Child sitting on a rocking horse, casting a shadow of a larger horse on the wall.

Gia’s Riding Story

At Horses for a Change in Esopus, NY

One of Robbi’s first students at Horses for a Change was a six year old girl named Gia. Having been born with cerebral palsy, she was brought to the farm in a stroller, being unable to walk, despite years of physical therapy. This is her story.

One day a young lady named Gia came with her dad Nino to try Therapeutic Horseback Riding.

Therapeutic Riding uses horseback riding to improve coordination, balance and strength.

Robbi introduced Gia to her horse Sebastian. That’s a big name, so Sebby is what we called him.

Sebby is very kind and patient. Sebby never complained when Robbi made him wear a costume for Halloween! Here Sebby is dressed as Pegasus, the flying horse.

A woman dressed in vintage riding attire riding a white horse inside an indoor riding arena with wooden walls and a window showing outdoor trees.

The first thing Gia learned was to always wear a safety helmet when on Sebby. It took some time before we found the perfect one. Then Gia got to sit on Sebby using a special pad and handles called a Surcingle. The handles were good to hold on to!

The first thing Gia learned was to always wear a safety helmet when riding Sebby. It took a while to find just the right one. Then she got to sit on Sebby using special equipment with handles called a surcingle, which was great for holding on!

A person holding a white horse by a lead in a wooded outdoor area during daylight.

Some days it was very cold. Charlotte and Sebby are both wearing winter coats. No matter the weather Gia was always excited to ride Sebby!!

A young girl wearing a pink helmet and blue long sleeve shirt is hitting a basketball into a small indoor basketball hoop, while a woman with curly hair supervises nearby.

Gia plays all kinds of fun games while riding Sebby.

A young boy in a blue jacket and helmet giving a high five to a woman on horseback in an indoor riding arena.

Robbi has Gia try to reach up and touch her hand - it is a BIG STRETCH!!!

Horseback riding helped Gia’s legs get stronger. Some days Gia even helped walk Sebby around the ring!

A young girl wearing a pink helmet and gloves, holding a harness, being led by two women inside a barn or riding arena with sunlight coming through the windows.

A young girl wearing a blue helmet and a light blue jacket rides a white horse with help from two women, one holding the horse's reins and the other assisting the girl on the horse, in a wooded area.

On nice days Gia rides Sebby outside! Even in the breeze Gia likes being outside.

Two young girls sitting indoors, one smiling and wearing glasses, the other with a serious expression, sitting in a stroller. A woman stands in the background.

Gia made friends at Horses for a Change. Gia and Nino even went to see Charlotte ride in a big horse show.

Two children sitting on chairs, looking at and pointing to a book or photo album with handwritten text that says 'WHERE'S DAD AND MOM'.

After riding Sebby it was nice to have a snack or a visit. Dad would talk with Robbi, Nancy, Mara, or Ruth.

Girl with dark hair and polka dot jacket at birthday celebration with cake, candles, and family members in indoor setting.

There was a birthday party! All of Gia’s friends at Horses for a Change helped celebrate Gia’s 7th birthday!

A young girl with dark hair sitting on a sofa, holding a plush toy horse and looking at it. The girl is wearing a pink shirt and a blue jacket, and there are blankets on her lap.

Robbi gave Gia a mini Sebby. Now Gia can play with and groom Sebby with her brothers Luca and Dante.

A woman smiling and holding a white horse with a child riding on it, outdoors with trees in the background.

Princess Gia on Sebby the unicorn!

A man and a young girl riding a carousel horse, with the man smiling directly at the camera. The girl is sitting on the horse, holding the reins, and wearing a blue jacket with a star pattern, while the man is standing next to her.

Gia is now able to ride in a saddle and stand in her stirrups without help, even while Sebby is walking!! Gia’s balance is so good we sing “If You’re Happy & You Know It” and we clap our hands!

A young girl sitting on a white horse with a man standing next to her inside an indoor riding arena.