12
Early Perceptions
• I was afraid I wouldn’t do things right with the student riders because I don’t have a lot of experience with disabled students.
What is MTRA?
• Marion Therapeutic Riding Association is a non profit organization that offers children with disabilities a chance to ride horses, be part of a team and have some fun.
Riding Ring
This is the riding ring where the students take lessons.
Facility
These are a few picturesof the facilities.They include themounting area, the main turnoutpaddock and one of the horses inher stall.
Demographics
Personal Demographics
I am 24 years old. I am married and I have two children, ages three and one. I livein the Ocala National Forest. We are a middle class family. My husband works as anEngineer for Pinsly Railroad and I work as a substitute teacher for the Marion CountyPublic Schools.
ALEX ZACK
Engagement Activities• I helped the students put on equipment like boots and helmets.• I either led the horse being ridden or acted as a side walker to steady the
student who was riding.• Helped the students groom their horses.• Talked to the student riders to help them follow the directions given by the
riding instructor.
More Pictures…
Participant Demographics
Disabilities included: • Autism• Cerebral Palsy• Lack of speech due to neglect and non use• Down Syndrome
Gender
Boys
Girls
Race
Caucasian
African American
Hispanic
SES
Low
Middle
High
Reflection of your Experience• I have learned how to be comfortable working with children with disabilities.• I have learned that exceptional children are just that…exceptional…in
personality, heart, courage, and bravery.• I will forever see children with disabilities as the hardest working people of
the world.• I will remember in my teaching career that not everyone has the same
outlook as me. I was extremely academically smart and outgoing and breezed through school like it was a walk in the park. I will remember my patience when a student has trouble on something that “seems so easy”.
• I will also remember that students need FUN. This program was designed in part to help exceptional children have some fun in their life. Some come from families who can’t afford riding lessons and such and this program provides a fun outlet for these kids that is unsurpassed.
