Wilmington College holds 4th annual Therapeutic Riding Camp for children with disabilities
Lucy Trout, a double major in animal science and equine science who graduated in May, leads the horse carrying Therapeutic Riding Camp rider Luke Gillian, with side walkers Megan Bennett and Cole Davis, both of whom are first-year occupational therapy students. (Submitted photo)
Wilmington College's graduate program in occupational therapy places a focus on preparing professionals to serve rural communities. Its mission came to life again with this summer's Therapeutic Riding Camp, which offered one of the enduring symbols of rural life — horseback riding — to area children with disabilities.
The five-day camp, July 27 to 31, at WC's Equine Center attracted several dozen campers, ages 5 through 17. Their health challenges ranged from autism to social, physical, emotional and behavioral disabilities.
Erin Bales, occupational therapy program director, said the camp increases the availability of services in recreation and leisure for the area children. "It answers the quest, 'How do we help kiddos?' Our program strives to prepare its students to become problem-solvers and to promote community-based health and wellness in unique ways,” she said. "Enhancing quality of life is a big thing in occupational therapy.”
Split between morning and afternoon sessions by age groups, the campers engaged in various sensory activities including crafts, games and agriculture-related projects and farm animals — until it was their turn to ride. Enter the horses selected for their gentle demeanor and ability to connect quickly with novice riders.
Bales explained how three years ago the riding camp went from an idea in class to involving all OT students and faculty members and partnering across the campus with WC's agriculture and equestrian areas.
"Several occupational therapy students with equine experience did research on therapeutic riding and said, 'Why don't we do it here?'" Bales said. Soon, they learned that Javonne Mullins, then an assistant professor of agriculture, is an experienced therapeutic riding instructor and even has a background in speech therapy. Mullins has worked all four years of camps.
Mullins explained the horses' movement has a "calming effect" on riders and provides multi-sensory experiences involving touch, warmth, balance and coordination. "Also, it is truly a hands-on learning experience for our students," she added. "They planned each day's stations. Everything worked — it just flows."
Laney Starbuck is a first-year occupational therapy graduate student after graduating from WC as a psychology major/sociology minor in December. Her mother and extended family members are occupational therapists, which informed her desire to pursue the profession. She described the riding camp experience as “having the time of my life.”
“To see the kids’ faces, they’re so engaged,” she said, noting how impressed she is with how the OT, equestrian and agriculture areas came together to host such an “incredible” camp. Also, the experience served to illustrate the variety of people for whom occupational therapy can improve their lives. “Having experience with all different populations helps you understand what you want to do in this broad field.”
Lauren Murphy is a senior on the College’s equestrian team who worked the camp for a third year. She was impressed with how profoundly the experience of riding horses affected many of the campers, often calming their anxiety as they feel the horse’s movement. “I saw a boy go from being nonverbal to speaking while he was on the horses. (The campers) confidence grows extraordinarily. Seeing that makes you feel amazing. I get emotional talking about the experience every year.”