Therapeutic Riding with Andrea Swenson
Experience the joy and freedom of riding horses
What a beautiful day it was for our first time back in the saddle since December. It was a little cool with a breeze, but the sun was wonderful. My riding buddies, Grace and Nathaniel, were back; with Nathaniel sporting a new helmet and Grace wearing new riding britches. My good friend Donna was back to show Chester and I the way; and I have new sidewalkers. Free Rein has been very excited to train over 70 new sidewalkers for this upcoming session.
My name is Andrea Swenson and I live in Spokane, Washington. I am 27 years old and have a disability called cerebral palsy which affects my muscles.
Sitting up straight is hard for me. I use a wheelchair and a Vanguard which is a communication device.
It felt incredible when I started participating with Free Rein Therapeutic Riding in June of 2010. I am able to ride once a week which has helped my neck, back and abdominal muscles; and my back pain has not been as severe. Riding also has helped my flexibility, making a lot of other activities easier.
I can hardly wait each week for my next horse riding adventure. Riding is so different than using my wheelchair. It makes me feel in control and free.
This is where I ride in Spokane.
Right now there are four horses and my favorite is Chester. He is very gentle, so I don’t have to worry about being bounced around too much.
The staff are very helpful too. They have a lot of experience in Therapeutic Riding, so they know all the right things to do to keep me safe. I like them all and they make it so much fun to go there.
The “hippos” are such big animals. Sometimes they scare me. If they ever stepped on me it would definitely hurt. But I trust them and they know that they are helping me.
Maybe we could ride together some time.
WOW! Looking good on Chester for that bright shining day! Thanks for the update on you and your riding buddies! 70 volunteer sidewalkers?! Free Rein is well loved!
Jeanne