According to the National Service Animal Registry, a therapy animal can be a cat, a rabbit or any other animal that has been trained and gets along with humans.
The folks at Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding have been using horses to help children and adults with disabilities since 1988.
They now have a new barn and it has allowed them to expand and meet the needs of more people in the community. For those who utilize this unique form of therapy know that it is a life changing experience.
These aren’t your typical riding lessons. It’s known as equine assisted therapy. Ann Maria Perrotta has cerebral palsy and for her horseback riding is more than just a hobby.
Each week, she joins a team of specially-trained instructors at Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding, to work on things like balance, strength and stretching.
Kelly Boyer is the vice president of Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding. She says whatever situation these horses are put in, they just seem to know how to act.
“They’re very sensitive animals so they’re very in tune to our needs so they provide patients with provide unconditional love and they don’t judge people,” Kelly says.
