Impact at Memories in the Makin’

At Memories in the Makin’ all of our therapy riders have shown improvement based on their particular needs. One in particular that we would like to share is a very young therapy rider.

During our first year in operation with our therapeutic riding/adaptive riding, we welcomed a 2 year old little boy named JW into our program. At first, JW needed assistance walking in the barn and sitting up on the horse while riding. He rode for about 6 months and then needed to undergo double hip surgery due to his previous medical condition. He was coming to us once a week, and then before his surgery he came twice a week to help his strength and balance as much as possible before undergoing surgery. After surgery he was out for 6 weeks to recover.

The doctor who was part of his care team said “if it wasn't for the equine therapy JW wouldn't have the core strength and wouldn't be walking like he is after surgery”.

The surgeon couldn't believe how much progress he made and told his mom to keep doing equine therapy aka adaptive riding. Now, months later after recovery and more riding, JW can walk independently and ride sitting up without any assistance. He went from a sidewalker having to hold his back up and not holding/using his reins to now riding independently with no assistance needed for sitting up. He can also hold his reins and tell the horse to stop by pulling them back on his own.

My name is Kennedy Hamilton. I am the founder and vice president of Memories in the Makin’ located in Avella, PA. Memories in the Makin’ is a non profit organization that provides therapy for individuals with special needs and disabilities. My decision to open up a therapeutic riding facility was a path that had chosen me from the very beginning.

When I was 9 months old I suffered from a traumatic brain injury and was diagnosed with speech apraxia. Horses became my therapy from a very young age. My mom bought me my first pony, Bobo, when I was 4 years old and she became the horse that started my healing. Throughout my life I was lucky enough to be surrounded by many horses that helped me through different challenges and stages of my journey.

I was able to experience first hand how much of an impact they had on my growth and development. When I grew up I knew I wanted to be able to give other people the same opportunity I was lucky enough to have. I dedicated my life and education into learning as much as I could to provide this service. I spent my childhood working and training my horses. As I grew up I realized they had taught me far more than I could ever teach them.

While in high school, I started showing my own horses along with helping competitors from around the country at a variety of state fairs. I graduated from Avella high school and Western Area Career and Technology Center in 2015 with honors. I then attended Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA where I majored in equine facilitated therapeutics with a minor in business.

While in college I was involved in many equine activities including competing on the hunt seat team, I was also a member of the western team, a member of the drill team, the FFA club, I volunteered for therapy lessons, and worked at the stable on campus. I was also very dedicated to my studies and made the Dean's list every semester and graduated with honors.

After graduating college in the spring of 2019, I became a certified equine-assisted instructor through PATH International and started working for an equine therapy business in Acme, PA to gain more experience and insight. After gaining more knowledge I decided it was time to move back home and start the dream I have thought about since I was a child.

Starting therapy lessons has been nothing short of an incredible experience to be a part of. This opportunity has been a dream come true and something that is will always be grateful for. Our horses have truly been able to bring smiles and happiness to the lives of these individuals.

Therapy lessons are a great way for individuals to promote physical and mental health by boosting their self-esteem, confidence and emotional stability.

They are able to lead, groom, tack, ride and learn all about these animals. Horse therapy has been known to help with physical, behavioral, cognitive and mental disabilities such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My goal for my riders is to bring a smile to their face and to have fun while learning.

This organization is extremely close to my heart and I hope to continue this journey as far as it will take me. My goal is to provide therapy to as many individuals as possible. I want to provide as many opportunities to each individual to grow and improve.

By doing this, I will need to find more volunteers that would love to serve their community and help improve lives of individuals with special needs and disabilities. I have also started regular riding lessons at Sugar Run Stables for any individual who wishes to learn about horses no matter their experience level.

Being around horses has helped me in more ways than I could ever put into words. If it wasn't for my horses I truly would not have been able to accomplish what I have today.