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Patient Stories

Peggy

Making Horse Dreams Come True: Pam and Alzheimer's

Peggy was determined to make her mom’s dream a reality after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Her mom’s dream? She wanted to pet a horse.

A long search for the right services led Peggy and her mom, Pam, to Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center. Our dedicated team collaborated with Peggy to create magical experiences for her mom. Together, they devised a plan that included hands-on grooming, brushing, and even getting onto a horse; a significant achievement for a 78-year-old. Each new approach was tailored to her mom’s needs, helping her meaningfully engage with the horses. The simple act of spending time with horses sparked vibrant conversations and memories for Pam.

These visits became difficult for Pam as her Alzheimer’s progressed. However, Peggy was determined to continue to create joyful experiences and help stimulate Pam’s happy memories interacting with the horses and the staff at Manes & Motions. Pam’s instructor, Lisa, proposed using virtual visits; something Manes & Motions hadn’t explored before.

In these visits, Lisa calls Pam and Peggy on a video chat, taking them down to the barn to explore tools and textures; the sound of her voice guiding Pam through a journey she has been on many times before. Pam uses a texture book where she can imitate petting a horse, fastening a buckle, or anything that helps jog her memory or garner a reaction. Peggy says these visits are an important part of Pam’s overall care. She notices a significant improvement in Pam’s mood, her ability to try and speak, and her overall symptoms after each session.

Peggy is grateful for the unexpected ways Manes & Motions benefits her mom as her Alzheimer’s progresses. Each session brings laughter, joy, and a sense of normalcy they both cherish.