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After 30 years, she rides again
By Jordan Cohen
SOUTHINGTON
There is no age limit for dreams to come true – even if the age is 78 and the dream is to ride a horse again.
Just ask Gail Godfrey, an independent-living resident at Shepherd of the Valley retirement community in Niles.
Godfrey, a lover of horses, said she began riding as a child and continued into adulthood, but had not ridden for nearly 30 years. “I have arthritis and an artificial knee, so I never expected this to happen,” she said.
On Monday, it did.
Godfrey’s longtime wish became reality, thanks to Shepherd of the Valley’s participation in Second Wind Dreams, an international organization devoted to fulfilling wishes of senior citizens. The facility contacted the Camelot Center on Barclay-Messerly Road, which offers comprehensive therapeutic riding programs for seniors as well as others with physical or emotional disabilities. Camelot houses 11 horses.
Debbie Meeker, executive director, said Camelot has been accredited for its services by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, an international certification organization.
Godfrey’s first response was “wow” when she met the horse she would ride — May, a 22-year-old light-chestnut- colored haflinger. “She’s beautiful,” Godfrey said.
“May is one of a kind, and I wish I could clone her,” Meeker said. “It takes a special kind of horse do to this job.”
She said May is often the horse of choice for those who suffer from autism, cerebral palsy or other special needs.
Meeker said halflingers such as May are low to the ground, making it much easier for people like Godfrey to mount, ride and dismount. Using a nearby platform in Camelot’s covered arena, employees and volunteers helped Godfrey into the saddle as May stood calmly, occasionally whinnying when she heard another horse do the same in the nearby stables.
Once secured, Godfrey began riding as Meeker and two others guided May around the arena.
“May is so round we occasionally have to adjust her saddle,” Meeker said, explaining the occasional brief stops during Godfrey’s ride.
“It’s a little scary at first, but it feels good,” said Godfrey, who never seemed to stop smiling throughout her 20-minute ride. She held the reins and, with guidance from the handlers, maneuvered May around cones and barrels.
“This is like riding a bike once you get back on it,” she shouted to onlookers. “It’s just wonderful.”
After dismounting with help from volunteers, Godfrey was in no hurry to leave May’s side, petting and talking to the gentle horse with whom she obviously had bonded.
“You’re a good girl, May ... thanks for letting me ride you,” she said. “I really enjoyed it.”