The Red Mountain Therapeutic
Riding Center
Our Stories
on this page, you will find stories from our riding center that highlight the diverse individuals we serve. We frequently update this page with new stories that showcase our work with various disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, mutism, and post-traumatic.
Liel's Story
The story is about Liel, a 12 year old girl who arrived at the therapeutic riding center, unable to walk. Her legs were completely paralyzed. If you stood her upright, she would simply fall over, unable to support her own body. Medical scans showed no physical issues, everything appeared normal.
Yet the reality was undeniable - she could not walk, nor could she stand.
At the riding center, she began intensive therapy sessions, the concept was straightforward:
1. If she can master the horse, she can also gain control over her mind, and later on, her body.
2. The connection with the horse will give her opportunity to experiencea healthy loving connection.
3. Through the horse’s movements, her body will move correctly, potentially sending signals to her brain that awaken the ability to walk.
With each session, Liel connected deeply with the horses, guided by an encouraging equine therapist who would say at the end of every lesson: "Let's say it out loud together: I can walk, I will walk again”.
Through the horse, she connected with a deeper part of herself and trained her mind.
Slowly but surely, she began to believe in herself. And miraculously, she took her first steps.
Today, Liel walks normally! Now Liel is walking again through horse therapy.
She has decided to volunteer at the therapeutic riding center and is inspired to pursue a career as an equine therapist when she grows up.
Ema's Story
Emma, a five year old girl with cerebral palsy, was brought to the riding center at her doctor's suggestion. Initially, she couldn't sit on a horse, as her legs were tight and closed. However, within a few weeks, her muscles relaxed, enabling her to sit on a horse with minimal assistance. Her father noticed a change too:
upon arriving at the center, Emma’s grip on his shoulders was tense. Yet, after her lesson, he felt her hold was relaxed and gentle.
Remarkably, on the evening following her riding therapy, Emma can sit independently on the floor and play puzzles, a feat she achieves just one night a week.
Or's Story
Or arrived at the riding center when he was sixteen months old with a severe physical disability. he was unable to sit and lay on the horse. With the perseverance of his mother, taking him twice a week to horse therapy, the change over the years has been magnificent. Today, at sixteen years old, he rides the horse sitting upright. The movement of the horse taught his body how to move by sending signals to the brain and creating new synapses. All of his body has changed over time.
Although Or and his mother live in England, they still return every year
for three months of intensive therapeutic riding.
