"The reason that recreation has been such big part of my life is mainly due to the opportunities I was given at a young age. I know that I would not be the person I am today without those opportunities, specifically my experiences working with horses. In the 13 plus years I have spent riding and working with horses I have never leased or owned my own horse, my family simply could not afford it. Instead, I was given something so much more valuable than ownership of a horse; I got a community of people who supported me and gave me amazing opportunities because they believed in me. I cannot express in words how invaluable these opportunities were in the development of my horsemanship skills, as well as allowing me to grow into the person I am today.
Had I had the opportunity to own my own horse at a young age (which at the time I so desperately wanted), I would not have learned about struggle and hard work. I also might not have discovered the joy and happiness I find in teaching and training, which is what has really shaped my life. Therefore my philosophy as a recreation professional is to offer the opportunity to children and adults of all ability levels to learn horsemanship and riding skills in an integrated and positive environment. I would like to see reflected in my clients the same joy and satisfaction I get from teaching and working with horses.
The process to achieve the philosophy I have created for myself will have to be conducted in two steps. The first part I will hopefully achieve in the next year by becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. With this certification I will be able to teach people who have various disabilities how to ride, while continuing to teach people who are able-bodied.
The second part may take me years to achieve because most therapeutic riding programs only serve “special” populations and do not mix teaching people who have disabilities with people who are able-bodied. I believe that we should not only have segregated programs, but also have integrated programs where anyone regardless of their ability can participate together. Along with providing equal opportunities for all ability levels to participate in horseback riding. I hope that this integrated riding program can bring more awareness and understanding to people who are able-bodied about people who have disabilities through first-hand positive interactions between them. Through this awareness and understanding I hope that life long friendships and communities can form and grow, and that all of the participants can feel as supported and believed in as my community has made me feel throughout the years."
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