On Thursday, September 12^th, residents of The Regency at Glen Cove visited SUNY Old Westbury to participate in their HorseAbility Therapeutic Riding Program.  HorseAbility is a non-profit organization which offers a wide range of horse-related programs for children, adults and families. HorseAbility began in 1993 by founder Kathleen (Katie) Kilcommons McGowan.  Katie combined her education, her love of children, and her relationship with horses, and forged her own trail to start this wonderful organization.
Equine Therapy has been shown to promote physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.  Participants experience increased confidence, independence and self-esteem.  There is a unique bond that is formed with the horse that helps in improving interpersonal relationships in participants who possess all different types of disabilities.  Regency residents really enjoyed spending time with the horses and learned how to properly approach and pet them.  They were encouraged to take some time to tune into the different energy of each horse.  The horses brought back many happy memories that they hadn’t thought of in a long time.  Susan Walker remarked, “I could feel that we love each other”.
Recreation Director, Erica Ferrara, enjoyed seeing everyone light up when they were petting the horses.  She felt the gentle nature of the horses mirrored that of her participants and marveled at the immediate connections they felt.  This group from The Regency is eagerly looking forward to their next visit to HorseAbilty in October.  Please be sure to visit our website at www.theregencyatglencove.com for more information about this and other programs held at The Regency at Glen Cove.