Erin Wilson ’07 and Amanda Eubank ’08 wake up at the crack of dawn to feed horses in the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program at the Carroll County Agricultural Center. In addition to twice-daily feedings, they check the horses for any changes in behavior, cuts, or scratches.

“I love working with the horses,” says Eubank, a Biology major and Catonsville native who has ridden horses since she was 7 years old. “When you see what the theraputic riding is about, you can tell how the horses help the healing process.”

The program, held for 10 weeks each spring and fall, provides horseback riding lessons for people with physical, mental, or social disabilities. The animals, staff, and volunteers are trained to help the rider gain strength, balance, and coordination, as well as improve his or her attention and concentration skills.

“It’s not traditional therapy because it involves interaction with another animal, so it is great for kids,” says Wilson, an Economics and French double major. “They learn to trust the horse. It’s a confidence builder and physical healing at the same time.”

More than 2,000 riders have benefited over the program’s 28 years. McDaniel alumni who help run the program include Caroline Babylon ’76 B.A., ’96 M.L.A., Brian Lockard ’69 M.Ed, and Karen Scott ’80 M.Ed.

Kacey Decker ’09, a member of the service sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma, volunteered with the program this fall.

“It’s double wonderful for me because I love horses and working with kids,” says Decker. “There’s a little boy who doesn’t respond well, but every time we work together, it seems like he improves, and it’s so rewarding for me to see.“

For more information about the 4-H Therapeutic riding program, click here. http://www.trp4h.org/index.html