“They Like Mirror Our Emotions”: Ohio Equestrian Center Looks to Further “Acceptance” With an Amazing Initiative for Equestrians

One needs a strong, flexible, and capable body to excel in sports. However, physically challenged people are not far behind. Providing a stage to physically challenged people and giving them a chance to experience a new world, this equestrian center has given a lot to many. Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center holds equestrian training and events for disabled people. The center also teaches its pupils how to connect with their horses and form a loving bond with them.

The equestrian center accepts people from all walks of life and of all ages. Located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, this center also holds a competition day where all the budding riders compete with each other. The competition day holds a lot of importance for the whole crew at the center and this year, it was held on 1st August 2023. The competition is called “The Riders with Disabilities horse show.”

Equestrian trainer talks about a special connection

The Riders with Disabilities horse show is a part of the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic. Winni Spisak is an equestrian trainer at Fieldstone and is very well aware of what the horses mean to her pupils. She says that horses are intelligent and sensitive creatures that can sense our emotions. She says, “If the student comes a little nervous, or maybe not having a good day, the horse will show it. If the student then starts to relax, you’ll see the horse relax too.” Winni believes that horses conform to the emotional states of their riders.

Winni also said that the horses have a tendency to reflect what the riders think. “They like mirror our emotions in a lot of ways,” says Winni. Steve Sydenstricker is one of the pupils of the center who has been riding horses for 26 years now. He is the winner of the equestrian carriage driving event held by the center. Speaking about the event, Steven’s mom said on WKYC, “I think everyone you see here today and throughout the entire program will have a sense of caring for the participants and for each other.” The center is known for its openness and the lifelong help it provides its pupils.

Healing, mastery, and lifelong friendships

Niketa Chheda, the mom of another participant, said that her daughter now has a riding routine engraved inside her. She said that her daughter has been doing this for more than 15 years now and it has become an internalized process. Apart from the mastery of horses, these equestrian pupils have also found lifelong friends. Gathering under one umbrella with people who share similar challenges, the pupils find uncompromised bonds. Hannah and Jeeval are best friends and love to compete with each other, but also cheer for each other.

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The center also prioritizes healing. The instructors and teachers focus on the physical as well as emotional needs of their students. The parents of children who send their kids to the equestrian organization believe that Fieldstone is the perfect place for their kids. They see the center as a place where their child can dream and be the best version of themselves.

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