CHRISTIAN CHILDREN'S HOME OF OHIO
Bringing healing to hurting children and families . . . In His Name.
Poplar Ridge Stables is a ministry of the Christian Children's Home of Ohio, and consists of two distinct programs, Ridge Riders and Reins for Life. Ridge Riders is a community program, offering riding lessons, trail rides, day camps, and group activities. Programs are provided to private individuals as well as to community organizations. Reins for Life is the therapeutic arm of the program, and provides services to children with physical, emotional, behavioral, and mental handicaps.
To learn more about Poplar Ridge Stables, click on the links below.
Indoor Riding Arena
Thanks to the generocity of many individual donors, foundations, and churches, the indoor riding arena will allow Poplar Ridge Stables to provide their highly effective programs to the children in the community no matter what the Ohio weather may be!
A Special "Thank You" to:
Helen Brach Foundation
Frick Charitable Trust
Chestnut Ridge Mennonite Church
Lillian Steiner Unrestricted Fund / Wayne County Community Foundation
Joslyn, age 7, can't walk, but she can ride! She uses an electronic communication device to tell the horse when to walk, and she loves to trot! Horseback riding helps to build her back muscles, prevent muscles from atrophying, improve her balance, and stimulate little-used nerves. It also helps to build her confidence and communication skills, but most of all-it's fun!
Andrew, age 25, suffers from Cerebral Palsy. While he derives the same physical, social, and psychological benefits from riding, he does not need the communicator to talk to the horse. He is able to use his legs more, and loves to talk!
In the spring of 2008, my daughter, Jennifer Roberts, who suffers from a head injury, began a riding program at Poplar Ridge Stables. My daughter suffers from considerable physical pain as well as mental frustration caused by her physical weakness and inability to move freely, especially with respect to her right extremities. Because of the professionalism and commitment to service of John, Carla, Kathy and Megan, Jennifer's mobility has greatly increased in a very short time. She has shown particular improvement with respect to the strength and dexterity of the weaker right side of her body (i.e. her ability to grasp and reach, as well as general mobility). This improvement has been documented by both the physical and occupational therapists that have treated Jennifer for almost 10 years. They were amazed by the progression she has made since starting the riding program.
This therapy helps relieves Jennifer's pain by allowing her to stretch her muscles in therapeutic ways, while also affording her a sense of independence and lack of physical restriction. In fact, what this therapy has done for my daughter's confidence and mental well being is nearly commensurate with the notable physical benefits. If you are a parent, imagine for a minute how difficult it must be to see your child struggle with walking, reaching and standing; then, how supportive you would be of a program that attempts to make difference in these areas. This program is a blessing, and my daughter and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking alternative therapy.
Sincerely,
Woodrow Roberts
Contact:
John and Carla Plegge, Co-Directors
Poplar Ridge Stables @ CCHO
PO Box 765
Wooster, OH 44691
330-464-3380
