Your Gift at Work: Heartland Horses and Handicapped, Inc.

Jeffrey is a 47 year old who resides with his retired parents in Sebring, Florida.  He is mildly mentally retarded and has Cereme Anoxia, which causes him difficulty with speech, comprehension, and balance.  Jeffrey’s parents provide him a wonderful home full of love and the attention he requires; however, his parents were in search of an alternative therapy, which would help increase Jeffrey’s balance, focus, and quality of life.  They found this at Heartland Horses and Handicapped. 

Jeffrey has been at Heartland Horses and Handicapped since April 2008.  He attends sessions twice a week and rides for approximately twenty-five minutes each time.  In the beginning Jeffrey would tire very easily, but now he is able to complete an entire session with each visit.  Under the direction of their instructor, Joy Ongley, Jeffrey has been able to improve his coordination, strength, and balance through various activities on the horse.  He is also more communicative and will attempt to verbalize (though not always words) his answers and feelings.

By improving Jeffrey's coordination, balance, ability to verbalize and confidence, Heartland Horses and Handicapped is making great strides in improving Jeffrey’s quality of life. His parents are very pleased as Jeffrey is more active and willing to socialize with others.  They continually comment on how happy he is and that he is ready to go on session days.  Jeffrey, among many other clients, is what the Heartland Horses and Handicapped is all about.  This is just one of the many United Way partner agencies you support that are working to provide opportunities that provide independence for individuals living with disabilities.