Our daughter Peyton’s experience riding in the SPIRIT Therapeutic Riding Program has been absolutely phenomenal due in large part to the person who championed the program – Davorka “Dada” Suvak. Dada has surrounded herself and the riders in the program with professionals, most notably Kate White in the case of my daughter, who either work or volunteer tirelessly. As a client we can see no difference in the level of involvement and concern for our daughter between employees and volunteers. And the horses have been gentle spirited. Dada has a real gift in communicating with animals and children together, working gently and yet assertively, pushing and encouraging and making the experience rewarding and fun.
Peyton is crazy about Dada, Kate and Spirit and has benefited in numerous ways since beginning her riding early last spring. Peyton is currently a three year old who has been diagnosed with developmental delay, global and fine motor delays, ataxia and hypotonia. She has developed considerable trunk strength, stability, balance, improved walking skills and speech skills since riding in the SPIRIT Program. She had just started walking when she started riding with Dada and barely spoke. Additionally, Peyton continues to develop a spirit of confidence, exuberance and “can do” attitude which has benefited her tremendously. She is the twin of a normally developing 3 year old sister and has a normally developing brother who is 16 months older. So this opportunity to participate and excel in the SPIRIT Program has boosted her esteem within the family hierarchy. And Dada and her team have been very supportive of the entire family in our support of Peyton. We look forward to the hugs and smiles that greet all of us each week. And Peyton can’t get her helmet on fast enough to begin riding Spirit when we arrive for each lesson!
