A Parent's Perspective

My son Connor has been a member of Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association for three years. He is a happy, content six-year-old who loves animals, especially horses. We joined Little Bits when he was three after a recommendation from his physio therapist pediatrician at the Glenrose Hospital.

Horseback riding is not only therapeutic, in that it improves balance and muscle strength, but it's also fun. Connor is non-verbal but when we pull into the parking lot at the Whitemud Equine Centre he is very vocal and excited! He has met many friends (fellow riders) through riding and always gets many hugs and greetings from them when we arrive. The instructors, staff and volunteers are also very special people and always have warm smiles and enthusiastic dispositions.

The social aspect of the program is also very beneficial to Connor. Connor volunteered to ride early one sunny morning last fall during an A-Channel promotion of Little Bits. He met celebrities that morning such as Lisa Hewitt (his favourite - he has an eye for beautiful women), Duane Steel and Clayton Bellamy. He had a blast and really enjoyed watching himself and his friends on TV when we got home. He also attended a Celebrity Breakfast where he again had the pleasure of seeing Lisa Hewitt, Patricia Conroy et al. His sister Tyrra, age two, was also an entertainer that morning who refused to stop dancing on the stage with the other celebrities. It seems she loves country music as much as her family.

We really appreciate the opportunity to be members of Little Bits and have Connor ride. It truly gives him a sense of independence since it is an activity that he can do all by himself (with the assistance of a leader and a sidewalker but without Mom and Dad). For this we are very thankful.