Testimonials: Riding Toward Recovery
Aiden’s Path to Healing
When Aiden was just five years old, he was diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease after suddenly developing a limp and knee pain. This condition disrupts blood flow to the femoral head, causing the bone to deteriorate and lose shape. To reduce pain and prevent further damage, Aiden's doctor, Dr. Harry Kim at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, recommended he use a wheelchair.
Facing this life-changing transition, we searched for ways to support Aiden physically and emotionally. Hippotherapy was suggested, and we soon discovered Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center. Charlene Thomas welcomed Aiden into equine-assisted therapy classes twice a week, and the transformation was remarkable. Riding not only improved his physical mobility but also lifted his spirits. Aiden, who loved running, struggled with the limitations of a wheelchair—missing out on playing with friends, navigating classrooms, and bouncing on trampolines. His love for animals made horseback riding a joyful escape and a source of healing.
Regular updates with Dr. Kim allowed Charlene to tailor Aiden's therapy, going above and beyond to adjust his care plan. After 2.5 years in a wheelchair, Aiden was finally cleared to bear weight on his leg. Charlene again adapted his therapy to focus on rebuilding strength, balance, and stamina.
As of December 2024, Aiden, now nine years old, has reached the healing stage of his disease, with 90% bone regrowth in his femoral head. While some challenges remain, I truly believe Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center played a vital role in Aiden's recovery, helping him avoid surgery or casting. We are deeply grateful for the care and dedication Charlene and her team have shown our son. - Mother
"Going to Glenaoak Therapeutic Riding Center is the best thing that I could have done. It helps me a lot and everyone is so nice. I hope that everyone going there in the future has a good experience like me." - Aiden
Click here to view Aiden's news story.
Mayah's Journey From Shy to Shining
Our daughter Mayah has always been naturally introverted, often finding it challenging to navigate unfamiliar social situations. To those who don’t know her, she may seem shy or distant. She has also struggled with motivation, especially when faced with challenges that pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
Mayah has always loved animals, so when we heard about Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center from a family friend, we thought it might spark her interest. As expected, she was intrigued but hesitant. However, after starting therapeutic horse riding lessons in August 2023, we began to see her slowly open up. Over the past year, as her horsemanship skills grew, so did her confidence. Recently, she began riding more independently, and in January, she proudly participated in Glenoak's annual end-of-year horseshow—earning first place in her class!
Thanks to the dedication of her instructors, Mayah's self-confidence has soared. She has gone from avoiding extracurricular activities to joining a tennis team, embracing new experiences with excitement. Her time at Glenoak has been so transformative through their equine-assisted therapy program that she is now seriously considering a future career in Animal Science.
We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact Glenoak has had on Mayah's life. - Mother
Amber's Path to Empowerment
Amber, 46, lives with intellectual disabilities and physical challenges, but her journey with equine-assisted therapy has been nothing short of remarkable. Since starting several years ago, Amber has experienced significant physical improvements—better balance, improved alignment, increased muscle strength, greater flexibility, and a newfound trust in her body's coordination.
Amber's cognitive progress has been equally inspiring. Her attention span has grown, and she can now remember and follow multi-step directions. She confidently leads her horse to specific points, stops, leans over to place a ring on a pole, and continues guiding the horse through various tasks during her therapeutic horse riding lessons.
The greatest gift from Amber's time with the horses is the pure joy and sense of accomplishment she feels. From the moment we arrive at Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center until we leave, Amber beams with happiness. She delights not only in riding but also in preparing the horse—brushing, saddling, fitting the bit, and finally hand-feeding carrots after the ride. Her immediate bond with the horses is incredible, and she takes great pride in fulfilling her responsibilities.
Amber's confidence and self-esteem have soared. Her proud exclamations of "Look at me!" while riding and her joyful affirmations of "I did good!" at the end of each therapeutic horse riding session are testaments to her growth. Equine-assisted therapy has provided Amber with unique opportunities for empowerment and joy that no other activity has matched. - Mother