“Therapeutic riding is one of the few sports that allow siblings of different abilities the chance to participate together,” says Executive Director Dana Spett “But a Butterflies parent shared with us an added benefit that we didn’t anticipate; seeing their sibling enjoy riding was soothing to the patient.”

The Kireker Center focuses on enhancing quality of life for children with a variety of developmental delays, and the Butterflies program provides comprehensive home-care to patients with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses. Both programs encourage sibling participation. Ten participants from these two Valley programs are riding with us each week this spring!

In a survey conducted after the clinic, 80 percent of participants found establishing their role as a true leader of the horse to be the most valuable piece of information Susan provided, and 100 percent of those surveyed said the clinic should be required for all lead walkers.

“I would love to attend more clinics,” wrote one participant. “This was interesting and it makes great sense. It was an ‘ah ha’ clinic.”

Stay tuned for upcoming clinic dates this summer!

As part of the event attended by nearly 50 people, including Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet, staff, volunteers and community partners, Dana led Mrs. Christie on a tour around the farm and introduced her to the range of Pony Power’s activities, from therapeutic riding to equine-assisted mental health sessions to its community gardens.

“Dana and her staff are doing amazing work at Three Sisters Farm,” said Mrs. Christie. “It’s such a nurturing environment. You can see the special relationship that is formed between the students and the horses. The expression of joy on the faces of each of the riders as they gain more self-esteem, independence and pride is priceless. I’m proud to name Dana Spett a New Jersey Hero for her commitment to give life-changing learning experiences to our special needs children, adults and their families.”

Christie added that the bestowing of the award was timed with Autism Awareness month, and she said the committee felt this month would be the best time to recognize Spett, as Pony Power works with many autistic children and adults on a daily basis.

“Of course, what I came up here to find was that [Pony Power] does that and so much more,” she said.

For further information on the award presentation, see event coverage on the Office of the Governor page, the NJ Heroes website, the Mahwah Patch and the Bergen County Record.