Chi Omegas help out at Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center

11/30/2012 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center has been providing horseback riding therapy to people with disabilities in the mid-Missouri area since 1988. Recently, students from William Woods University went there to help.
 
The Greek organizations at WWU take pride in their philanthropies and their dedication to community service.  This year, the new members of Chi Omega decided to donate their time to Cedar Creek, south of Columbia. 
 
Cedar Creek provides therapeutic horse riding sessions for people who are physically and mentally challenged.  The movements of the horses have shown to have physical benefits on riders.  Riders also develop bonds with the animals and experience a sense of independence.   
 
Providing therapeutic riding sessions to more than 200 riders per year, Cedar Creek relies heavily on volunteers to continue their charitable work.  The new members at Chi Omega were eager to help, and on Nov. 3, they traveled to Cedar Creek to assist the riders in any way they could. 
 
Cedar Creek focuses on three distinct areas of riding: motion therapy, in sport therapy and mainstreamed recreational riding. Generally, all of these areas of riding aid in developing coordination, balance and active participation. 
 
Riders are expected to help with grooming and managing the stables. They also play games on horseback, and Cedar Creek encourages all of the riders to take part in horse shows and similar events.  All of these activities encourage good attitudes and a sense of accomplishment for the riders. 
 
According to Nikki Bell of Mukilteo, Wash., one of the best parts of the day was when each rider received a ribbon.  She said it was rewarding to know that she had helped those children receive their awards and that they were so excited about it. 
 
“We did a lot of stuff that day,” Bell said.  “I helped clean the barn, lead the horses, and I also helped hold the riders up on their horses.”  She also enjoyed riding the horses bareback to the pasture at the beginning of the sessions. 
 
For Isabella Long of Fulton, the day was a bit “nerve racking.”  Not being familiar with horses, she felt a bit out of place.  “I had to muck the stalls and I was really scared. The instructor told me to be really careful because the ammonia could damage the horseshoes.” 
 
Recalling the day, she said it was a very exciting day despite the moments of apprehension. 
 
“I feel like it was a good way to volunteer,” she said.  “It was a job that needed to be done.” 
 
Going on a trail ride was a fun part for Kaylee Ferrier of Centertown, Mo.  Some of her jobs included mucking stalls, cleaning out watering bins and helping the riders.  She said the best part of the day was being able to help the children and seeing the smiles on all of their faces. 
 
The new members of Chi Omega even met an alumna who was there helping out. Seeing her, showed the collegiate members that giving a few hours of your free time and developing a practice of community service can have an impact that lasts a lifetime. 
 
The riders at Cedar Creek that day may have felt like they were being pampered with all the extra attention, but the new members at Chi Omega were the real winners at the end of the day.
                                                                       
CUTLINES:
New members of Chi Omega at William Woods University gather to lend a hand at Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center.
 
Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center is the perfect place for a trail ride, new members of Chi Omega at William Woods University learned recently.