Those who work with C.A.S.E. as volunteers, insturctors, parents/caregivers s well as board, have the priviledge of seeing some wonderful changes as well as joy, in many of our riders. To hear a first word, to see a smile from an autistic child, to realize the core strength being developed in a child with cerebal palsey, are all the reason we keep on with C.A.S.E.

Rider Profile

Meet one of our riders, Dustin. Dustin was just another teenager, enjoying school, hockey and horseback riding. That all changed January 20, 2001 when Dustin sustained a traumatic brain injury when he was in a single vehicle rollover accident. Dustin was a patient in the Ponoka Brain Injury Rehab program when his mother heard about CASE from a friend. Knowing Dustin had enjoyed riding and training horses before his accident, she did some research and decided to have Dustin start riding. Dustin started his first ride in April 2002. When Dustin first started riding he had no trunk or head control, wedges were used to prop him up and two side walkers had to hold him on. From the very first ride, his improvements in strength of muscle control over his trunk and neck were nothing short of remarkable. During the second set of six lessons the wedges were no longer necessary and Dustin was allowed to “wobble”, encouraged to find center and pull himself into line. His physical and occupational therapists were amazed at his improvement, attributing a large part it to his riding. With his mother Lynn always there, Dustin is continuing to ride even though it involves three hours of travel. He has hardly ever missed a ride. Dustin has a wonderful sense of humor and he is guaranteed to crack up his side walkers at some point. Dustin moved home last year and continues to improve in speech and is now able to walk with assistance. Lynn says riding has given Dustin a great sense of accomplishment. Dustin also enjoys the staff and volunteers, complimenting them on how they have motivated him to get “out” , go riding and doing regular activities.

More Information for Rider click here: Information for Riders