Meet Case. He loves farming, gardening and taking care of his chickens... And at age 3, he was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.
"Four years ago, I was driving to work and I heard Sammi on the local radio talking about HorseSense," said Monica, Case's Mom. "My older brother went to a therapeutic riding center when we were younger and I remembered what an impact therapeutic horseback riding had on his life. I knew it would be a great way to get Case involved in a physical activity and socializing with others."
But in the state of Minnesota--where Monica and her family live--Case does not qualify for state-funded assistance. Raising a child with special needs comes with a lot of unexpected expenses. The HorseSense Scholarship Program ensures that Case is able to get the support he needs year after year.
"Working with horses provides a sense of calm and peacefulness," Monica said. "Case has a strong sense of accomplishment when caring for and riding the horses, and is able to focus during lessons in a way that we don't otherwise see while receiving physical and cognitive enrichment."
Physical and social activities enrich the lives of all children, but riders with special needs are oftentimes unable to participate in those vital activities. Without HorseSense and the generous donors who fund the organization's Scholarship Program, Case would be missing out on critical developmental activities. Donations made to the scholarship fund provide opportunities to individuals--just like Case--that would otherwise not be possible.
"Riding has become a passion for Case," Monica said. "We have found very few activities that are so inclusive, enriching and supportive of Case's needs as the programs are at HorseSense."