Equestrian center on American Canyon
Road offers much more than a chance to ride Tuesday, November 30, 2004 LINDA
LUIPPOLD American Canyon Eagle Staff Writer
What child hasn't dreamed of having a pony or riding a strong, valiant horse? At
Cornerstone Equestrian Center in American Canyon/Vallejo CA, children and adults
with disabilities don't just dream about horses, they saddle up and ride them.
Cornerstone Equestrian Center has been helping children for almost 20 years with
therapeutic horseback riding lessons. Founded in 1985 by a disabled woman who
believed in the benefits of horseback riding, the small, non-profit program
stables three horses on the east end of American Canyon Road. Over the years,
the program has helped many clients with physical limitations (even those bound
to wheelchairs), those undergoing psychological traumas or depression,
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, and other mental, emotional
and behavioral disabilities.
Everyone that works for the organization is a volunteer, and the majority of
saddles and gear are donated to help create a positive impact on the wellness of
disabled and handicapped children and adults.
Candy Tolle, the head instructor and board member, and Kari Ann Owen are both
certified through the NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped
Association). Owen used to be a student at Cornerstone. She suffered from her
own sciatica disability that left her wheelchair bound for a short period of
time in 1993. Now svelte and determined after losing 118 pounds through exercise
and gastric bypass surgery, she has a new lease on life as a certified
handicapped instructor at the equestrian stables.
"I had to learn to walk and ride again. Riding has really strengthened my back
and leg muscles. I'm an example of how therapeutic riding can help the body and
mind," said Owen. "And Candy Tolle is a wonderful person, instructor and is very
compassionate. I am terribly grateful to be a part of this program."
The program currently has 10-11 students a month and draws volunteers from all
over..
"There isn't any reward except for what we do and people come from all over to
do it. They like the work for what they do (to help others and by doing so, help
themselves). I'd love to get more students and more volunteers," said Sheri
Watson, herself a volunteer since February.
The medical benefits of therapeutic riding are plentiful, ranging from inner
strength and self-esteem, to an exhilarating sense of freedom gained by bonding
and riding with a 1000-pound animal.
Fun, exercise, physical coordination, balance, teamwork, responsibility and care
for the animal also come with each lesson. Individuals learn the art of control
and feeling connected - things they may not always experience in their everyday
lives.
Often the lesson is a family bond as well. Last Wednesday Murphy Shearn, age 11,
of American Canyon, showed up for his regular riding lesson with his dad Paul
and sister Rebecca, 14. For this lesson he was riding the majestic "Prince
Argus," a 28-year old horse who was donated to the non-profit group and renamed
to a more fitting stature from his previous title of "Gus."
Owen, the instructor for the day, had a fun-filled lesson planned for the
45-minute lesson planned for the young rider that included turns, serpentines,
rings and hooks.
"Riding games increase focus and concentration and makes it fun for kids and
adults," she said.
As sister Rebecca led the horse, Dad and a staff member "side-walked" the horse
(one on each side of the saddle) while Murphy followed Owen instructions
patiently waiting for his favorite command - to trot.
But then he spotted the carriage behind the barn for the new pony to pull and
wanted to add that to his lesson. Although Murphy and the horse were too big for
the pony carriage, volunteer coordinator Watson took Murphy to check out the
carriage (without his horse) and made his day complete.
He grinned from ear to ear, visited the ponies, then moseyed over to give Owen's
horse, "Cloud," a pat on the nose. Cloud is also a Cornerstone horse available
for handicapped and disabled children and adults.
The other Cornerstone horse, "Lucas," a very large thoroughbred, is waiting for
a proper saddle fitting before he does any lessons. The group is seeking
professional saddle-fitting advice and equipment for Lucas who has extremely
high withers. "Saddle fitting is more of an art than a science, said Owen
In addition to three Cornerstone horses, 20 additional horses board at the
American Canyon Stables where John and Darlene Johnson have been proprietors for
31 years. Mr. Johnson just finished replenishing the horse arena with sand after
receiving a generous donation from the Kiwanis Club.
"They sure make a lot of kids happy with this
(Cornerstone) program," Johnson said.
Cindy Henderson, who lives in Green Valley and boards her Pasa Fino horse
"Phantom" at the stables, agrees:
"It's a wonderful program for special needs kids, not just for handicapped kids,
also great for adults with depression. All the people here are really nice and
the place is clean and safe," said Henderson.
Daughter Heather, 13, chimed in as she and younger sister Heidi, 5, took a break
from brushing Phantom.
"And they have good fair rules," said Heather.
Cornerstone is leasing two ponies for two new programs they are hoping to launch
in December or January.
"Little Joe," every child's dream pony (actually miniature horse) will be
available for lessons and Lucy, an adorable black mini, has her own carriage and
will be participate in the "Ponies and Pizza" class with Little Joe. Therapeutic
mini-horse riding lessons will be offered to disabled children under 50 pounds,
in addition to learn grooming and tacking up.
"Ponies and Pizza" classes will offer training for all children and adults,
disabled or not, who want to learn about ponies and share in a warm meal. No
riding will be done at this class but grooming, tacking and groundwork will be
offered.
The Cornerstone program is looking to expand and is seeking scholarship aid from
the commercial and private industry, donations, volunteers, and more students.
"We are attracting grant writers, accountants, media, and have a new bookkeeper
with fundraising experience.
We may not be rich, but we're here and we are transitioning," said Owen.
Both English and Western style lessons are offered during the week and on
Saturdays. Lessons are $35 for a 45-minute class and are available once or twice
a week. Riders may need someone to ride with them or to side-walk depending on
skill level.
For more information about Cornerstone Equestrian Center lessons, to volunteer
or to make a donation call 707-643-2223 or visit
www.cornerstoneequestrian.org
Kari Ann Owen's web site is
http://www.kariannowen.com/. Her email is
penomee@yahoo.com. Kari Ann is available
to travel out of state to aid in any therapeutic riding program that might need
her as a guest instructor. She is also available to teach modern dance to the
handicapped, at which she is also experienced.
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The American Canyon Eagle
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Kisliuk, Bill
Editor
editor@americancanyoneagle.com
/ 707.256.2210 ext. 321 Luippold, Linda Staff Reporter
lluippold@americancanyoneagle.com / 707.580.1366 van Dongen, Mario Publisher
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