Beyond Limits

BLTR Horse Show at Watkins Farm – October 2020

Howard Oviedo — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:55:52 +0000

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Beyond Limits Showing at Foxberry Farms

Howard Oviedo — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:50:57 +0000

1of70

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The Strength Within

Howard Oviedo — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 13:59:28 +0000

By Betty Boyd

Andrew has great courage and strength that he exudes each day. From birth, the now ten-year-old, was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss, as well as the trials that come along with having autism.

Even though there are struggles that come with his diagnosis, Andrew wants to do and be more than the box they seem to put him in. At school, he loves to take attendance for his class, and even takes the results down to the Principals’ office daily. At his young age he already knows he likes to be in charge, and is beginning to show true leadership skills!

Andrew has been going to Beyond Limits for five years for therapeutic horseback riding lessons. Riding has helped him become more independent and have the confidence to try new things. The once shy boy, with murmured speech and hearing loss, now has the courage to stand out and be noticed. He recently attended a pageant and was able to speak to an audience of 3,000 people. Way to go Andrew!

At the farm, his Instructor lets Andrew take the reins by himself, he directs the horse independently, and steers to complete the skills of the day! In the barn he is helpful in tacking and untacking before and after his lesson, grooming, and other responsibilities that come with taking care of a horse, and of course giving them yummy treats after a job well done! All of this has helped him see how much fun it is to help out, and more importantly, that he is well and able to get things done independently!

Being at Beyond Limits has greatly improved Andrew’s way of life. It has enabled him to take greater control of his destiny, and prepares him for a bright and confident future. There is a strength within that Andrew has discovered. A strength that makes his diagnosis disappear for a bit, a strength that makes him no different from you and me. Oh, if we should all find our hidden strength, like Andrew has done, what a wonderful world this would be!

In addition to riding, Andrew can be found outside enjoying the perks of life. He loves to play soccer, baseball, and in summer you can always find him at the pool! Through all of these things, he is building up his confidence and fortitude, to continue to live life to the fullest, in the way that it should be lived! Andrew has courage and shows this to others each day. Way to GO BEYOND Andrew!

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The Golden Heart

Howard Oviedo — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 17:26:14 +0000

By Betty Boyd

Joseph has a “golden heart”, according to his mom. He had to ride a horse, that he had never been on and was still able to go for the gold! His confidence was at such a level that he was able to win a gold medal in Showmanship at a recent Special Olympics 3-day equestrian event.

Joseph, a young adult, has Cerebral Palsy (CP), but this has not stopped him from living his life. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder affecting the brain. It effects body movement and muscle coordination.

Joseph attends Paulding Enterprises 5 days a week. He concentrates on math skills, motor skills, exercise, and goes out into the community to include singing at a local nursing home.

Paulding Enterprises introduced Joseph to Beyond Limits. He has ridden horses in the Special Olympics and also took part in golf and swimming, winning gold medals in both! He has been with Beyond Limits for 4 years, and in the beginning, Joseph was intimidated by being on a horse. It took 3 people to help guide him while riding until he gradually gained the strength and confidence to ride independently.

Joseph’s progress has been extraordinary, thanks to his therapeutic riding instructor, Kristen Moreland. From the beginning, she has instilled confidence, hard work and determination. His motor skills and balance have improved along with self-assurance.

His favorite horse was JD, who has since been retired, and he now rides Faith. “Faith is gentle, not bouncy, trots well, is not lazy, and listens to me” Joseph relates.

Joseph has been thrown a couple of times while riding. His first horse, JD was spooked by another horse, started into a gallop, throwing him off. He was briefly shaken and got right back on and finished the ride. That is real determination! There is an old phrase in horseback riding that says, “you aren’t a cowboy until you have been thrown three times.”

This family has always been close knit, and having Joseph attend Beyond Limits has made them even closer. In fact, other members of the family have been thrilled to come watch Joseph at different shows and could not believe what he is able to carry out.

Joseph is both a special young man and an inspiration. From grooming and bathing the horses to taking part in various shows, there is no doubt that whatever he puts his mind to, it will be accomplished. Joseph you are a true hero!

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An Interview with Dr. Ira Adams

Howard Oviedo — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 17:25:14 +0000

By Betty Boyd

Dr. Ira Adams specializes in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine/Pediatrics at Emory University Hospital. She also is a teaching Professor and is associated with the Medical Development Progress Clinic.

