From Rider to Volunteer

Stephen Logsdon is one of the many participants whose lives have been impacted though the TTRC. He said he walks through the doors without fear before every lesson, just as he did back in 2011. From his first session at just 3 years old to now at 18, Logsdon said there is never any fear present, only excietement and gratitude. 

For the past 14 years, the TTRC has become a daily routine for Logsdon, ultimately impacting his life one ride at a time. Logsdon's mother, Carrie Badillo, who is also a volunteer, noticed a positive change after his first few lessons. "When he was 18 months, he struggled with emotional regulation, and he had a lot of hyperactivity, a lot of trouble focusing, just trouble sitting still,"Badillo said. "One of the biggest changes that we immediately saw was how calming it was for him." For Badillo, the decision to enroll her son in hippotherapy instead of conventional therapy was clear. She said the benefits of hippotherapy not only benefit Logsdon physically, but also emotionally.  "I believe in many ways, [the horses] do not make demands of you," Badillo said. "I think for many people in this community, you are put into many settings, and there's a lot of demands made of you, and I think that can be hard, and it can really wear you down over time." 
Logsdon's connection with horses is deep. He said his late father also rode, making the connection extra special.

"I get to do things I never thought I would do before," Logsdon said. "It's something very special to me, especially to my family, generationally." 

Despite the challenges throughout the years, Logsdon said in the long run, it is worth it. "It's a little hard, but over time, you do overcome it," Logsdon said. "Over time, you learn how to connect yourself with the horse and to feel truly grounded in yourself, you spirit and your mind. It really helps you focus on yourself and just the moment you're in instead of anything else." 

Logsdon has received longtime support not only from his family but also from the staff and volunteers who have seen him grow throughout the years. Irwin is among those supporters. "I get a little emotional talking about Stephen," Irwin said. "It's really cool to see how far he's come. When I first met him, he was very difficult to speak with and work with. To see him back out here riding independently and helping do chores afterward is so cool to see." 

Badillo said that for her and her son, Stephen, the TTRC is not just another therapy session to fill their calendar, but a place to build meaningful relationships they know will last a lifetime. 

"That's what I really love about [the TTRC], is they believe in [Stephen] the same way I do," Badillo said. "They believe in his abilities, his future and his potential, and they give him opportunities to prove what he can do." 

Each week after his session, Logsdon volunteers his time to help fellow participants during their riding sessions, giving back to the center that changed his life. 

Finding His Voice in the Saddle

For some participants, their time at the TTRC has been shorter , but the impact on their lives is still big. What began as an unfamiliar activity for the McDonald family is now a popular household topic. Jim McDonald, father of TTRC particiapnt Jack McDonald, said he initially could not grasp the concept of how riding a horse could help his son. "The purpose [to come to the TTRC] was to work on communication," Jim said. "He is very communicative but used to not be." Although Jack participates in many activities outside of school, such as tennis, hanging out with friends and STEM, Jim said TTRC is a place for Jack to practice his communication skills. "With him learning skills with the horses, listening to instructions, and following and completing taks is huge," Jim said. 

For 12-year-old Jack, the first time he set foot in the TTRC, he knew he was right where he was meant to be. What started as an unfamiliar activity has become a lasting confidence builder. 

" I don't remember a lot, but I do remember I was like, 'Wow, this is gonna be fun,'" Jack said.

Throughouy his journey, Jack said his biggest challenge to date is at the end of his session, getting off his horse without a mounting block. "When I get bigger that won't be a problem," Jack said. "The problem is starting to solve itself since I'm getting bigger."

The growth the McDonald family has experienced with Jack's communication, confidence, and social interactions is thanks to many extracurricular activities, including the TTRC, Jim said. "When [Jack] talks, he really will talk and sometimes we have to reel him in, but someti,es he actually remembers to stop and ask other people what they think," Jim said. "Being here helped bring that out." Jacks journey at the TTRC will one day come to an end, though he said he hopes to keep riding for a very long time. Jim said the impact will last far beyond the arena.

"This will always be a part of him, even after he graduates from the program," Jim said. "He'll probably volunteer himself one day."