HOMEGROWN THERAPY ON THE FARM
Published August 23, 2006
The Eagle TribuneHomegrown therapy on the farm
By Michael Kelley
Correspondent
The staff at Ironstone Farm in Andover have hearts as big as those of their horses. Among the myriad programs offered at the farm is Ironstone Therapy, which uses "hippotherapy" to help people, often children with Down syndrome or autism, with their speech and language development.
"The movement a person experiences when they're straddling a walking horse is similar to that of walking, and it often helps them develop coordination or muscle tone," said DeeDee O'Brien, executive director of the farm. "So if you have problems with posture, this can be a wonderful way to improve.
"It's a twofold gain," she continued. "It improves your posture, but it also loosens the vocal cords. Children also learn that they need to vocalize what they want the horse to do, so it helps them open up."
The farm works with a wide range of ages, 9 months to the elderly, and serves 22 different diagnoses of disability. However, they are most known for their work with children.
"We also work with kids who have cerebral palsy, or strokes at birth," O'Brien said.
For prospective program members, the best way to arrange a visit is to call the office and set up an appointment. A one-hour therapy evaluation is given to everyone, and is used to help determine which program or programs are best for that patient.
On Nov. 4, Ironstone Farm will host its Fourth Annual Spirit of Giving Award at Andover Country Club. Lowell Spinners owners Drew and Joann Weber, the Doug and Laurie Flutie family, and Challenge Unlimited volunteer Frank Forlizzi will all be honored.
The farm also works with the Special Olympics equestrian competitions.
More information is available at challengeunlimited.org and you may arrange a visit by calling 978-475-4056.
450 Lowell Street - Andover, MA 01810 978-475-4056 Fax 978-475-4046
E-mail: Info@ChallengeUnlimited.orgCopyright © 2008 Challenge Unlimited
