KENNEWICK, Wash.- Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities, also called TROT gives adaptive riding lessons for people with disabilities. TROT also provides hippotherapy, using horse movements to influence the motor, sensory, and postural control of the patient.
Cynthia Macfarlan, is a speech pathologist and founded TROT ten years ago.
“It started in my backyard with two horses and a client who couldn’t say his R’s,” said Macfarlan. “I realized how impactful and quick the response time was.”
What started as two horses and four riders, ten years later has turned into nine horses and five programs. TROT sees 50 riders and over 100 volunteers a week.
Macfarlan said students can benefit from therapeutic riding physically, mentally and socially.
“Physically, people who struggle with weakness in their muscles or tone challenges can really gain some balance and flexibility,” said Macfarlan.
She said mentally, riding a horse can help students with anxiety or sensory processing problems focus. When it comes to students who struggle with communication, Macfarlan said she has loved watching students make connections with volunteers and peers.
Toni Hoover started volunteering at TROT eight years ago and now works as an instructor.
“I love watching the progress of the students, teaching people and sharing the passion I have for horses,” said Hoover.
Hoover said, at TROT they have seen a nonverbal child say their first word while riding a horse. She believes the connections with an animal can help students come out of their shell.
“We have a student when she first came to TROT she wouldn’t even touch the dog let alone the horse,” said Hoover. “Now she’s out here riding and trotting.”
TROT is still looking for their forever home. Macfarlan said they had to cancel so many sessions during the spring due to weather conditions.
“If we have a cover over our head we can do this year round and have this for the community for the long haul.”
If you are interested in volunteering or supporting TROT, you can head to their website.
