By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

WAYNESVILLE, Ohio — Whether the rider suffers from Down’s Syndrome, mild retardation or is legally blind, on horseback at Bridge Riding for the Disabled near Waynesville, Ohio, they will find physical, social and even cognitive improvement with weekly riding sessions.

Spearheading the effort is Jane Kellerman, who has been at the helm of this program for 16 years.

“We operate on just six acres and we use every bit of it,” Kellerman said. “We assist riders with a variety of special needs. We help those with Down’s Syndrome, retardation, dwarfism and even those who are legally blind. We also help those with cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation, strokes and Multiple Sclerosis.

“These riders find the courage to face challenges. The horses and our volunteers work through issues with balance, tight muscles, communication skills and improving overall independence.”
Kellerman, several Haflingers and 50 volunteers make this therapeutic riding event happen.

“The horse produces rhythmical, multidimensional movement that recreates natural movement,” she said. “The horse’s movement will facilitate activation of postural control, balance, motor and sensory systems. And because movement is so closely linked to other functions, the participant will likely experience other systemic changes such as those in levels of arousal, cognitive function, mood or behavioral responses.”

Therapeutic lessons are offered twice during the week and twice on Saturdays. The only charge is what it takes to feed the horses that perform the work. The youngest rider at this small farm is three; the oldest is 74.

“Equines allow a person to arrive at a previously inaccessible location with grace and elegance,” Kellerman said. “The equine can often become an equalizer, offering people who move at very different speeds to get to their destination together. The barn is a totally new environment for these people and lets them start fresh.”

Dick Perry took his wife, Judy, to this facility for 17 years before she died from complications with Lupus.

“Judy’s concept was that she was in control when she rode and the disease was not in control,” he said.

Bridge Riding for the Disabled utilizes the Haflinger, a stocky but gentle draft pony known for being well-mannered and not easily spooked.

“I read about it when I was 18,” Kellerman said. “I thought the program like this was a great one and always planned on having one. I’ve learned that therapeutic riding has a strong emotional reward for those of us fortunate enough to work directly with the students. We see firsthand the efforts and accomplishments of each student.”

No fancy signs or attention-getters at this quaint farm on East Lytle Five Points Road in Waynesville: Just a successful therapeutic riding center doing its job.

“We’ve kept things small,” Kellerman said. “A lot of other therapeutic farms are bigger, but they lose that intimacy. We’ve kept things small-scale and do a good job with a few people rather than an average job with a lot of people.”

For more information about Bridge Riding for the Disabled, contact Kellerman at 513-897-4734.