Disabled Can Ride Here

GOSHEN — When Heather Carr Johnson was crowned the queen of 4-H nearly 17 years ago she told her “subjects” that she always wanted to see a therapeutic riding facility in this county. Cape May County Equestrian Facility
“I never thought I’d have that opportunity,” Johnson said as she surveyed the indoor riding arena of the Cape May County Equestrian Facility, here in Goshen, which opened its doors for boarders on Nov. 1.
“But when this place came up for bid, I just couldn’t pass it up,” she said and added that when she got the lease last October she was seven months pregnant.
Johnson, who is the president of the organization, told this reporter during a recent tour of the barn that she and a host of individuals and companies including David and Vivian Zarfati, Valerie Polding, The Elks of North Wildwood, Croitor Feed, Elija Scull Custom Builder, Brian Horner, E&J Plumbing and Heating, HJ Cowan Jr., MG Lindemon Trucking & Excavating, Robert and Lorraine Springer, and Avalon Power & Light, donated their time and manpower to get the place up and running.
“We all work full time jobs,” Johnson said. “We came in and got everything ready on Sundays.”
Despite all the work that has been accomplished, Johnson noted that the barn still needs to be repainted, fencing still needs to be addressed, windows need to be repaired, 30 acres of trails need to be reviewed, along with the constant upkeep that goes hand in hand with running an equestrian facility.
Needless to say, the work is keeping her and a handful of dedicated volunteers very busy and the wish list of supplies including everything from tack, to a tractor, to a computer, continues to grow.
“Its tough when it’s just three or four of us,” she said.
But the tenants of the barn, currently three horses, a friendly barn cat and a family of swallows don’t seem to mind that their new digs is a fixer-upper.
Mama Bear, the barn cat, kept this reporter’s lap warm during the interview and Bella, a two-year-old filly, along with her owner Joanne Nelson, of Del Haven, was more than happy to show a group the best place to graze at her new home, located at 418 Route 47 North.
Although it now sits in the former home of Second Chance Ranch, it is not connected to the defunct rescue organization.
Johnson explained that there are still a number of things that need to get done, besides normal repair, before the non-profit organization can be certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).
The location must be handicap accessible, bathroom facilities need to be installed, and the stalls have to be occupied by sound therapy horses.
Nelson and another volunteer are interested in taking the courses required by NARHA to get their individual certification, but Johnson would like to open the program with an experienced therapeutic riding instructor.
“I’m throwing the net out there,” she said in terms of her search for the right qualified individual.
According to narha.org, more than 700 NARHA program centers serve some 42,000 individuals with varying ability levels to challenge themselves physically and emotionally and to set goals to improve their quality of life via the horse.
Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem.
Individuals with the following disabilities commonly participate and benefit from equine facilitated therapy and activities: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, autism, multiple sclerosis, emotional disabilities and learning disabilities.
Currently, boarder Ed Carson and his two children are enjoying the benefits of a horse and rider relationship with their new horse, Flashy, who although he is not a trained therapy horse is giving his young owners a sense of independence and acceptance.
“Too see these kids interact with this horse, it really is amazing,” Johnson said.
Johnson hopes that the long list of “to dos” can be accomplished by late spring next year.
In the meantime, the facility is ready for self-care horse boarding and indoor arena rentals. The monthly board is $200, which includes unlimited use of the indoor riding arena, outdoor arena, wash stall, individually lighted stalls, locking tack box, separate feed room and a pasture for turn out.
For those who want to bring in a trailer to use the indoor-lighted arena, the rent is $20 per hour.
As a non-profit, the money made through boarders will go right back into the facility.
“No one is leaving here with a paycheck,” said Johnson.
Contact Suit at: (609) 886-8600 ext. 25 or lsuit@cmcherald.com