 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
California Riding Magazine • May, 2010 Operation Saddle Up by Lisa Schalon |
“Changing lives, building dreams and opening doors” is more than just the maxim of Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Center. It is our mission, and we have been delivering on that promise since 2007. For the past three years, dozens of individuals with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities have benefitted from the transformative power of equine therapy in a beautiful, serene, 350-acre ranch environment. Founder and Executive Director, Judy Beckett, a North American Riding for the Handicapped (NARHA) instructor with over 23 years experience in therapeutic riding, launched Cornerstone in June of 2007 at Creek Hollow Ranch in Ramona. In January 2008 Cornerstone was one of three programs invited to participate in an innovative pilot program created by the J.F.Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano. The program was created to define the specific needs of our wounded and ill veterans. The pilot team worked extensively with doctors, physical and occupational therapists, mental health experts, and master certified therapeutic riding instructors to ensure the services being provided would address the unique challenges faced by these brave men and women.
As a result of this extensive research, Operation Saddle Up debuted at Cornerstone in September of 2008 and continues to thrive. The program provides equine assisted services to wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. These participants have lost limbs, have post-traumatic stress disorder, concussive brain injuries and other war related injuries and illnesses. Cornerstone’s comprehensive curriculum for veterans encompasses all aspects of horsemanship: grooming, tacking, riding, natural horsemanship and groundwork, roping and exposure to english and western riding disciplines. By the end of their sessions, riders are equipped with the skills to walk, trot, canter and trail ride.
”It has been truly miraculous to see the positive impact and life changing effect the horses are having on our veterans,” says Beckett. “I felt as though I had lost my humanity, and the horses have allowed me to regain my faith in people,” says a U.S. Navy Captain. “I cannot remember the last time I had fun,” comments another U.S. Navy Captain. “I had forgotten what it was like to be happy and to “In all of the therapy programs we participate in, this is the place I really want to be,” from another U.S. Marine. A U.S. Army Lance Corporal says, “I wish I could be here every day,” and a U.S. Army Sergeant concludes, “This program literally saved my life.”
The most compelling Cornerstone case history is an emotional and uplifting success story: An Army veteran who had lost both legs below the knee was referred to Cornerstone by a friend who suggested that riding might provide relief from his ongoing struggles with pain and frustration. The veteran’s initial reluctance diminished when he was embraced by the warmth of Cornerstone volunteers and environment. On his first ride, he walked, trotted and cantered independently. There was not a dry eye on the ranch! As they say, the rest is history: He met his girlfriend at Cornerstone, bought his first horse, and is planning to buy horse property this summer. It doesn’t get any better than that! Cornerstone was honored to receive a Congressional Recognition Award for our work with wounded veterans. The dramatic results of the Operation Saddle Up program have surpassed the expectations of the riders and their doctors. As a result, the Naval Medical Center San Diego has invited Cornerstone to be designated as a therapy center for an ongoing research pilot program. The feedback that Beckett has received from all levels has been overwhelmingly positive. “With attention being focused on the invisible injuries, such as traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder, the Naval Medical Center is standing up new programs for this population. One of their leading and most successful partners is Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Center,” she explains.
The popularity of Operation Saddle Up has prompted the Naval Medical Center San Diego to request additional days of service for the veterans. The program has been funded through the J.F. Shea Center and the Rychlynd fund. However, as more sessions and participants are added, new funding sources are needed. Cornerstone is a 501c3 non-profit organization and 100 percent volunteer-driven. To discuss support opportunities for this life-changing program, contact Executive Director, Judy Beckett at 760-788-2872. Or make a donation online at www.cornerstonetrc.org. And mark your calendar to attend (or compete in) Cornerstone’s 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off on Sat., June 5. This day of food and family fun will benefit a very worthy cause.
Author Lisa Schalon is a Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Center volunteer.
|
