Special Olympics Gold Medals Come Home To North Texas - ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship Riders Return from the 2011 Summer Games Equestrian in Bryan, Texas with Triumph

L to R: ManeGait riders show off their medals from the 2011 Summer Games Equestrian part of the Special Olympics Texas: Garrett Shaw, Cami Hutchins, Sara Waterman and Enrique Arredondo. Not shown is Jillian Coffey. Photo courtesy of ManeGait.

MCKINNEY, TX (July 12, 2011) — Riders with disabilities who train at ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship traveled to Bryan, TX for the annual 2011 Summer Games Equestrian as part of the Special Olympics Texas in June. Special Olympics athletes who compete in the equestrian events learn to ride, develop sports skills and gain the self-confidence to direct and control a horse. Riders, families and volunteers celebrated with “High Fives” for the triumphant success including three Gold medals, six Silver medals, and four Bronze medals.

ManeGait riders competed in events such as the English Equitation, which is scored on a proper body position and presentation of the rider; Western Equitation, which is the technique of how a rider and horse work together; Working Trail, which is the ability to maneuver the horse through obstacles; and Showmanship, which is the overall presentation of the rider and equine.

The ManeGait riders who participated in the Special Olympics include Enrique Arredondo, Jillian Coffey, Cami Hutchins, Garrett Shaw and Sara Waterman. Below is a list of their events, divisions and awards:

Enrique Arrendondo, age: 17 from Prosper, TX

Western Equitation BI (45) - Silver

Working Trail BI (70) - Bronze

Showmanship BI (90) - Silver

Jillian Coffey, age: 18 from McKinney, Texas

English Equitation BS (29) Jillian Coffey – 5^th place

Working Trail BS (65) Jillian Coffey - Bronze

Cami Hutchins, age: 18 from McKinney, TX

English Equitation BS (29) - Gold

Working Trail BS (65) - Gold

Showmanship BS (89) - Silver

Garrett Shaw, age: 14 from Van Alstyne, TX

English Equitation BI (30) - Bronze

Working Trail BI (70) - Silver

Showmanship BI (90) - Bronze

Sara Waterman, age 15 from Plano, TX

English Equitation BS (28) – Silver

Working Trail BS (64) – Silver

Showmanship BS (88) – Gold

ABOUT THE MANEGAIT PROGRAM:

In a typical therapy program riders attend weekly, hour long lessons in 10-week blocks for the spring, summer and fall sessions. They are taught by Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and assisted by community volunteers. So far, ManeGait has delivered over 400 sessions with 139 riders, ranging in age from two to 60 years old, traveling to McKinney from five counties and 17 cities.

Therapeutic riding creates a supportive surrounding community that includes the families, riders, horses, trainers and volunteers who take part in the progress of the riders at ManeGait. Not only are the families of the riders impacted, the 681 volunteers witness the difference in the riders lives—children with newfound confidence; improved balance, mobility and posture; better communication skills and enthusiasm for their companion horse.

Incredible results can occur when a rider with special needs is teamed up with a horse. The horse provides a rhythmical, multi-dimensional movement pattern similar to the human gait, plus the horse’s motion influences the rider’s body and can facilitate improved flexibility, and core strength. Riding positively affects the vestibular system, which contributes to balance and the sense of spatial orientation, resulting in improved sensory integration for the rider. Additionally, controlling a large animal helps to empower people and enables them to connect on a personal level, providing substantial emotional support. Unique bonds are formed between the rider, horse, instructors and volunteers. Increased confidence is a huge by-product of therapeutic riding. These subtle and profound accomplishments, which many consider miracles, happen daily at ManeGait. For more information about ManeGait: www.manegait.org