ELLIOT'S STORY
Our family is always looking for new ways to help our five year old son Elliot "break out of his shell." He was diagnosed with autism when he was three, and we have tried every possible therapy possible, some of which have helped in small ways. We have always been interested in trying horse therapy, and Elliot has a love for horses, so we got on the lifestriders wait list. I admit, I am always a skeptic, but when we got a call that there was an opening for Elliot to ride, I was excited to try something new.

Let me tell you...from day one we noticed changes. Immediately when we got home that first evening, Elliot was looking at us! Actually LOOKING at us, and listening and WANTING to interact with us. Elliot is always quiet and reserved. The first lesson he was nervous and did not make any sound, nor pay attention to the instructors. Within weeks, he began listening to the instructors and started taking part in the games.

It has been nine months since our first session at lifestriders and we are amazed at the results we are seeing in Elliot. He has such a great time with the wonderful volunteers. He gets so excited when we tell him we are "going to horses today." He runs to put his shoes on. He has become more vocal at lessons and at home. I believe his confidence has gotten a boost from all the positive feedback he receives from all the workers at lifestriders who want to bring out the best in him and see him grow and succeed in life. 

Lifestriders has helped our son in so many areas of our daily life. We now have a little boy who is communicating with us better, using more words correctly, wanting to interact with us and peers, listening to instructions, dealing better with day to day changes in the routine and has genuinely come out of himself a bit and is giving us glimpses of a bright future. 
Thank you Rob, Veronica, Lori and ALL the wonderful volunteers who are making our sons life a joy. You are all an amazing blessing to this area!

Jim Langreder - Elliot's Father

MATTHEW'S STORY
Matthew is now 12. He started riding at LifeStriders in 2005 soon after it opened. Initially we were looking for an activity he could fully participate in despite his disabilities. Matthew uses a wheelchair. His muscle tone was so low he could barely sit upright never mind stand or take steps. He lived in his own little world with no communication, no perception of what was happening around him, little eye contact or emotion. 

What LifeStriders has done and continues to do for Matthew has changed his life. On horseback his physical limitations are greatly reduced. Over the years he has achieved a degree of strength we didn’t think was possible. He can sit up straight, balance himself through sudden starts, stops and changes of direction. The motion of the horse enabled him to take his first tentative steps, now he easily walks, with assistance, the length of the arena. He is very aware of his surroundings and enjoys interacting with the volunteers – smiling, great eye contact and reaching out, especially if he can grab someone’s hat from their head! He makes clicking noises and laughs out loud during his lessons.

In 2009 Matthew received the LifeStrider of the Year award, the greatest achievement of his life so far.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of Rob and Veronica and the many volunteers. We have watched the expansion of LifeStriders over 6 years and they have truly made a difference to so many lives. 

- Sara Knowles - Matthew's Mother