MONROE: Special Strides makes TLC appearance

By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
   MONROE — Avid TLC viewers have heard the buzz over the highly anticipated new show, “Table for 12,” featuring a Marlboro couple and their two sets of twins and sextuplets.
   But few are aware local business, Special Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, will be featured on an upcoming episode scheduled to air Monday at 9:30 p.m.
   Camera crews visited its Federal Road site in January as they documented therapist work with 4-year-old Rebecca Hayes, one of the Marlboro family’s sextuplets, who suffers from cerebral palsy.
   ”Special Strides provides hippotherapy and therapeutic riding to children with special needs,” said Susie Rehr, an executive director of the business. “We’re looking to make improvement in these kids’ lives.”
   Therapists facilitate the horses’ movement to help these children overcome some of their physical obstacles, which could range from balance problems to issues with their range of movement. Ms. Rehr said she hopes this type of national exposure will motivate families with disabled children to look for similar programs in their regions of the country.
   ”They are going to learn about the value of hippotherapy as a therapeutic intervention,” she said.
   Many of the children like Rebecca who participate in the program often see small improvements, whether that means taking a sip out of a straw or sitting up for the first time, she said.
   ”A lot of small changes overtime leads to big changes,” Ms. Rehr said.
   Not only does Special Strides provide a therapeutic alternative for parents, it allows children with very few options for extracurricular activities to get outside and let loose.
   ”The whole time they’re having fun,” she said. “It’s something these kids can hang their hat on: I ride horses.”
   Ms. Rehr said their airtime is just the cherry on top of what she would consider the start to a very good year.
   Just last month, the business’s junior committee of young leaders surpassed all fundraising expectations, raising more than $35,000 during its second annual bowl-a-thon fundraiser.
   Meanwhile, organizers have been prepping for the first-ever Special Stride Country Fair and Horse Show, which will feature the supervised riding skills of their children and is scheduled for May 17.
   For more information on Special Strides and its services, contact the business at 732-446-0945 or visit its Web site at www.specialstrides.com/.