A broad definition of Cerebral Palsy is that CP is a non-progressive neurological brain abnormality associated with functional motor impact. Some of the areas impacted include fine and gross motor skills, speech, and cognitive functions. Because of how CP affects the brain, a person might not be able to walk, talk, eat, or move the way most people do. CP also affects a person’s muscle tone and ability to coordinate body movements.

The most common forms of therapy include, speech, occupational, physical, aquatic, and hippotherapy. It affects young infants, mainly with their motor skills. Motor skills are the most common form that is not directly related to cognitive skills or overall development. Sometimes, a child’s Cerebral Palsy will only affect his or her physical functioning. However, about 30 to 50 percent of children with Cerebral Palsy have some level of cognitive impairment.

Dr. Adams says that Cerebral Palsy rates have both decreased over time and in their severity, and people can live full and productive lives. There is research being done to better understand the changes and seriousness of this disability.

Along with medication, there is also assisted devices (strollers, walkers) and other technology to help children with Cerebral Palsy.

For more information on Cerebral Palsy please see refer to the CDC link provided in this article.

11 Things to Know about Cerebral Palsy | Features | CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/features/cerebral-palsy-11-things

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood.

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The Inner Light

Beyond Limits — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 03:11:26 +0000

The Inner Light by Betty Boyd

Kathy Davidson has an inner light that is bright as a sunrise. She expresses an internal glow that is hard to beat. She has had multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1991, but you wouldn’t know it. The most common symptoms of MS are tingling, numbness, loss of balance, weakness in one or more limbs and blurred or double vision.

Her prognosis was very grim, and Kathy knew there was a long road ahead. Picking herself up, finding a great specialist that aided in the fight. There is no cure for MS, and at times she has been depressed, but has kept on battling the weakness in speaking and walking.

Kathy has had to hide the effects of this disease because it carries a stigma, and when there were issues with her speaking or walking made her strive even more. This disease became so depilating that she had to downsize her life and quit a well- paying job.

Kathy knew there was more to life, so with the help of her sister Carol, they independently found Beyond Limits, which offered the hope she was looking for. Kathy has always loved horses, and in 2013 went on a journey that to this day, has changed her life.

You have a sense of power and confidence in handling a 1500-pound animal. Kathy has learned to canter, to ride faster and even perform in horse shows! Each person is matched to a particular horse based on each other’s personalities.

Riding horses has helped Kathy with body awareness, strength, and balance. Therapeutic riding has given her back the ability to walk and talk even with multiple sclerosis. Kathy has been with the program for 5 years and is also involved with volunteering. She has helped other riders with the opportunity to learn life skills as well improve their own core strength, balance, social skills, and memory. In addition to riding, the riders are able to groom the horse with different brushes and even clean their hooves!

Kathy is more active because of the tremendous chance given to her in therapeutic riding. “I have a bigger family and support team because of Beyond Limits. I am helped socially, and interaction with the kids, parents, therapeutic riding instructors, and volunteers makes life better,” comments Kathy.

Working as a volunteer keeps Kathy uplifted, smiling with a better perspective. Seeing how the kids are fighting gives her a stronger will and brings her joy. Kathy realizes, “I must try to do as much as I can for myself. It is not just about you, but about others.”

Kathy cites, “the animals touch and reach your soul.” The love she has for the horses and the people of The Barn has given her courage that otherwise would not have been achieved.

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Special Olympics 2017

Beyond Limits — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 00:54:29 +0000

Every year we load up our team of horses, riders, and volunteers and hit the road to Gold at the Special Olympics Annual Horse Show. Our riders love this awesome weekend away from home, and are always excited to show off their skills to their parents and peers! Special Olympics is more than just a horse show, its an event where special needs athletes from across the state get together to celebrate, socialize, and of course, compete!

Adam

1of11

Christian

Dance

Emily

Gavin

Jonathan

Libby

Maya

Micaela

Nicolas

Sarah

Tony

Victor

Zella

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Micaela Acree

Beyond Limits — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 13:44:01 +0000

March 3, 2017

To whom this may concern:

It is with great pleasure that I write a testimonial and letter of support for Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding. My 12 year-old daughter, Micaela, has been in this therapeutic riding school for three years and has been under the instruction of Kristen Moreland, who is certainly one of the best teachers in her field, having incredible aptitude for working with special needs children.

My lovely little girl, Micaela, has high-functioning autism, and at the time that she began her training in April 2014, she was a relatively shy young lady with little physical activity in her life and suboptimal coordination. At this time, I am proud and pleased to share that therapeutic riding has transformed her…

Micaela has demonstrated great improvement in her social skills most notably. Those who knew her at the outset are mesmerized by her transformation! She has a greater sense of self-confidence and is more comfortable conversing with new people. She talks about her love of horses and proudly shares of her riding accomplishments. Caring for the horses, which is a central component of the program, has also been an opportunity for nurturing and growth.

