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Stable owner wants to help youths with horse therapy
A commissioner said such riding programs are helpful.
LISBON — An East Liverpool stable wants to promote horse riding as therapy.
Ian Braslawsce of Brotko Stables, 49576 McCoy Ave., East Liverpool, presented information on the program Wednesday to the Columbiana County commissioners.
It has also presented the program to the county Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Braslawsce said he hoped to help youths with the “special needs horse therapy.”
Braslawsce indicated he has been working with the MRDD.
His father, Paul Braslawsce, was more direct: “We need clients,” he told the commissioners.
Ian Braslawsce said, “We do work side by side” with the MRDD.
Steve Kline, director of public and community affairs for the MRDD board, said the stable had made a presentation to the MRDD board.
He said using it as part of the program “is a possibility.”
He added that the MRDD could send clients to the stables for a field trip.
The stable has other animals, such as goats, rabbits and sheep. Working with horses or other animals, which is often called animal therapy, is nothing new. There are a number of stables in Ohio that provide horse therapy.
Being around animals is soothing, Ian Braslawsce said.
Commissioner Dan Bing said he had already visited the stables. He said a young relative had benefited greatly from horse therapy.
The riding motion of the horse is relaxing to the youths, Bing explained. That helps them to clarify their thoughts.
“I think they do a nice job there,” Bing added.
Kline said the animal therapy was helpful, especially with autistic children.
Ian Braslawsce said the stable was in the process of obtaining status as a private, nonprofit organization for the therapy.
He said the stables can and do bill medically for the services now if a doctor orders it for a particular patient.
The stables also offer horse riding lessons and parties for children.
wilkinson@vindy.com