Stable Hands Made a Difference
A letter from Megan, former program volunteer
Megan Vesel
First of all, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to volunteer with Stable Hands this year during the fall and spring sessions, as I will be off to college. On that note, I would also like to give a great big "thank you" to everyone involved with the Stable Hands program. Volunteering at Stable Hands really impacted me in a positive way and I cannot even begin to express how much of an impact everyone working, as well as those receiving therapy, have left on me. Last November, I competed in a Scholarship Competition at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan for several different scholarships to attend the University. The competition consisted of three parts - academic record, a small group discussion, and a one-on-one interview with a faculty member. I was quite nervous for the Competition, but I believe, in my case, that the interview helped determine my standing among the 300+ other students vying for a scholarship. During the interview, I was posed with the question, "What can you tell me about any volunteer work you have done?" The first thing that popped into my mind was Stable Hands, and the interviewer, an avid horse lover, was quite impressed by the entire operation. We ended up talking about the program for most of the interview, and I could not convey enough how much of a difference I feel Stable Hands makes in not only the lives of those receiving therapy, but also of all those volunteers who are so blessed that they are able to help. I have taken home many lessons from the barn that have defined who I have become as a leader. I feel that without Stable Hands I would not be the person who I have become today. I am quite proud to report that I ended up receiving a scholarship during the competition, and will be attending NMU beginning in the fall on an academic full ride scholarship, and I give all of the credit to my experience with Stable Hands. In addition, when I was applying to colleges in the fall, several of my application essays revolved around Stable Hands and the lessons which I have learned in the barn. I am happy to say that I also was accepted to all of those schools, and I give more credit to Stable Hands. J I am excited to see that Stable Hands is expanding, and I wish you as well as everyone involved the best of luck in the future, and I hope to someday return to volunteering with Stable Hands. Thanks again for everything,
Sammy's Journey
Sammy & his mom, Nicky
Since Sam became involved in the Stable Hands program in 2004 we have seen him make some enormous strides. It has helped him in numerous physical ways including improving his trunk strength and ability to sit for more extended periods of time. It has helped relax his pelvis & hamstring muscles on his 
affected side without the use of medications and has delayed and perhaps prevented him having to have surgery on his left leg.
Both of these physical improvements have helped him to gain independent mobility, something which had eluded him in spite of aggressive physical therapy. In addition to the physical benefits that we have seen, we have seen him make great cognitive and social gains as well. Prior to becoming involved in the program Sam had minimal social skills. He would only make limited eye contact, did not have meaningful 
communication skills and could not follow directions. He now will make eye contact, communicate with the volunteers through sign and prompted speech and can follow directions to participate in the therapy activities. He looks forward to the weeks when he can go and ride the horses and we have to hide his helmet on those days until we are ready to leave the house!
The program has also given him a level of normalcy or equality with his triplet siblings who are able to be involved in traditional sports. We could not be happier to be involved in this program and appreciate the efforts made by all of the volunteers and 
supporting organizations. - Mom, Nicky
Sammy & Grandma Peg
