Horse-riding brings woman medals, joy

A therapeutic horseback riding program in North Raleigh has transformed a young autistic woman's life.

Cassie Cunningham, 19, was a young girl living near Austin, Texas, when she and her parents discovered therapeutic horseback riding.

Cassie has physical and cognitive disabilities. But she has always loved animals, especially horses.

Riding has improved her life dramatically, says her mother, Anna Cunningham.

"It was evident from the beginning she loved horses and loved riding," her mother said.

Cassie is a prize-winning horsewoman, have scored a gold medal and a first-place ribbon July 19 in the Special Olympics Midsummer Games category Working Trails -- English saddle. She won bronze in English Equitation.

Cassie's winning first place in the trails competition is miraculous, her mother said.

"She had to memorize a trail pattern -- meaning she had to not only learn which way to go on the trails, she had to tell her horse which way to go too," she said.

Cassie won her gold medal riding a 24-year-old quarter horse named Chance.

Cassie trains with the Helping Horse program in North Raleigh. The program has helped improve her speech as well as her cognitive and physical abilities.

Therapeutic riding also has brought out her competitive spirit and has taught her patience.

"The horses are lovable, friendly and gentle," her mother said.

Cassie rides nearly yearround, participating in weekly therapeutic sessions September through May. She trains for Special Olympics competition in June and July.

In Cassie's off times, she helps at the stables.

She's on track to graduate in May 2009 from Leesville Road High School's Occupational Course of Study.

"The riding program has opened up so many possibilities for Cassie," her mother said. "We appreciate all of the volunteers at Helping Horse and all of the dedication volunteering requires.

The end result is priceless."