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Cloverleaf Equine Center in Clifton, Virginia, is hosting summer camp sessions for children with disabilities. The camp provides a unique opportunity for kids to develop core strength, improve balance, and enhance verbal communication skills while enjoying the company of the horses they ride. The camp, led by Operations Director Christina Germinario, focuses on incorporating purposeful activities during each riding session to help the riders achieve their goals.

Volunteer Roger Messersmith, who has a personal connection to the center through his son who has cerebral palsy, provides support and encouragement to the campers. He acknowledges the positive impact therapeutic riding had on his son’s confidence and muscle tone. The center’s slogan, “Horses Helping Humans Thrive,” reflects the diverse range of clients benefiting from the services offered, including physical therapy, psychotherapy, and social and emotional learning.

Germinario expressed joy in witnessing the campers’ progress and the happiness they experience during the sessions. She highlighted the special bond between the horses and the campers, describing the horses at Cloverleaf as “unicorns” due to their empathetic nature and love for human interaction. The center’s focus on providing a supportive environment for both the riders and the horses ensures a positive experience for all participants.

Overall, the summer camp at Cloverleaf Equine Center offers children with disabilities a memorable and impactful way to develop vital skills while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding. The center’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment highlights the importance of equine therapy in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

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