As a teenager Kusturin volunteered at a riding program for people with disabilities and immediately knew it was her calling. “We see more changes and miracles on horseback than in any other treatment environment. There’s just a special bond between horses and riders, and I saw that, even as a teenager,” she said.
After graduating from physical therapy school, she trained at Hearts and Hooves in Little Rock, where she learned the specialized treatment techniques involved in hippotherapy (physical, occupational and speech therapy that uses horseback riding as a treatment tool). That experience prepared her to open Equestrian Zone, a 501c3 nonprofit specializing in hippotherapy and therapeutic riding.
Because horses’ movement pattern is similar to a natural human gait, riding has significant physiological benefits for people with disabilities. “After riding, patients have more symmetry from one side of their body to the other,” noted Kusturin. “They have improved running and walking skills. Their endurance is improved because they have to expend less energy to do activities.”
But just as important are the psychological benefits of riding. “The riders light up. The horses become their best friends, and they learn to trust and have so much more self worth,” Kusturin said.
From the therapists and riding instructor to the corps of volunteers who care for the horses and help maintain the grounds, everyone at Equestrian Zone pitches in to create an effective treatment experience for the patients—even the horses themselves.
“It’s mentally challenging for the horses,” explained Therapeutic Riding Instructor Ariel Finkenbinder. New therapy horses go through an intensive training program to prepare them to work with riders with special needs. Midget, a horse “adopted” by Pope County Community Foundation, is fairly new to the program, but already she’s settling in. “She has really relaxed since coming here,” said Finkenbinder. “You can tell that she likes her job.” Pope County Community Foundation’s “adoption” covers the expenses of Midget’s board, grooming, healthcare and hoofcare for a year.
When three-and-a-half-year-old Freedom rides Midget, it’s tough to tell who’s having more fun—Freedom or her mom Ginger Chronister, who watches from the sidelines. “She loves it! Now we have to play horse at home, too.” Freedom’s treatment program focuses on improving her core strength to increase her balance, but the therapy also helps with her speech. “She seems to talk more when she’s been to therapy,” Chronister said.
Equestrian Zone is more than just physical therapy to families like the Chronisters. “For so many of the riders this is one of the most liberating things they do all week,” said Finkenbinder. “We see it extend into all other areas of their lives.”
To learn more, visit www.equestrianzone.com.