Thornton Rose S.M.I.L.E.S

SMILES = Special Methods In Learning Equine Skills

Have you ever wondered what happens at our riding sessions and what are the benefits. Our riders experience multiple opportunities to increase physical skills, social skills . They develop muscle strength, balance and coordination during riding. They also have the opportunity to develop increased communication skills and increased positive social interaction with their riding team. The thrill of riding a horse is an accomplishment that is immeasurable to people that have difficulty with mobility, self-control and or communication. We have watched riders begin the program that could not sit upright on the horse progress to independent riding. Parents regularly report seeing a difference in muscle tone their children have since taking up riding. Instructors report students progressing from non-verbal status to voluntary greetings and conversations with horses and riding team members.

For our riders, Thornton Rose! provides more than just a good time. Research shows that people who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. For individuals with impaired mobility, horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves their bodies in a manner similar to a human walking gait. The rider must continuously contract and relax muscles all this improves balance, strength and flexibility. Thornton Rose! is where “horsing around” really makes a difference.

More Than Just A Pony Ride

On Sunday 29th June, we took 9 riders from the Group on a 16 mile trek across the Pentland Hills. The ride was divided into 4 stages, each rider was on board for approximately 1 hour. The weather was kind to us with only a short shower during the first stage. We started off from Flotterstone and rode up to Loganlea Reservoir, this stage was ridden by Daryl Reid, Jordan Young and Andrew Taylor. Jordan’s mum Gillian carried refreshments in her car for the volunteers and riders. Next we headed up the valley to Bavelaw Castle, bit of a wind tunnel developed here, but the riders Kirsty Nelson, Callum Gallagher and Joseph Roberts and our volunteers soldiered on as usual, nothing was going to wane their enthusiasm. Callum was supposed to walk with the Group at this stage but as there was a spare horse we threw him on board. We were met at Bavelaw Castle by Mrs Douglas-Miller who kindly let us stop for refreshments and use her driveway to park our vehicles, including the horsebox which was following the ride in case of an emergency. The next stage took Peter Lindsey & Callum Gallagher along the side of Thriepmuir and Harlaw reservoirs. We then changed riders over at the Harlaw Visitor Centre car park. This last stage was ridden by Caitlin Dodds and Ross Carde with Joyce Kent on board Barney. Both Caitlin and Ross rode independently back to Flotterstone completing the circuit! A much needed BBQ was held back at Thornton Farm and of course the obligatory Costco cake was present. Many thanks to all the riders who took part, volunteers, parents, grandparents and carers who side walked, to Penicuik Rotary Club who sponsored the new reflective vests, transport costs & BBQ and helped with refreshments and also to everyone who sponsored the ride which raised £1200, half of which will go towards the Bobby fund. Ideas for next year welcome!!!