Freedom Stories

Empowering Riders Around the World

The future of horseback riding for those with physical challenges is no longer limited. The Independence Saddle provides freedom and eliminates barriers that individuals with severe physical challenges experience. The rider is most capable of participating in recreational or therapeutic horseback riding activities.

Halle

First Owner of The Independence Saddle in 2005

In 2005, HALLE, a delightful 19-year-old, loved riding horses; but her cerebral palsy made it impossible unless her brother was sitting behind her to hold her in the saddle. Within weeks of using The Independence Saddle, her parents saw marked improvement in both her physical and emotional health.

Halle's core strength, flexibility, and range of motion increased dramatically in both her joints and muscles. She also experienced noticeable improvements in the function of her respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems. Most importantly, she developed a new self-confidence and a fresh enthusiasm for life. Now a mother of two, Halle continues to enjoy her saddle as an adult today.

Darragh

A Success Story in Ireland

From wheelchair to saddle. For eight-year-old Darragh from Ireland, this is more than simply riding a horse. It's therapeutic horse riding. Darragh has cerebral palsy.

His sessions are with a qualified therapy riding coach using a specially designed saddle: "Just because he can't walk, it doesn't mean he can't ride. So, I think that sense of freedom and independence of being out of the chair is just pretty magic."

Darragh is fed via a PEG tube in his stomach. The natural rhythm as a horse walks helps with Darrahg's digestion. It's getting him out of the chair which he's in 90 percent of the time. When he got on the horse it helped with his digestion. He started to do a few burps, release a bit of wind, which is good because he's PEG fed so that's a big problem. Constipation was a big problem. He's often hospitalized because of it.

It's a good thing. It's his exercise once a week. And judging from Darragh's reaction, it's also so much more.