Nancy's Story

SERT’s NARHA-certified instructors are unique individuals with some common interests.

Here’s a bit of Nancy’s story.

You’re passionate about teaching as well as horses. Which came first?
“I love teaching, but that came later. I’ve been around horses since I was seven."

What brought you to teaching ?
“Well, in a way my husband is responsible for my being here. Teaching is different from what I used to do – banking. But in 1985 I injured my back and couldn’t ride the way I used to. So I sold my horse, and that made me quite sad.

"Well after a while, I began to miss riding so much that I actually started talking about getting another horse! My husband, having lived with me through my injury, became the voice of reason in the matter, and his better judgment prevailed. So we nixed the new horse idea.

"Still, I really wanted to do something with horses.  One day my husband saw an ad that a therapeutic riding facility needed volunteers. I was so familiar with the world of horses that it seemed like a perfect fit, and I signed up.

"I’ve been around children with special needs, which was a new experience for me, ever since. At first as a volunteer. Then I eventually got back on a horse, riding a little more conservatively, which led to my starting a career teaching children with special needs."

How long have you been teaching?
“I’ve had my NARHA certification over eleven years. I’ve been with Connie for six. Introducing children to a life they’ve never experienced before has been rewarding. Riding is a lot of fun for the kids. With that happiness comes positive change.

"When kids tell us, ‘I want to take the horse here,’ or, ‘I want to go on a trail ride,’ it allows them to have some control, a ‘say-so’ in their lives. Some special needs children don’t communicate verbally too well. But as time goes on we may see improvements, and there can be gains in different ways."

What are some others?
“Everyone progresses at his or her own pace. I have one little girl who is frightened of trotting. Naturally, we’re introducing it very slowly. We have many ways to teach balance. And of course we’re always encouraging.

"Eventually that girl will be able to proudly say to her mom, ‘I trotted today!’ In some instances, there can be big changes. Working with kids with special needs has opened up a world for me that I never knew existed. This is a special place.”