LYMAN, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Horses have several uses from pleasure riding to working the fields of a farm. They also have a way of making breakthroughs in the therapy world, and Carlisle Academy in Lyman is taking full advantage of that.
Carlisle Academy at Falls Creek Farm has around 120 students that take part in it's therapeutic riding program. The level of experience ranges from those who have never ridden before to riders who have spent years in the saddle. According to director of therapy and adaptive programs, Susan Grant, horses provide for students in several ways including brain development.
"If we can get them on, we can change the pathway of nuerodevelopment and ultimately change what it's like for them to transition from school and function in their home," said Grant.
The therapy sessions aren't cheap and around 45% of students received scholarship through the Carlisle Charitable Foundation to attend the program in 2013. According to president of the foundation, Leslie Lindgren, that equaled $78,377 in scholarship money.
"It is not an inexpensive therapy and so with the scholarship opportunity it allows some people who might not be able to afford that to be able to do that," said Lindgren.
The Carlisle Charitable Foundation will be holding two fundraisers in the coming months to raise scholarship money for students. A Golf Classic will be held September 9th at 1:00 PM at the Old Marsh Country Club in Wells. They will also have a benefit trail ride October 12th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Spurwink Farm in Cape Elizabeth.
