Scotts Valley Teens Horse Around and Help a Friend

Claire Tromblee, Abigail Utic (on Amanda) and Rachel Campos and Ali Prentiss (on Goldie) spent many of their community service hours this year on horseback, helping their friend (and Claire’s sister) Paige Tromblee (seated in front on Goldie) with her Therapeutic Horseback Riding sessions. Paige’s teacher, Sharavana Millavise oversees the program for Paige’s home based curriculum. A typical therapeutic horseback riding session includes grooming, stretching exercises on the horse, obstacle courses, balance and dexterity activities, cool down, clean-up, and of course, “scritch and cookie time” with the horses. Each session can have different focal points like increasing balance, strength and flexibility, working on fine and gross motor skills, and general horsemanship. In helping Paige, who has cerebral palsy and autism, the girls practice team work, having fun and getting to know the horse better while increasing physical and mental well being. 

Community Service with a smile!

Submitted for publication to the Scotts Valley Banner