Tommy rode in his last STAR horse show today. He received 2nd place in two categories and 5th place in another. He is very unhappy that he did not receive a first place ribbon. He rode the Intermediate level against some well seasoned riders. He was on an unfamiliar horse, Virgil, which was acting up so badly that a volunteer had to run beside the horse but was not leading the horse. Tommy could handle the acting up and could have done without the volunteer but I understand their safety concerns. The problem with the volunteer is that Tommy, albeit possibly subconsciously, sees the volunteer as a crutch and does not ride his best. He and I also had a rough morning and I am sure that a combination of the sidewalker (volunteer), his mood from our arguing, and the quality of the other riders all contributed to his performance. None-the-less, he placed well! He should be proud. I know I am!
[n.b. My dates may be off a little.] After being on a waiting list for 3 years, Tommy entered the STAR program in 2002 and rode every session for six years including six competitive horse shows. I believe strongly that STAR helped Tommy progress in self-control, kindness, social skills, agility, dexterity, critical thinking, and led him to a desire to pursue a career in the veterinary sciences. During his time at STAR he faced losing the ability to participate when he went through a period of rudeness to the volunteers and, although not abusive, unkindness to the animals. Around the same time, one medicine sent his weight skyrocketing above the programs weight limit. STAR did not give up on Tommy. His weight decreased, his attitude and manners changed, and his progress as a rider was notably better. Tommy today is a skilled rider who is leaving the program at Shangri-la Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) to pursue a degree in Veterinary Technology at Lincoln Memorial University. Thank you Lynn Petr! Thanks to your staff of wonderful teachers! Thanks to your volunteers! Thank you to the contributors who made STAR possible! And thank you for this exceptional program!
Note: Technically Tommy has one last ride on Tuesday as a make-up class. I will return to STAR to volunteer when I can.
Hi parent of “ashie” boy..I’m an “ashie” girl. I wasn’t diaigonosed with it until I was 16 (even though in earilier ages some teachers thought I was retarted). Just was looking though your blog (was searching to see if there’s any scholarships I can get, Im also going to college (in a year). Though that one on “OMG Tommy has a friend!” or something like that was funny because my mom always wants me to get some friend. I guess my sister doesn’t count. Or my dog. I would be going to college the same year as Tommy but my mom left me back a grade >.> the school didn’t even suggest it! But no worries really, I have a bit of a goldfish memory, everything now seems now and everything else seems gone. I still don’t have a “friend” I guess. It would probaly be harder for me because along with my aspergers I have a speech problem, and people always make fun of my voice, so I was pretty much a near mute, I’m trying to take more. I say hi, that counts I guess… So Tommy getting some veternariny thingy? People always thought thats what I should do, or something with animals, I love em. But I’m majoring in psychology (yea its weird, I don’t like being around people…) because people are fascinating. Anyway good luck paying for your son’s college 0.o I actually came across this site looking for schalorships with asbergers. Excuse the spelling, I’m not good at pheonics.