Sunday Lifestyles

Special horses offer lifetime of trust, care

Like people, horses have unique personalities. Are those personalities shaped by breeding, life experiences, or both? At Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Center, we have learned that while breeding may tell part of a horse's story, their experiences and the trust they develops with people can make all the difference.

It is true that the horse lives in the present. That does not mean they do not have memory. It means they respond to immediate circumstances, whether it be threats, or loving trust.

For horses we take in on a trial basis, we can tell within 30 days if that horse has been abused or neglected to the point that recovery will take a long time, if at all. The horses go through extensive training and have to be approved for each specific rider or program. Since we must reduce the risk as much as possible, especially for people with disabilities, that 30 day trial is crucial.

But once a horse is fully accepted into our programs, they pretty much have a new lease on life, as long as they live.

Two of our most beloved horses, Kasie and Dyeak, are wonderful examples. Now 32 and 29, respectively, both have spent many years helping riders build confidence, develop skills and experience the special connection that horses can offer. Today, they enjoy retirement from riding lessons but continue to contribute through grooming and ground lessons.

Kasie, a Quarter Horse-Belgian cross mare, was donated to Centaur Stride on Aug. 24, 1994, when she was just five months old. Sandra Landrich of Fredonia donated Kasie along with her four-year-old full sister, Nikki. Apart from off-site training at age six by Pam Curtis, Kasie spent virtually her entire life here as a lesson and therapy horse. Retired from riding for about two years, she now enjoys long naps and time with her horse biddy, Pixie.

Dyeak, a Haflinger-Cob cross gelding, joined us on Feb. 17, 2001. He was purchased with funds donated by Ralph Wilson of Westfield. If we could clone a pony, Dyeak would be our first choice! Gentle and quiet from the beginning, he excelled with trail rides, therapeutic riding and advanced riders. Health issues eventually led to his retirement from riding lessons. Happily, he is doing much better and remains a favorite during grooming and ground lessons.

Our barn manager, Jean Lozier, works diligently to maintain the horses' physical health. Their well-being also depends on a suitable environment, meaningful activities and loving care. At Centaur Stride, we believe every horse deserves dignity and purpose throughout its life. Our riders and volunteers give them that purpose and much of the tender loving care they thrive upon.

We may not always hear from former riders and volunteers, but when we announce the passing of a horse on Facebook, heartfelt memories pour in. People remember the horse they loved, the confidence they gained and the moments that stayed with them long after their lessons ended. The sadness of losing a horse (usually from old age) is somewhat balanced with the joy of how many people have been positively affected because of their life at Centaur Stride. We would love to hear some of those memories from former riders and volunteers, even before the horse they loved passes.

Behind every horse and every rider is a community of people who make this work possible. Our volunteers are essential to Centaur Stride. Their time, compassion and commitment help sustain our programs and create the supportive environment our horses and riders need. A volunteer-powered organization depends on people who believe that making a difference is worth showing up for, again and again.

That is why we are excited about the Patricia Phillips Prize, a new annual award from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation recognizing Chautauqua County nonprofits that strengthen our community through volunteer service. The winning organization receives $10,000 in unrestricted funding. We could surely use that money to get through the winter, and since we would not be here without our volunteers and community support, we hope we have a good chance at winning this award. But we need to be nominated, and the more nominations, the better our chances.

Will you help Centaur Stride receive this recognition? If you are a current or former volunteer, rider, family member, partner or community supporter who has firsthand knowledge of our work, please consider nominating Centaur Stride Therapeutic for the Phillips Prize. Nominations are due October 26.

Submit a nomination at: https://www.crcfonline.org/phillips-prize

The nomination form online is only five questions and a short essay. Your submission can make a huge difference in the lives of our horses and the many people who benefit from them. Thank you for your support.

Kasie and Dyeak have given so much over their lifetimes. Their stories remind us that care, trust and lasting relationships are so vital to what we do to enrich the lives of people with disabilities and their families. With the support of our volunteers and community, Centaur Stride can continue making those connections possible for years to come.

Claudia Monroe is president and founder of Centaur Stride.