I started to work with Catherine a few months ago. I have a high-stress job and was feeling anxious while driving. I experience a great peacefulness while working with Magic, and it has really helped me reduce my stress. I believe that horses have a very special way of healing folks and I would highly recommend this program for anyone!

August 21,2010

When my daughter Alise and I first arrived at DreamRider in the summer of 2005, we really didn't know what to expect. Alise was six years old and was using primarily sign language to communicate. She spoke using one key word to try and get her needs met, but once she began riding Treasure, her verbal communication skills steadily improved. That was a gift in itself but the truly amazing result that came from this experience was the beautiful relationship that was formed between Alise and Treasure. There is a special bond between them, one that I believe has helped Alise become physically stronger and more confident. The expression on her face when she sees Treasure is something I as a mom thought I may never see. She becomes alive when she is on Treasure. Something inside of her lights up and she becomes so expressive. It's wonderful to see her have something in her life to look forward to each week and that's why it was so difficult to say goodbye.

On August 1st of 2008, Alise had major surgery on her legs and hip joints and was in a body cast for seven weeks. Her second surgery was one year later on her feet and she was put in casts up to her knees for six weeks. For close to two years she was in Physical Therapy to help her get her strength and range of motion back. She finished therapy in May of this year and has progressed well in spite of all she has been through. She still wears orthotics on both legs to help support her.

One month later, we saw the wonderful article in the Alpine Sun about DreamRider. We were so happy that Catherine had returned to teaching after suffering her own physical setbacks and we immediately contacted her. Alise couldn't wait to see Treasure and Catherine again. Her first session back was on the 4th of July and it is so good to see that look of pure joy again on my daughter's face. We truly have been blessed with these special people in our lives; Catherine and her volunteers have been wonderful, not to mention the very gentle, patient and lovely pony called Treasure.

07-03-2010

When I arrived at Catherine's house for my second experience with Shalom it had been eleven days since my fifth chemotherapy treatment. My energy level and attitude was definitely better and I was excited see how things would unfold. Shalom and I again had our few moments together to reacquaint with one another. Catherine showed the volunteers and me how to do an emergency dismount from the barrel and it went very smoothly on the first try.

I was able to bond more this time with Shalom and let go of even more energy when I was atop in the hug position. I could feel my body releasing tension almost instantly and I had become so relaxed. Shalom seemed to be feeling as I did as one of the volunteers mentioned he kept slowly closing and opening his eyes. Next we walked around and got things moving. I could feel my spine adjusting to his steps and my body began to awaken with liveliness. I felt very refreshed and rejuvenated.

When I got home this time I laid down for three hours. I was instructed by Catherine to relax for about two hours, which is what I did after the first session. I was pretty exhausted, as my body just needed rest, so I listened to it.

I woke up the next day and felt really well so I went for a mountain bike ride around the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. I took a few short breaks in the shade during the approximately four-mile ride though it did become easier as I rode on. During the last part I had to walk my bike up a slight hill but I was very impressed with the energy I had to even do it at all. The next day I felt well enough again to be able to work in my garden for about five hours. While shaded from an umbrella I cleaned debris out of a planter bed, filled it with dirt and planted vegetables that I had started from seed and then critter proofed it. I was a bit sore that night so I stretched my body and slept in the next day taking it easy. I felt good though and have ever since.

I am grateful to have met Catherine, Shalom and the volunteers. Catherine's knowledge of horses is clearly exceptional. Her ability to understand them to the depth that she does is remarkable. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to explore these depths with her at my side guiding me along. I have already learned more about myself and the healing abilities and impacts that animals and people can have on our beings.