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To whom it
may concern, When the Sneakers arrived in the mail that you
sent us to try, we could hardly wait to get the box open. We
had never seen shoes for a horse that were anything like
this, with a big tread, and a hole in the middle! We passe
them around, banged them on the ground, stood on them,
surprised at their quietness, trying to get a feel for what
they were all about. Our farrier, Don, was quite excited, as
he had recommended that his favorite client experience the
comfort of Sneakers' shock absorbing material so that Beau
would be more comfortable carrying his precious students.
You see, Beau
is a lesson horse for disabled students of all ages and
abilities. He participates in the New York State Special
Olympic Program, and his students are what makes the light
shine in his eyes. Beau proudly carries riders with the
severest of disabilities safely, enabling these individuals
a chance to experience independence that they might not have
anywhere else in their lives. Some of these individuals use
wheelchairs, and cannot sit up unaided, needing the help of
a backrider to assist them in participating in lessons. Some
of his students cannot speak, or see with their eyes.
Students who are severely retarded, or have Autism. If you
watch Beau at work, it's easy to see that he is proud of the
work that he does, and truly loves his special riders. And
he needs to be more comfortable than regular shoes can make
him.
Beau suffers
with navicular, and some days are rough for this horse with
the big heart. Nothing about Beau is small, and this can
mean that the pain he experiences is enough to make his
lessons too hard to participate in sometimes. He never
complains, and his students don't need to know of his
discomfort, but we were concerned, and Don strongly
suggested that we give Sneakers a chance to work for him.
Beau
understands that something is different now, he doesn't
favor his front legs like he did, and actually can enjoy an
occasional trial ride. The difference is truly remarkable
and his students appreciate his smoother gaits. Beau doesn't
have the discomfort anymore that he used to as his carries
them carefully and happily during their lessons. They only
know they love this big Appaloosa that has worked his way
into their hearts, helping them to be more independent. The
horse that forgives an inexperienced rider's tug on the
reins, or a too sharp kick.
A caretaker
that stands quietly at the mounting ramp for a frightened
child to get up the courage to sit on him, then moves slowly
and gently with him, offering a quiet strength and
understanding too sweet for words. What Beau offers is more
than a lesson, and nothing short of pure love for his
special riders. His Sneakers will allow him to continue this
work, and be comfortable while doing it. After all we need
to take care of this caretaker. Thank you for sending us
these Sneakers. We can't imagine Beau working without them,
and we don't want him to ever again!
Yours truly,
Michelle P.
Hardy-Cook
Vice President Patchwork Therapeutic Riding Center
90 Old Peruville Road Groton, New York 13073 |
