Exercising Muscles and Spirit
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a special program that provides therapeutic, recreational and competitive horseback riding to physically, mentally and emotionally disabled individuals of all ages. Lisa Gatti, founder of the program, says one of the most important aspects of the program is to foster “…a feeling of independence for many of the students who have lived a sheltered life due to their situation.” Equine therapy is an alternative therapy to physical and occupational therapies. The horse’s movement exactly simulates the human gait. The way Gatti sees it, Pal-O-Mine teaches students who just so happen to have a disability. Once the student is on the horse, no one can tell who has a disability and who does not. The horse becomes the equalizer. Many of the students participate in riding competitions.
Our Involvement
Hands On Tzedakah increased its annual grant to Pal-O-Mine. One of our donors designated part of his HOT contribution to pay for additional riding scholarships. This will allow four needy disabled students to take therapeutic riding lessons this year.
We received letters from the parents of the students who received Hands On Tzedakah scholarships. Here are two excerpts. "Rachel (not her real name) has been receiving therapeutic horseback riding lessons at Pal-O-Mine for almost two years now and they have been a huge part of her progress. We saw, almost immediate benefits of her lessons. Rachel has a condition known as Delayed Mylination, ADHD, verbal and physical delays. Some of Rachel's first words were "walk please" and "whoa" and well as "Yankee," the name of the horse she rides. Her physical therapist saw an improvement in her gait as well as her body awareness. One of the biggest improvements has been in her self-confidence and in her pride. Thank you for this generous gift." "My son is a 10-year old boy with cerebral palsy who gets around with a walker. So being able to ride opens up a whole new world of mobility her otherwise would not be able to experience. It provides a spark of confidence that enables him to try other things in life that otherwise might seem too difficult for him to attempt. We are grateful and want to sincerely thank you for your support."
There are more students on the wait list who need financial assistance. A donation of $2,500 provides complete support (lessons, therapy, competitions) for one rider for an entire year. A donation of $1,800 provides the riding lessons for one year; a donation of $600 provides riding lessons for a single trimester.
Contact Information:
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc., 829 Old Nichols Road, Islandia, NY 11749, Office: (631) 348-1389, Fax: (631) 348-1451, email: info@pal-o-mine.org, http://www.pal-o-mine.org
