From left to right – Rose Hostetler, Jeanine and Floyd Hartman

Many Maple Crest elders lived on farms in their childhoods or in their adult years, so it was a real treat for some of them to tour the Challenged Champions Equestrian Center in Ottawa recently.  

Not only did they learn about the equestrian therapy that makes a difference in the lives of people with special needs, but they also had the opportunity to stroke a horse, ride in a horse-drawn cart around the property, and watch elder Geraldine Sullivan-Clark learn to maneuver a beautiful horse named AC. 

Program director, Laura Luginbill, was an excellent trainer for Geraldine, who was thrilled to be riding a horse again after some six to seven years without that experience. 

Amanda Lever, equestrian therapist, explained the programs available at the Center, and gave everyone time to thoroughly enjoy the horses and the horse-drawn ride.