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Herd News: Meet Dude
Lisa Walker, R.O.C.K. Equine Director and NARHA Registered Instructor
Dude joined the herd at R.O.C.K. in October 2009 with a great attitude and an amazing work ethic. He is always ready and willing to carry a rider to his or her next level of independence. Because of his shorter stature, Dude is a perfect fit for many hippotherapy riders. His unique movement has helped increase riders’ muscle and core strength so they may walk again. Dude has lent the impulsion of his gait to riders who need his level of input.
Dude and the rest of the herd connect with students on a level that we humans may not detect. It wasn’t until nearing the end of a lesson that his team realized that Dude had spent the entire session trying to communicate with his human team that his rider was going to have a seizure. Near the end of that session, Dude planted his feet and would not move a step further, which is totally out of his nature. His rider experienced a seizure while on his back as he patiently waited for her to recover.
When we talk about the miracles of R.O.C.K., we are really talking about the miracles a horse can provide. Dude is a blessing to every life he touches.
