Goldie scores another victory for kids
Champion horse now wins for special athletes

Courtesy photo CAN YOU TELL this horse is smiling? Goldie is surrounded by Kylie, Laken and Abbie Suggs, who donated the horse to a therapy program that aids children like Brooke McBride, 8, sitting tall in the saddle.

When a horse loves kids and has spent a lifetime winning riding competitions, being put out to pasture is punishment, not reward.

Lonely Goldie, too old to compete but not too old to carry a child around a course, has found a new home and happiness at the Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center in Sulphur, LA.

Tracy Suggs and her daughters, Laken, Kylie and Abbie, had a hard time deciding to part with Goldie and donate her to the center, but when they saw what this horse means to children like Brooke McBride, 8, the decision became much easier.

The riding center is associated with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Their riding program is therapy for children with special needs. They also participate in the Equestrian Special Olympics for those who are learning or physically disabled or have Downs Syndrome.

Hippotherapy comes from the Greek word "hippos," which means horse, and helps children learn balance, coordination and strength. Riding can increase their range of motion, posture, attention and even language development.

It has shown to be helpful in conditions ranging from autism to traumatic brain injury.

Not every horse can be a therapy animal. It takes one with lots of experience of being around kids in a variety of circumstance, of being gentle and patient and not easily spooked.

Goldie had to pass observation tests before the center would accept her, but now she is a favorite with the kids and has a stall with her own name plate. She enjoys having children spend time with her every day, and the Suggs family has a standing invitation to come and visit any time.

For more information on the center, call 337- 625-3972.