Among her accomplishments, Micaela participated in the Georgia Special Olympics three years in success ion, completing four 1st place and one 3rd place finishes in 2016. Furthermore, just one week later, she was able to compete in a regular, non special education riding show, including neurotypical children, and still finished with two first place and one third place finish among her three events.

Micaela has certainly become an accomplished rider! And in such a relatively short time!
Moreover, her physical stamina and coordination have also improved tremendously as a result of both riding and caring for her horse. Therapeutic riding is a particularly excellent physical activity for children who lack the coordination and quickness of pace to compete in most team sports.

In short, therapeutic riding has been the best source of physical and social skills therapy that my child on the autism spectrum could have ever experienced. Moreover, the people and program at Beyond Limits have been a perfect match for our family. We have been blessed and feel deeply indebted to the program. With all sincerity, if you are looking for a place to make a donation that will go directly to a program that changes peoples lives, look no firther than Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding. It is a great cause with a great need.

Sara Acree, MD

The post Micaela Acree first appeared on Beyond Limits.

Maya Adams

Beyond Limits — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 15:35:30 +0000

Riding has helped me a lot with my balance and my communication with the animal and my awareness issues.

My favorite part about riding is cantering. I like playing with all the horses. My favorite horse is Baloo. I love my riding instructor, Kristen, she is a really good at making you laugh. I see her not as an instructor, but as my family.

I have made a lot of good friends. At summer camp, I made a cool friend that had the same ideas that I did, which was having our own horse and training. Sarah is my loyal friend, we teach each other how to do things.

The best part about Special Olympics is getting all dressed up and doing my best for the judges.

Please join us.

Maya Adams
Beyond Limits Rider

The post Maya Adams first appeared on Beyond Limits.

Tony Jones

Beyond Limits — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 15:34:43 +0000

It is with great pleasure I write to you about my nephew Anthony Jones, and his awesome experiences in Therapeutic Riding, and in life. Tony, born into the socially awkward and confusing world of Autism, is now a 24-year-old high school graduate, gold medal Olympian, and working citizen. I am honored and humbled to have custody of him, and get to enjoy life with him; even with all the ups and downs raising an autistic person comes with.

Tony has had a passion for riding since his first lesson with Kristen Moreland, his PATH Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor, almost 8 years ago. Throughout those years he has flourished in the saddle, and in life. Riding has taught him responsibility, given him a sport he can succeed in and continue to progress with, and of course his favorite part, the opportunity to compete! The Special Olympic Horse Show is the highlight of the year for Tony, as soon as it is over, he is already planning his success for the following year! He has competed in the show for the past 7 years with Kristen as his coach, but this year has been his most successful. He brought home 4 gold medals out of the 5 classes he competed in and he was entered in the highest level offered which requires independent riding at the walk, trot and canter. I have never seen him as excited as he was that entire weekend.

When Kristen left her position in 2013 to help kick start Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding we knew we had a new home too. She has done such a great job instructing and molding him in to the young man he is today, we would follow her anywhere. Beyond Limits has given him more opportunity to grow in his riding, with high quality horses and a wonderful team of volunteers, he has thrived in the past two years more than ever before. He independently gets his horse from the paddock, tacks it up by putting the saddle on himself, and mounts unassisted as well. Being able to be independent at the barn has given him the confidence to be independent at home, at work, and in other environments too. It has also helped us to see the potential in him and push him to new levels at home. Sometimes even caretakers like me get tired of the battle, and put limits on what we believe can be achieved in the lives of the ones we love. But with every new success at the barn we get revived, we grow in strength and hope, and are reminded that limits do not exist, but only in our minds.

The team at Beyond Limits has given us as a family so much more than just riding lessons. My daughter helps volunteer there as well, and got to be Tony’s Unified Partner at the Special Olympics this year. Together, they won the gold medal for Unified Drill, but more importantly it has given her a little insight into his world. They get along better at home after that experience, and have a better understanding of each other. That opportunity to learn together would not have been possible, and my home would not be as peaceful, without the efforts of the staff and volunteers at Beyond Limits. I can’t thank them enough for the positive impact they have had on my entire family, and I know there are many more families just like mine with similar stories, and even more families that are in need of this experience!

Sincerely,
Mary Callahan

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