real dream come true" were some of the comments our riders made when asked if they'd like to ride.

A bond was formed between riders each of different sessions meeting was other for the first time. It truly a spectactular day,

NARHA CONFERENCE

Eleven enthusiastic volunteers attended the NARHA Regional Workshop at the University of Massachusetts on April 26, 27, 28 and 29. The conference covered broad organization, fund raising, volunteer training, selection of horses for a therapeutic riding program, orientation of students, exercises for all disabilities, design of lesson plans, mounting and dismounting procedures, for specific teaching techniques disabilities stable and management.

Judy

5

Lovelace

T,L,C. MARIANNE HONORED

We all know what T.L.C. (tender loving care) our clients receive from the staff and volunteers of LOVERA, But have you ever wondered sometimes about our four legged friends - how are they treated?

Are they loved and given kindly words as they are put into vans and trailers and hustled to and from the riding sessions?

Well, put your fears to rest; as this tale will tell.

A few weeks ago Judy Lightfoot was going to trailer Romy to his lesson at the Gould's Brush Hill Farm, Although in miles the distance is not great, it does include many turns, hills, bumps and rocky spots which make it not at all like traveling down I 95.

Having promised Sis some eggs, Judy decided to bring a dozen along.

Usually these would ride in the comparative safety of the car's floor, but this was a busy day and Judy was distracted as she about to get started.

She was of placed the eggs on the fender the trailer to pick them up and put them inside when she had gotten Romy all settled.

Away they went! Upon arriving at Sis' the eggs were discovered still on the fender - still whole and not scrambled - still sitting there quietly.

Now the moral of this tale is as horses when you trailer eggs it carrying carefully as makes for: 1 - happy horse therefore

At the annual meeting President Judy Lightfoot presented the first Volunteer Award to be given to a special LOVERA volunteer whose hours of devotion to the program cannot be measured, It was given to Marianne Pfeiffer. The citation reads: "For eight years you've led our horses, calming the nervous with your singing, been trusted sidewalker to riders on Monday night, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, even receiving a marriage proposal from at least one rider.

You've created our LOVERA display, viewed and admired by many.

You've authored and illustrated our handbook which was recently selected by NAHRA for use at their April 1984 Workshop. our publicity for You've written the local newspapers.

You've drawn up our ads.

You've helped train our new volunteers.

Now you're Chairman of the Volunteers. When we needed a Chairman for the Transition Committee you agreed to undertake this monumental task.

You chaired this difficult committee with thoroughness, to sensitivity, and dedication LOVERA, And now we are delighted that you are Chairman of the Guidance Committee which will be so important to the Board and the Executive Director in the future.

From all of us, Marianne, the Trustees, the Volunteers, the Riders, and the horses, a very special thank you for your wholehearted dedication and loyalty to LOVERA. In Marianne's honor the Trustees would like to establish the Marianne Pfeiffer Scholarship to be given each year to a deserving student."

2 - happy client therefore 3 - happy instructor therefore 4 - happy volunteer therefore 5 - happy

omelets

!!!

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sensitive to their need to succeed and to establish a good self image, Once they are confident on a horse, it will carry over to other parts of their life. Peter's photography is exquisite.

"I Think I Can" is a movie you'll want to see many times. It surely deserves an Oscar!

MAY 6th DEMONSTRATION

LOVERA 's May 6th demonstration and viewing of our film "I Think I Can" was a successful beginning to our first annual membership drive.

Our six riders demonstrated joy, determination and a feeling of mastery over themselves as well as the horses.

Dottie and Sylvia, our adult OP riders haven't had the benefit of physical therapy that our younger riders, Jenny K. and Kerry, have.

However, these ladies are undaunted - they ride weekly with us, have traveled to Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Texas to compete in National events.

There's no stopping them.

Jenny K,, our youngest OP rider, was backridden by Carolyn Jagielski, a LPT with neurological developmental training.

Jenny's goal is to sit independently on the horse.

Her parents have seen marked improvement in her trunk control and are delighted with the therapy LOVERA is providing.

Kerry who first came to us as a floppy rag doll mounted and rode independently through the obstacle course.

We hope that young Jenny will be able to ride a similar course when she's Kerry's age.

Jenny H. and Karen, both Down's Syndrome, dressed in costume and rode as a drill team, Staying with your partner on a horse is no easy task.

When you are legally blind, even harder; as Karen is it's however, at both the walk and the trot the girls were a team.

"I Peter Pierce, pro d ucer of Think I Can",(LCVERA's movie) has captured the essence of our program.

Our riders and their needs come first.

