For many individuals with disabilities or special needs, horseback riding serves as a vital form of therapy. However, saddling a horse is not always feasible. ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship in McKinney has found a solution.
Once a week, Emerson Sieling walks the path at ManeGait before saddling up on her pal, Samson. When riding isn’t an option, she utilizes the center’s horse simulator, which mimics the movements of a horse and allows Emerson and her instructor to focus on critical skills.
“What we’re trying to do is help her with her core strength and leg strength,” said ManeGait riding program director Sarah Bisel. “She has an event coming up where she wants to walk during an event and not be in her wheelchair and so we’re focusing on helping her achieve that goal.”…