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"ELIZABETH - As soon as a child with autism
So much more happens out here than a simple horseback lesson or a trot around the ranch. The time spent at the property is literally life changing, particularly for children like Kyra Barrett.
Kyra, who has autism, was never very social at home or at school, and she was particularly uncomfortable in crowds. The conditions are not necessarily uncommon for a child with autism.
"One of her biggest challenges is [being social]," Kyra's mother, Sue Barrett said. "She's a bright little girl, but she's had a hard time communicating or expressing herself, doing normal things, such as interacting with kids and so forth."
Barrett says all of that changed when she started bringing Kyra to Connections nearly two years ago. She credits Kyra's improvement with her tolerance and her communication skills to the program's horse lessons, which push kids to work on their breathing, physical strength, attention span and communication while walking horses or riding horseback.
"It's been so important for us to be here," Barrett said. "I know that there's so much more growth for her to achieve.
"Simple things like splashing in the water or sitting in the dentist's chair would bug her or cause her to scream and shout. There's been such a tremendous change [with this class]. She feels like she belongs here."
Connections Director Cathy Stecklein has seen dozens of children's lives change as a result of an autistic child interacting with horses and volunteers through the lessons, which are funded by sponsors and donations.
"So many come with behavioral issues and they're just stuck," Stecklein said. "They might be in a locked gate [before they come here]. Afterwards, they're free enough with the horses and exercises to behave globally in their life."
However, the program has faced many hardships over the past year, as have many other non-profit organizations. The riding center is out of its most basic need; only a few weeks worth of hay remain. Money is running tight, too.
"We need help with hay and getting riders [like Kyra] sponsored so we can continue this valuable therapy," Stecklein said. "I see the change from the day we meet to weeks down the road as they progress. I see them integrating and function in a world that didn't make sense to them before."
To learn more about Connections, or for volunteer and donation opportunities, visit the riding center's Web site at http://www.connectionstrc.org or e-mail Cathy Stecklein at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Connections Therapeutic Riding Center is running a fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 16 in partnership with eight Panda Express locations
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