Super moms and dads are a large part of Centaur Stride.

Everyone feels better with a good friend and an occasional helping aa challenge. As I write this on Mother’s Day, I remember the special moments of being a mom, a caretaker, and the joy of the bond from being needed and loved. I also had that feeling from many of the children I had in physical therapy. I felt privileged to be able to share those moments of triumph, small achievements that made huge differences, and just everyday unconditional love!

But who takes care of the caretaker?

The networking of parents while their children were receiving our services at Centaur Stride was important to the parents. For many, it was one of the few times they got to talk to other adults who had many things in common. The exchange of information was invaluable. Although we often rely on parents to be side walkers, especially if we are short of volunteers, many were unable to perform that task. They were either too fatigued or maybe even had a bad back from constantly lifting and caring for their child with a disability, especially those in wheelchairs.

Caring for someone with a disability is often a full-time job. That means a lower household income because it is often difficult to find a flex-time job around their child’s special needs, schedules, doctor appointments, therapies, frequent sick days, etc., and just added more stress and responsibility to an already overloaded job description!

Most moms of children with disabilities are supermoms! And some dads are superdads!

The challenge for a caretaker is often the cause of depression and burnout, no light at the end of the tunnel because the job is never done. The general everyday stress, isolation, disappointments and emotional involvement is overbearing. If not for the joy of seeing the sparkle and love in the eyes of the dependent child, the need unquestionable, the thought of forever care is daunting. The work is harder as the child grows and is heavier, often with the disability progressing or regression of function due to growth.

The subjective burden of care has a significant impact on the emotional and physical health of the caregiver and the entire family who also depends on that caregiver.

To diminish that depression and burn-out, it is recommended that the caregiver take care of themselves, have some fun, surround themselves with people who can lift their spirits, make friends with people who have common threads, seek support from other caregivers, and find “community”. You can’t continue to give when the well is dry.

Easier said than done! Research has proven that horses and nature can provide healing power incomparable to other forms of therapy, vacation or recreation. In my own opinion though, I’m sure it is not better than someone else taking care of the caregiver once in a while though, or frequent hugs and acts of kindness and appreciation other than just Mother’s Day!

Through our experiences at Centaur Stride, we are confident we can continue to develop and provide services that will help the caregivers to take better care of themselves, assist in the healing of back problems and depression, provide “community” for networking and forming friendships, provide some respite, facilitate fun activities, and even offer events in which can bring families together with other families who share a common bond, to strengthen the bonds of family, appreciation, compassion, empathy, and unconditional love.

Through a small grant from M&T Foundation, we are scheduling presentations and clinics aimed at caretaker health and wellness, using our horses and nature. The first is coming soon in May and a second one in early June. Watch for details.

Through your donations, we can continue to meet the growing needs of our community. We are asking for your compassion, empathy and support. Please send donations to: Centaur Stride, PO Box 174, Westfield, NY 14787, or

Call to schedule a “Healing with Horses” experience, only $35. Call to volunteer (716) 326-4318. Visit our website at: www.centaurstride.org. Thank you for your support! https//linktr.ee/centaurstride

Claudia Monroe is executive director of Centaur Stride.