DRIVEN TO HEAL

A CARRIAGE, A CALLING, AND A DREAM FULFILLED

Written by: Dana Hollenzer

Therapeutic Driving classes challenge participants to learn about safety, specialized tack, harnessing, and driving skills. It provides participants with vast spatial opportunities, a range of movements, and a rich sensorimotor experience. Sadly, the driving program was on pause for nearly two years after our beloved Haflinger, Lacey, retired from serving in that role since 2017. It’s challenging to connect with driving horses suited for therapeutic work, and these horses with both driving and riding skills are expensive. However, acquiring a driving miniature horse on a free lease from a friend of SE seemed to be just the energy the program needed to regain steam. Shortly afterward, we purchased Honey, a Haflinger mare who has added joy to the therapeutic riding and driving programs. The therapeutic driving program is thriving as we add new horses and participants regularly.

Austin proudly holds his ABW certificate alongside his driving partner Honey, his brother

Peyton, and their father during a special day at Special Equestrians.

Mike Freeman has served as a Special Equestrians volunteer and PATH Intl.—certified Driving Instructor since 2016. The carriage driving season is offered at Special Equestrians from late October through April, as we use our 14.5-acre property for our driving arena and driving trails. This year, after instructing participant Austin Major for the past seven years, something miraculous happened this past February. The following is from the Special Equestrians Facebook page: “Special Equestrians, Inc. was honored to hold a very special ceremony during Therapeutic Driving yesterday for a talented equestrian, participant, and volunteer, Austin Major. Austin earned his Able Bodied Whip (ABW) certification in partnership with PATH Intl. and Special Equestrians, Inc. This certification allows Austin to act as the co-driving partner in the carriage alongside our participants enrolled in our therapeutic driving program. The requirements are challenging, and only those truly invested earn this honor.] Austin Major began his journey seven years ago as a driving participant alongside PATH Intl.—certified Therapeutic Driving Instructor Mike Freeman. Austin aspires to work in the equine industry someday, knowing that his ‘horseman hands’ are his true distinguishment among all his gifts and talents. Mike Freeman shares, ‘We all know Austin has the best hands of us all. He is the best horseman on our team.’ Knowing it takes more than raw talent, Mike has been developing strategies and techniques to ensure Austin has the skill set to serve as an ABW.

After some teasing about Austin’s tattoos, one of which is a tattoo of the name Lacey—an honored driving horse that recently retired from SE—the team gifted Austin his very own helmet. Until yesterday, Austin always borrowed one from SE. Family, staff, friends, and members of the driving team were in attendance, marking this moment in this horseman’s journey. Bob Centrone, certified ABW, shared a few inspiring words as Austin took pictures with his family members, driving team, and fellow participants. Congratulations to all involved in Making this Miracle Happen and to Austin for his outstanding accomplishments after years of dedication, desire, and development leading to this dynamic moment in SE history!” Even if you are not a huge Facebook fan, the Special Equestrians site is public—so check it out for uplifting content and to learn more about Making Miracles Happen! FCM