Student: Lydia was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. Upon moving to Arizona, we had heard of therapeutic horseback riding. Lydia began at Silver Lining Riding in September 2014. On her very first day, she got on a horse named Strawberry. She had a little trouble with getting on, which left a negative impression with her. She was very nervous for the next 7 weeks and wouldn’t get on. However, the wonderful staff members never gave up on Lydia. Each week they approached her with gentle persuasion. Finally, on week 9, Lydia got on and rode!!! This was an exciting day for us and her. She has been riding every week since. We are so proud of Lydia that she has a pastime that she can call her own and is making so many beneficial gains because of it!
Lydia has made great progress in her riding. She can pull back to stop her horse, is learning to steer, and knows how to make her horse “go” without any help. Since starting, Lydia has ridden several different horses and started trotting. Her confidence has grown significantly.