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Children’s Elliot Ashe
Elliot was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a big
word for a little girl. A first impression of Elliot might be that she
Demonstra tion is a delicate little girl who needs to be handled gently. In reality,
that couldn’t be further from the truth. She is a bit of a thrill
seeker who loves movement and the feel of the wind in her hair.
Five year old Elliot has been in therapy since before she left the
When you visit Carousel Ranch, you will see that NICU five years ago. She has also endured a major surgery each
no two therapy sessions are alike. You will see year of her life. Elliot’s mom shared the following,
sessions that require up to four people - one riding
behind a child who cannot sit up alone, along with
a leader, an instructor and a spotter. You will see
others maneuvering through vaulting (gymnastics on
horseback) exercises - assisted by three people and
there will be children riding on their own…even
learning to trot or canter with no one leading their
horse.
The common thread however, is the amazing strides Caynen Crawford
that we see these children make each and every day. When Caynen started riding a few months ago, he wasn’t so sure
From the big to the small - each achievement reminds about “this horse thing” and made it clear to us that he didn’t like
us of the amazing effect that horses have on the lives it! Much to our surprise, the following week he ran up to the gate
of our children. with a huge smile on his face and was eager to get on his horse -
and he’s been smiling ever since!
Tonight you will see a few Carousel Ranch children
perform, giving you a glimpse into the work that His mom Jeanna explains, “Caynen has been treated for his delays
the ranch does. Each of these children represents since he was 25 months old and has been riding at Carousel Ranch
countless more, whose progress is possible because of since he turned 3. It was clear from the start that this new and
your support. physically-demanding therapy was going to make our joyful son
work - and work hard. Caynen is autistic and profoundly delayed
with his receptive and expressive language. He is considered non-
verbal and the language he is capable of requires prompting.
Receptively he understands only one-word nouns that he is familiar
with. To get his horse to ‘move’ - he must ask. If you can’t tell from
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