12-07-2004, 06:10 PM
http://www.starbanner .com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041206/NEWS/41206001/1001/features01
.Article published Dec 6, 2004
Poetry of horses
Equine program provides therapy for area youths
OCALA - Sheryl Cyr knows firsthand the importance of the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. The program helped her 11-year-old daughter Megan, who has Asperger Syndrome, feel confident, happy and in charge.
"She'll chat with you," Cyr said. "Her focus and social skills have improved. This is an amazing experience."
On Sunday, thousands shared a moment in time with MTRA success stories through music and artistic feats from equine superstars at the second Symphony of Horses.
Almost 5,000 people attended the event, which was geared toward helping fund the expansion of the local charity, which specializes in helping mentally and physically challenged residents improve their quality of life.
"The evening had been fantastic," said MTRA Executive Director Betty Gray. "It's taken us 18 months to plan this event."
The planning paid off each time the crowd cheered for the performances, which varied from a classic style of the Baroque Andalusians of Caballos de los Cristiani to the Flamenco Dance of J.R. Morales, Cheri Prill and El Chino to the comedic and interactive performance of Chester Weber.
Arabians impressed the audience with their agile kicks and leaps into the air. Other performances focused on dressage, style and dance.
For viewers, the performances were great but the cause was even better.
"You just throw some of these kids on a horse and their faces light up," said Terri Lague of Anthony.
The physical therapist, formerly of Massachusetts, worked with a similar program before moving to Florida. She said it wasn't until recently that she learned that MTRA existed.
"I saw so many of my children who were put on a horse and just took control," she said. "It makes them feel they can do more . . . You have a powerful animal under you and you're in charge."
Although riding helps children and adults take charge and become more independent, they also say they like to spread the love.
"I feel that it's really great," Megan said, talking about the show and the various horse tricks.
The preteen began riding in the program at eight to help her deal with her illness. The syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that gives people autistic-like behaviors. Individuals who suffer from the syndrome are often very focused and driven in fields of interest but face hardships in social and communication skills.
"I love learning. I give them (horses) love. I care for them. I love everyone in the world. The good and the bad people. I think the bad people are just misunderstood," she said.
Ticket sales grossed about $130,000, including 4,500 general admission tickets at $20 and 400 VIP seats for $100 each. Organizers hope that after every cost is paid for, they will bring in $30,000 to $50,000.
Some viewers complained to event volunteers about not being able to sit after buying a ticket; others opted to sit on steps in the walkways to watch the show.
The money is going to be used for a second location of MTRA on a 30-acre parcel on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
MTRA has approximately 135 clients. For more information, call 624-4240.
Mabel Perez can be reached at mabel.perez@starbanner .com.
.Article published Dec 6, 2004
Poetry of horses
Equine program provides therapy for area youths
OCALA - Sheryl Cyr knows firsthand the importance of the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. The program helped her 11-year-old daughter Megan, who has Asperger Syndrome, feel confident, happy and in charge.
"She'll chat with you," Cyr said. "Her focus and social skills have improved. This is an amazing experience."
On Sunday, thousands shared a moment in time with MTRA success stories through music and artistic feats from equine superstars at the second Symphony of Horses.
Almost 5,000 people attended the event, which was geared toward helping fund the expansion of the local charity, which specializes in helping mentally and physically challenged residents improve their quality of life.
"The evening had been fantastic," said MTRA Executive Director Betty Gray. "It's taken us 18 months to plan this event."
The planning paid off each time the crowd cheered for the performances, which varied from a classic style of the Baroque Andalusians of Caballos de los Cristiani to the Flamenco Dance of J.R. Morales, Cheri Prill and El Chino to the comedic and interactive performance of Chester Weber.
Arabians impressed the audience with their agile kicks and leaps into the air. Other performances focused on dressage, style and dance.
For viewers, the performances were great but the cause was even better.
"You just throw some of these kids on a horse and their faces light up," said Terri Lague of Anthony.
The physical therapist, formerly of Massachusetts, worked with a similar program before moving to Florida. She said it wasn't until recently that she learned that MTRA existed.
"I saw so many of my children who were put on a horse and just took control," she said. "It makes them feel they can do more . . . You have a powerful animal under you and you're in charge."
Although riding helps children and adults take charge and become more independent, they also say they like to spread the love.
"I feel that it's really great," Megan said, talking about the show and the various horse tricks.
The preteen began riding in the program at eight to help her deal with her illness. The syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that gives people autistic-like behaviors. Individuals who suffer from the syndrome are often very focused and driven in fields of interest but face hardships in social and communication skills.
"I love learning. I give them (horses) love. I care for them. I love everyone in the world. The good and the bad people. I think the bad people are just misunderstood," she said.
Ticket sales grossed about $130,000, including 4,500 general admission tickets at $20 and 400 VIP seats for $100 each. Organizers hope that after every cost is paid for, they will bring in $30,000 to $50,000.
Some viewers complained to event volunteers about not being able to sit after buying a ticket; others opted to sit on steps in the walkways to watch the show.
The money is going to be used for a second location of MTRA on a 30-acre parcel on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
MTRA has approximately 135 clients. For more information, call 624-4240.
Mabel Perez can be reached at mabel.perez@starbanner .com.