MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – One call opened a huge door of opportunity for Girolama Gelsomino, a counselor and educator working with emotionally and behaviorally challenged students at Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School in southwest Miami-Dade County.
Gelsomino contacted Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center, which specializes in horseback riding and horsemanship classes for people with disabilities.
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After Gelsomino explained to program director and head riding instructor Robin Bramson that her kids are mostly from low-income and foster homes, Bramson was able to secure scholarships for 10 students to visit the nonprofit.
The school provides the transportation to and from the location, which is only a few miles east of the school.
"It is a real joy to see the students' progress each week and utilize what they are learning," Gelsomino said.
The program began March 7 and runs for eight weeks. Students gather at Whispering Manes every Tuesday for two-hour sessions.
During the sessions, students can participate in unmounted and mounted activities, while being supervised by certified professionals. The program's goal is to improve muscle strength, balance, gross and fine-motor skills, as well as communication skills. The program is also known for helping students achieve a sense of self-accomplishment and self-esteem.
The smiles on the faces of students speak to the incredible bond between humans and horses.
For more information about Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School, call 305-252-5900. For more information about Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center, call 305-596-4204 or visit www.whisperingmanes.org.
