In the summer of 1977, we took a holiday in Ireland with our grandmother and our three children. Sally, our daughter with Down syndrome, was twenty-one then, and I'd say she had never seen a horse before that trip. Ireland is horse country, and they grazed freely in every field—a magnificent sight. They'd come close enough to be petted. Sally was more enthusiastic than any of us about this wonderful animal, "so symmetrical and musical."
So when we returned to Milan, we took her to the Centro Ippico Lombardo di San Siro. At first Sally was nervous about mounting, but once she got over that fear, horseback riding became the happiest moment of her week.
"I know a boy who could not walk, but on a horse he could smile and then sing" "Reins of Life" by A. Noyelle
"I know a boy who could not walk, but on a horse he could smile and then sing"
"Reins of Life" by A. Noyelle
With this friend—a symbol of freedom, a wonderful "living tool"—she feels protected and encouraged, and learns to navigate space. We see this satisfaction on Sally's face when she's in the saddle, and we see the tenderness with which she strokes the horse at the end of each lesson. We've also noticed that once Sally started equine therapy, she began to overcome her fear of other animals too. Now she wants to pet every dog we meet on the street. I believe the horse—a sensitive and intelligent creature—somehow understands it's responsible for fragile people and treats them with special care. A horse's gait is very similar to a human's. There's also complete relaxation, and the development of balance.
The mother of a boy in a wheelchair since birth, who has never walked, told me: "What joy it was for my son when he found himself on a horse. For the first time in his life, he felt what it was to move, as if he were walking."
The Centro Ippico Lombardo di San Siro
In 1975, the Lions Club of Corsico near Milan raised the funds needed to create the Center for Equestrian Rehabilitation in Buccinasco. Other centers were founded after that. In 1977, A.N.I.R.E., the National Italian Association for Equestrian Rehabilitation was established. At present (in 1983, ed. note), there are 32 centers serving 900 handicapped young people.
In the spring of 1977, ANFFAS obtained the use of the Centro Ippico Lombardo's riding school and horses, along with the help of stable hands, for one hour every Saturday morning. The instructor, Mr. Orlandi, volunteers his time to help our young people, and many other willing and kind souls assist us. It would be impossible to thank everyone who dedicates themselves with such commitment to this work every Saturday morning.
Our group at San Siro includes twelve young people, each receiving half an hour in two shifts of six. In the early days, five years ago (1977, ed. note), one person would lead the horse while another steadied the rider by the leg.
Now the young person guides the horse alone by the reins, and the helper stands at a distance.
We've been fortunate to have the invaluable support of Danielle Citterio, recognized as the most expert physical therapist specializing in equine therapy.
The Red Cross also supports this initiative in Milan, and the Army has made available a riding school at a cavalry barracks.
