The first time 10-year-old Ismael arrived for a session at the Pepe Martinez Equine Therapy Center (CET) his gaunt body was so rigid he had to take his first horseback ride laid out facedown along the hinds quarters of the gentle steed called Rocco.
Though still debilitated by multiple birth defects, including cerebral palsy, renal deficiency and a heart ailment, after several months of regular treatments the youngster’s muscles are relaxed enough that he can ride sitting up, held firmly in place by the trainer mounted behind him.
He can’t express his feelings in words, but you can tell by the subtle glow of his face that he is relishing every moment of his 20-minute spin around the riding arena.
Xochitl, born prematurely and now age six, is faring better in her own battle against cerebral palsy. She began equine therapy three years ago in the now defunct Pasos Milagrosos program. Progressing with continued treatment at CET, she is not just riding upright with minimal assistance, but also practicing finger exercises with a wooden peg board puzzle while on the go.
Jorge, a strong and able bodied kindergartener, is a newcomer to the program. His interactions with the horse are normal for a beginner cowboy his age. He grooms the animal, leads him for few laps around the ring and then gets a boost up for bareback riding exercises. The experience is helping him overcome the nervous anxiety behind a severe nail-biting habit.
These kids are examples of more than 30 patients being treated at CET for diverse physical, mental and emotional disorders.
Taking advantage of the of the rhythmic and harmonious movement of the horse’s walking gait, equine therapy is an effective method to help improve physical strength, muscle tone, balance and motor coordination. Routines also exercise the mind, boosting attention, concentration, emotional stability, confidence and self-esteem.
The CET program operates under the umbrella of the DIF Chapala family services agency, the non-profit association Nuevos Pasos.A.C. and the privately owned Rancho La Ilusion. The staff at DIF staff conducts socio-economic screenings for therapy candidates, provides free transportation for many of the patients, handles service charge payments and lines up sponsorships for children from underprivileged families who cannot afford the full 500 peso per month fee to compensate for operating expenses.
Nuevos Pasos coordinates the therapy sessions that run four days a week under the professional guidance of physical therapist Eduardo Lara and psychologist Claudia Aranda and a team of volunteer assistants.
Ranch Ilusion owner Miguel Martinez lends his facilities, a string of gentle horses and a helping hand as an animal handler during therapy workouts. He is also hosting the Mexican Fiesta to be held Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. as a CET benefit.
A donation of 50 pesos gets you in the gate to enjoy live music by Noe & Paco, ballet folklorico, exhibitions of dancing horses and rodeo tricks. Drinks and snacks will be available on the premises. Tickets are available at Yoly’s Unisex Salon, Plaza Bugambilias and DIF headquarters, Degollado 351 and at the gate.
To get to the ranch turn off the Libramiento bypass directly opposite the Michelin tire outlet and bear right where the unpaved road dead ends. Ample parking space is located just outside the entrance.