MORE ABOUT SPIRIT
Visit spiritequestrian.org and register for lessons
through Frying Pan Farm Park at 703-437-9101.

How do I qualify my child for the Therapeutic
Riding Program?
Dada’s instructions. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my girl
concentrate so hard on so many things at once: heels down,
feet under hips, toes front, chin up, quiet hands, straight
back. Dada teaches horsemanship for real, and the kids
make every effort to please her.

Visit the spiritequestrian.org site and click on
“Forms.” The online medical form takes a physician
through the necessary details to qualify a rider.

Part of their incentive is knowing that when they master
Dada’s instructions, Dada will sing their praises to the
moon and back. She calls out their successes, asking folks
in the arena to watch, and we all call out our “good jobs.”
It’s a perfect feedback loop: hard work with lots of earned
praise. Spirit Open Equestrian is a certified 501(C)(3)
nonprofit. Visit their website to donate or sign
up to volunteer!
I really do strive to be the mom who remembers how great
I have it, but volunteering at Spirit takes me to a place I
haven’t frequented much lately. A place where the kids are
precious because they are, and the parents aren’t straining
under the weight of the DMV’s next-level academic and
competitive rigors.

My daughter and I leave Spirit filthy, smelling like the
horses we just worked with. But we’re refreshed. I find a
peace that is a rarity. I even drive home more slowly.

The Spirit team meets me where I am just like they
meet David when he rolls in for his lesson. We all have
challenges, and Spirit’s horses and team members offer us
moments of strength, confidence, humility and gratitude.

Cynda Zurfluh is a happily married, working mother of three
with an endless to-do list and blessings enough to (almost) make
up for the lack of sleep.

How can I help?
WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC RIDING?
Therapeutic riding is a proven method to support
the growth and healing of kids and adults with
physical and/or psychological challenges.

The interaction between people and horses
offers a variety of physical, mental, emotional and
intellectual benefits. Equine Assisted Activities
complement the work of a variety of therapeutic,
developmental and life coaching professionals.

Why is it effective?
Simply sitting upon a walking horse requires
strength and coordination, while stimulating the
muscular and nervous systems. There is a sense of
confidence that comes with cooperating with the
horses and taking part in directing them. Time-in-
the-saddle requires riders to be present and aware
of what’s happening in the moment, which helps
with concentration and attention. Plus, you get a
great horse buddy!
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