Caleb's Story
Handi-Riders Summer 2009

*Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Thank you seems so small in compare to what has been given to Caleb and our whole family this summer.  I must admit at first I had my doubts as to how once a week riding would be of therapeutic benefit to Caleb.  Boy was I wrong and I can be first to admit that my doubts were blown away.
 
From a parents stand point I want to explain Caleb, who he is, and how in multifaceted areas Handi-Riders has helped him.  Caleb was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at 7 months old.  His CP has effected him in so many ways I can't even begin to list them, but what I can list is what Handi-Riders has done for him in a multitude of areas.
 
Caleb's night time routine has been cut in HALF from one hour before bed prep to 30 min before bed prep.  Getting ready for bed has been hard since Caleb wears immobilizers to help stretch his legs at night.  Sadly Caleb's legs don't behave for this process.  Before we'd have to warm soak his legs, massage the cramps and stretch him into the braces.  A majority of the time this is a painful and unpleasant process which makes it more difficult for him to relax and drift off to sleep quickly.  Since beginning his lessons in June Caleb's time is in half, he is not only able to put his immobilizers on with EASE but there is no more tears and his legs seem to melt into the position of the brace.  The stretching of his gentle horse Buddy/Cutter has been a massive help in this problematic area.  Easier application of the night braces means he is calm and falls asleep faster :)
 
Along with the change in bed time routine there the the pleasant surprise we noticed with his legs not cramping as much while he's asleep.  The slow warm stretch he receives from the horses in the evening don't end at the stables...Caleb is more comfortable at night and able to rest more soundly and through the night.  Typing that alone brings me to tears.  His life has always been filled with nightly calf cramps and stretching pains.  Tears no child should shed from his body defying him.
 
He has a gentle calm before lessons and after that only he and his horse can explain.  I am not even sure there are words for it.  He sits taller, uses his trunk muscles more with out cues.  He is a more mature and wise boy.  Now that is only a motherly understanding of the changes.  Medically there are more impressive benefits I didn't expect!
 
Caleb takes trips 2-3 times a year to Gillette Children's Hospital in St Paul, MN.  There they do a surgical procedure, which injects dozens upon dozen of times in areas all over his legs, botox and phenol.  This medication helps ease his muscle spasticity and contractures.  It's a very painful and scary process and Caleb's had it done since birth, being 8 years old that is a lot of memory to live off of.  Riding has not only helped his mom at home take care of him but it's leased him another 3 months with out surgery!  It has COMPLETELY taken a whole surgical appointment away so he only has 2 this year for his legs!  May seem like a small thing but believe me and of course Caleb...it's a miracle!  Not to have to prep my child for another surgery so soon, well miracle is the only word I can think of to explain that.
 
Why give Handi-Riders this credit?  Not only have the changes come while he has been riding the 3 months this summer, but also because with his PT, Kate Nurmburger at Children's Care we've been tracking it for just this reason.  Caleb's proof is in the numbers!  His range of motion has been extraordinary!  He has stayed the same the entire summer!  With all his summer activities which have been physical he usually has increased his tone vastly from use of his muscles.  Riding bike, swimming, physical therapy, Occupational therapy, camp, baseball...all of these things have proven helpful but none have slowed the process of his muscles getting tighter.  None.  The proof is in the hard work and time spent once a week, in the evening for the summer at Cottonwood Stables.
 
I have to give the credit where it's due and Caleb had his icecream cone treat tonight...but your team of gentle, understanding horses, warm, welcoming, helpful, protective staff & help made this summer one to remember..  Not because of the fun, smiles and treat bucket laughter but because miracles can happen.  No matter the size.
 
To any parent who thinks one night a week isn't enough, please think again.  One night a week gave us a miracle, a million smiles for the winter to keep us warm.  Saved us money on travel and a medical surgery.  It's all worth it.  I made the once a week trek to the stables with an infant and in summer rain and bugs with a bright eyed boy full of imagination looking for an animal friend to connect with.  Boy did we get more than we anticipated.
 
Thank you seems like such a small phrase on something so amazing but it will have to do.  Thank you and please know we will be back next summer if not this winter.
 

Victoria A. Ludens