Our instructors, volunteers, and horses are

CENTER SCHOOL DEMONSTRATION Each year LOVERA has a riding demonstration at one of the schools. On June 12th the playing field behind Center School in Old Lyme was transformed into a riding ring.

Horses were brought in, volunteers came so that riders from Center School could demonstrate for their peers and teachers the riding skills they have acquired, Exercises such as " touch your right toe with your left hand", "around the world", and "click your hels over your horse's neck" were demonstrated.

Instructor Jonni Edwards asked the riders to halt, walk on, and reverse their horses at specific commands.

The half set position, sitting and posting trots were exhibited.

The opportunity to before one's school is a perfrom great thrill.

The appreciation and support of the audience bolsters the rider's self-esteem.

For those of you who have never seen one of our demonstrations I urge you to come. The bond between is great, making horse and rider each progressive step a sure success.

Judy Lovelace

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HORSE THERAPY USED STROKE PATIENT

FOR

" In 1980 I suffered a stroke which kept me in a hospital for most of that year and left me paralyzed on the left side, Being 36 I was, at first, left mentally in a low state because I had always led an active life, particularly in regard to horses.I followed hounds, competed in cross country and long distance events snd ran a small private yard, I was quite convinced I would never ride again, so I sold the horses myself to and tack and resigned becoming a wheelchair spectator, One day I was introduced to a person who asked me 'Why don't you try riding again with the local RDA Group (Riding for the Disabled)?'

I must admit that after a lot of active riding I did not relish the idea of being led around on the end of a leading line.. Anyway I swallowed my pride and with fear and trepidation of being treated like an invalid by a group of wellmeaning people I arrived, Again I was wrong, these people look at the person, not the disability and I was treated like any other person who wanted to ride.

The first hurdle to overcome was mounting, Gone were the days of lightly swinging into the saddle, Once aboard, balance was a problem and when we moved off into a walk the sensation was most odd, My mind knew what my body should be doing but could not actually make it do it, The feeling of achievement at just walking again on a horse did wonders for my ego and now there was no stopping me, With the bit firmly in my teeth I went on to trot and canter, at first in a very ungainly fashion but through the extreme patience of my instructor, I slowly improved.

Soon the great day came when I was allowed to go out for a hack, This was beyond my wildest dreams, The ability to ride out in the country again was a feeling I shall never forget!"

M. Rhys Thomas St, Edmunds Group, Suffolk, England (Reprinted from the RDA News, Surrey, England)

ANNE WRIGHT TO BE HONORED Anne Wright is to be honored at a luncheon at the Twelve Mile Farm of The Frank Hamiltons in Hadlyme on June 18th. This has been a traditional luncheon for the volunteers of LCVERA, but this year will pay homage to Anne's many years and great dedication.

TO FAMILIES OF DISABLED PERSONS an attorney Mark Russell, having a mentally handicapped brother, has written a book, ALTERNATIVES: A FAMILY GUIDE TO LEGAL AND FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR THE DISABLED. The primary intent of this book is to make the legal and financial planning process understandable and to simplify parent's efforts to provide security for their disabled children now and in the future.

This book can be obtained by sending $11,95 (includes postage/ handling/ tax) payable to First publications, P>O> Box 1831, Evanston, Ill, 60204 8

DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS

WHAT KIND OF BONE ARE YOU?

In March I became LOVERA 's Acting Executive Director, in May the Executive Director, This has been a busy transition period for LOVERA, Keeping up with the daily classes, getting to know each rider personally, organizing demonstrations, helping with the horse show, meeting with teachers and principals, and speaking to organizations has been exciting and enlightening.

The support from LOVERA volunteers has been gratifying.

Our instructors have done an excellent job. We have a strong support system which will enable LOVERA to offer the best therapeutic riding.

Have a marvelous summer - see you in the fall!

Judy

the membership of "Someone said every organization is made up of 4 kinds of bones: There are the wish bones, who spend all their time wishing someone else would do the work; There are the ,iaw bones, who do all the talking but very little else; Next are the knuckle bones, who that everybody knock everything else tries to do; Finally there are the back bones, who get under the load and do the work.

WHAT KIND OF BONE ARE YOU?

Lovelace

TI

Volunteers Did you know that you can claim as income tax deductions some of your out-of-pocket expenses incurred during your volunteer work? The IRS won't let you deduct for the value of your time or service you provide (wouldn't that be great?)

But all sorts of expenses are deductible: phone calls; postage; stationery; meals and lodging if away from home overnight; bridge, parking and high way tolls; travel, including to and from volunteer work. If travel is by car, you can: 1) deduct the actual cost of gas and oil or 2) deduct a flat 9 cents per mile.

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