Horses that heal

If the dog is man’s best friend, surely the horse is man’s most generous friend.
Throughout history, horses plowed fields, hauled stagecoaches and carried soldiers into battle. Gradually, equines were replaced with tractors, trucks and tanks. But along the way, humans learned an important lesson: horses possess not only strength, but also the gift of healing.
Morgan Hill has long been considered horse country, and the holistic benefits that horses bring to community members are evident in the work of organizations such as One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding (OSCTR). For more than seven years, the nonprofit organization located at 15770 Foothill Ave. has provided therapeutic horseback riding and related activities to special needs children and adults from South County and San Jose.
On Sept. 14, OSCTR showcased its work at the 6th Annual Horsemanship event, where students demonstrated their horsemanship skills and shared their love of equines with an audience of family members, friends and program supporters.
Cassie Wootan, 12, of San Jose joined the One Step Closer program six years ago. Cassie has Down syndrome and always looks forward to the show – this year being no exception. Decked out in her pink cowboy boots, Cassie smiled confidently as she rode a chestnut mare named Liberty around the arena. Cassie completed her round successfully and like other event participants, was clearly proud to receive a ribbon and a certificate for her achievement.
According to Cassie’s mother, Lynda, OSCTR co-founder and Program Director Landa Keirstead is “incredibly patient and kind, and never forces an agenda on the kids. Instead, she draws out their capabilities. For the students, it’s life-changing. For the high school and college volunteers, it’s a huge awareness-building experience. For the parents it’s a respite, our bonding time at the barn where we can let our hair down and become friends.”
OSCTR currently serves 30 students including children, teens and adults whose special needs may stem from autism, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury or other challenges. The act of riding helps with focus, balance, coordination and strength while providing an opportunity for students to have fun and a sense of accomplishment, organizers say.
“Our program can benefit students on a physical, cognitive and emotional level,” Keirstead said. “Many of our riders don’t have the opportunity to play school sports or perform in school plays. The theme for this year’s show is ‘Shine On!’ because our students grow and thrive in this program and they inspire others in the process.”
Riding lessons are planned and supervised by instructors certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, considered in the horse world as the gold standard in therapeutic riding.
One Step Closer owns a dozen horses hand-picked and trained by Keirstead exclusively for use in riding lessons. Volunteers include local high school and college students who assist instructors during lessons and with other program activities.
During the Sept. 14 event, guest speaker Kristin Grillo from the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System addressed the audience, highlighting a newly-formed partnership between OSCTR and her organization. VA staff members and veterans recently visited the One Step Closer ranch for a therapeutic riding session, and the results were very positive.
“Some of our veterans are working through physical or mental health issues. This program can help them learn to reconnect and get involved with new interests in a healthy environment,” said Grillo.
According to Keirstead, whose father was in the military, “this touches my heart. Here I was, the horse expert, working alongside a VA psychotherapist who is an expert in her work. The (VA) therapist said it had been a long time since she had seen the veterans’ faces light up like they did during their time with our horses. One of the veterans had a natural way of communicating with horses that you don’t see every day.”
The event was sponsored for the second consecutive year by San Jose-based Thrivent Financial, which also offered to match funds up to $5,000 for donations made to the PFC Michael Kennedy Scholarship Fund, which is open to veterans and active military members.
“We are deeply grateful to Thrivent Financial for their generous contributions,” said Landa’s husband, OSCTR co-founder and Executive Director Mark Keirstead. “Donations to the PFC Michael Kennedy Scholarship Fund make it possible for active military and veterans to experience the benefits of therapeutic riding.”
During intermission, the West Coast Ravens Formation Flying Team performed an aerial fly-over in honor of U.S. veteran and active military men and women. This is the team’s third year performing at the show, and they were led by pilot Randy McFarland who along with wife Laura is a Morgan Hill resident and long-time friend of the Keirsteads.
“Therapeutic riding helps people to be in the moment,” said Landa. “It is playful, yet riding with goals empowers our students in a big way. It builds confidence.”
Visit: osctr.org
Email:

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Call: (408) 778-3567