Group makes new Strides with therapeutic driving
Horse-and-cart program dedicated to late NYC firefighter
BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer

MONROE - Horse-drawn carriages might seem a little old-fashioned to some, but to the Special Strides program at Congress Hill Farm they are a useful innovation.

Staff members at the nonprofit organization are raring to go for the Joseph Farrelly Therapeutic Driving Program, which involves a cart attached to a horse in order to offer therapeutic driving activities for varied populations.

"It has been a dream of mine for many reasons," Special Strides co-director Laurie Landy said. "It gives you a feeling of empowerment and control, and it's fun. It's invigorating, it's exciting [and] it's challenging."

Though Landy and co-director Susie Rehr were aware of the benefits of therapeutic driving, they were unable to initiate such a programbecause of the cost of a carriage, according to Special Strides spokeswoman Karen Goldberg.

Thanks to Stacey Farrelly, widow of Capt. Joseph Farrelly, aNewYork City firefighter who died on 9/11, the driving program will be off and running. Stacey, who has worked as a special education aide in the New York school system, has been a longtime supporter of Special Strides. The seedmoney she donated this time, however, is a tribute to her deceased husband.

"He loved children. Children made him happy," Landy said. "His wife felt she wanted to do something to carry on his name."

Joseph began his career as a volunteer for the Old Bridge Fire Department Engine 1. He and Stacey provided foster care for children, a number of whom were babies who had crack addiction or AIDS.

"They were just incredibly giving," Landy said.

Described by Goldberg as an outstanding husband and father, Joseph was an avid outdoorsman with a love for his community. It seems to make sense, then, that his namesake program be one that will help Special Strides serve a larger portion of the community.

The therapeutic horseback riding center uses horses to help children with cerebral palsy, autism and other sensory and motor conditions.With the newly expanded offerings, the center will be able to accommodate adults with head traumas, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, veterans coming back from war, individuals with multiple sclerosis, and other adults who can benefit from the therapy.

The driving program will also allow for children over 130 pounds to continue participating in Special Strides' therapeutic offerings. Before the initiation of the driving program, the cut-off weight was necessary because of the horse size and staff limitations, said Landy, who is an occupational therapist.

"That's what the whole thing is about- to expand our program, but also to open it up to adults," Goldberg said.

According to Landy, the interaction with and control of a horse results in the rewards of physical, cognitive, social and emotional well-being, as well as a feeling of greater self-confidence. For those without mobility, the driving experience allows for sensations of motion, she said. Taking part in the actual driving builds upper-body strength, and helps with cognitive abilities, such as the learning of directions, Landy said.

"There are all different ways horses are used as an assist for therapeutic reasons," Landy said.

Hippotherapy, or treatment programs involving equine movement, offers a sensory integrative experience for participants that is unparalleled, according to the Special Strides Web site.

Since the facility is also a training ground for standardbred horses, the horses will not need additional training to participate in the driving program, Landy said. The experienced, four-member staff teamis led by Paula O'Neill, who has been driving horses for 25 years, according to Landy.

"She's an equine expert," Landy said. "[The program] is governed by incredible safety standards."

There is always someone riding or driving with programparticipants, Landy said. Aside from the horse staff, therapists and volunteers come together to make the programa success. Special Strides is governed by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

The Joseph Farrelly Therapeutic Driving Program began in the pilot stage four weeks ago.Aribbon-cutting, family fun day will officially kick-start the program May 31. A child with a brain tumor will provide a driving demonstration.

"She loves it," Landy said.

The family fun day is open to the public, and is slated to include horseshoe and face painting, inflatable amusements, a petting zoo and other attractions.Ajunior committee comprised of high school students will orchestrate the day's events, Landy said.

Congress Hill Farm is located at 118 Federal Road. For more information, call 732-446-0945 or visit Special Strides on the Web at www.specialstrides.com.