Jennifer Lomastro, the program director, and Alicia Pramile, the administrative assistant, from Manito Life Center came to Emmaus Rotary's regular Thursday morning meeting on June 20, 2019 at the invitation of Rotarian Eric Loch whose spouse An Loch is a regular volunteer at the Center which is located 1 mile north of the Target store on Cedar Crest Boulevard.
The 4 beat gait of a horse is recognized by the human brain in ways that are healing and strengthen the core muscles. Individuals from 2 years to 82 years old have been on therapeutic horse rides at the Center.
"We see miracles every day," said Lomastro after showing a video which was full of smiles and inspiration. With the help of trained volunteers individuals with autism, cognitive disabilities and physical limitations mount, ride and participate in group equine assisted activities. Some participants have progressed to competitions elsewhere.
Data is being collected as the research on this particular therapy is new. Lomastro described one special horse named Raven who alerts when a rider is going to have a seizure.
There is an on-going need for volunteers and Rotarian Christina Price stood right up and asked to be counted on.
The Center's major fundraiser is at Gala at Bell Gate FArms in Coopersburg coming up on August 21st, and everyone present was invited to the party. The Center is auctioning off a trip for two to the Kentucky Derby in the Spring of 2020.