The Opening Gaits program has been wonderful for our son Liam. He absolutely loves riding horses and looks forward to each lesson with great anticipation. The program offers him a very safe environment in which he can learn how to ride. Liam’s skills have improved dramatically over the four years he has participated in the program. The program has helped him with his physical (strength and coordination) and mental (self control and ability to follow verbal commands) development. Also the program affords Liam a chance to interact with his peer group.

We as parents are impressed with the dedication, time commitment enthusiasm shown by all the volunteers and board members. We are extremely grateful to everyone for their unselfish efforts on behalf of the program and our son,s happiness. Thank you to all.
Sincerely yours,

Allen and Rosemary Canuel

We all share in that wonderful smile upon Natasha’s face as she finishes her riding session. She is so proud of herself and shares that with us as her eyes beam and her walking is so much stronger. Natasha has been riding at the program for about two years now and it is sure a highlight of our week. Mom also looks forward to visiting with the other parents and sharing how things are going.

The benefits that we achieve while riding the horse include the fact that Natasha is able to have more flexibility and core strength which enables her to walk with better balance and confidence. She loves being on her feet and through the horse-riding program, she is able to improve her mobility, which is quite often a problem for children with Rett Syndrome. It is wonderful for her to be able to do something that is so much fun, get to know about horses, be out in her community with other horse-lovers, be able to sit up in the saddle and gain the strength that helps her move forward in life. Thank you Opening Gaits!

Kathy and Natasha Sabo