Horses Rock for 9 yr old with CMT

[Guest guest]

Twp. equestrian camp more than just riding

Stable in Township hosts summer program

By Hirshberg July 13, 2009

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907130302

The first time Beron got on a horse as a toddler, she said she was scared.

Now, at 9, she knows that " horses rock. "

" I love riding horses because then I feel like a real horseback rider, " the

Montville resident said.

She joined children of all ages and abilities at Seaton Hackney Stables in

Township last week for Equestrian Camp. The camp is run by Equishare USA

LLC, which leases the stables from the County Park Commission.

Beron is different from other campers, though, because she rides horses as

physical therapy. She was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a disorder that

affects the nerves in a person's arms, hands, legs and feet.

" Riding strengthens muscles that might not normally be used, " said Marc

Schumacher, owner of Equishare USA, of horseback riding as physical therapy.

However, he said that it is not as beneficial for all disorders.

Beron is considered an intermediate rider. Her favorite activity is posting to

the trot, where the rider rises out of the seat with the horse's movements to

create a less bouncy ride.

" When the horse is running, you go up and down, up and down, " she said of the

activity. " You have to have good balance. "

Schumacher, who keeps the stables " green " by clearing manure, keeping dust to a

minimum and organizing the tracks to filter pollutants out of standing water,

said that riding is only part of being an equestrian. His goal is to " introduce

riders to all facets of horsemanship. "

Max Feldman, 15, of the Convent Station section of Township, is a

counselor in training at this year's camp. He also said that the children learn

more than just riding.

" They learn a lot about respect for animals and a lot about teamwork through

riding, " he said. Many of the counselors are international, he added, so campers

can " learn a lot about other cultures. "

Summer camp is not the only activity the stables offer, though.

Rusty Riders provides adults with a refresher or basic introduction before a

guided trail ride through Loantaka Park. The Petite Equestrian Program offers

children ages 3 to 6 an opportunity to enhance motor skills, play games,

interact with peers and ride ponies all at the same time. Private, group and

" troop " lessons, where riders work toward earning badges, are available

throughout the year.

An equishare program is also offered so that riders can visit a horse of their

choosing three times a week. Horse and rider grow accustomed to one another and

form a relationship.

Schumacher said that none of these activities would be possible without the

County Park Commission, which completed a major renovation on the

200-year-old stables in 2006.

Spots for the weekly Equestrian Camp cycles are still open. For more information

about the camp, birthday parties or other activities, call the call the stables

at 973-644-3355.

[Guest guest]

I know how true this is. was 7 when we found out that she had CMT. We

were fortunate enough to have a place out in the country, and have horses. It

was like pulling teeth to get her to do her exercises at home, but she would

spend hours on the back of her pony and latter horse, that was trully the best

physical therapy we could have asked for. She is 28 today and still rides as

often as she can. She was given a filly that she is now training. 

Sharon