Conestoga Valley Look Inside townlively.com
AUGUST 21, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
GMTRC is serious about horsing around
VOL LX • NO 35
Event will benefit daring people and their flying machines BY JEFF FALK
BY JEFF FALK
F
They like to cruise. They like to eat. They like to tinker. And they love to fly. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 540 of Smoketown’s next event is its big one. Participants will be driving in cars and dropping out
or humans, interaction and physical contact with some animals can be soothing, intriguing or even therapeutic. Count horses among that group of special animals. The healing power of horses is the premise upon which Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC) is founded. “There is a unique bond that can be found with a horse,” said Stephanie Fleck, GMTRC’s program director. “Science is starting to catch up and find out what
of the skies to get there. “Some people will fly in from within a 100-mile radius, just for the fun of it,” said Doug McGinnis, president of EAA Chapter 540. “Just for breakfast and to socialize with like-minded people. Some people fly in, in the planes they built. For some, it’s an excuse to get out for a See EAA pg 5
horsemen have known for centuries. (Horses’) ability to read body language is higher than any other therapeutic animal. Horses can feel a human heartbeat from 4 feet away.” “When you enter into a barn, you’re entering into that relationship,” continued Fleck. “If you come in with all this baggage, they pick up on that. That’s why equine therapy is so beneficial. You can’t lie to a horse.” Located on 30 acres at 1063 Hartman Station Road, Lancaster, GMTRC uses equine therapy to help at-risk individuals - folks with mental and physical disabilities, people with autism, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, inactive seniors, even some without a formal diagnosis. Through its lessons, programs and activities, GMTRC works with people from
An airplane lands at Smoketown Airport as part of EAA Chapter 540’s Fly-In/Cruise-In event last year.
Family mission Foundation puts picnic tables in Paradise Park BY ANN MEAD ASH
GMTRC volunteer Dorothy (right) leads a student on top of Bailey through a therapeutic exercise.
ages 4 to 80, both in one-on-one and in group settings. More than 200 people are served each year. “There’s no way to replicate the movement of a horse, and it’s very beneficial and very therapeutic,” said Fleck. “People find the movement of a horse to be very calming. Our students may be able to connect with their equine partners in ways they can’t with human relationships. It’s having fun with your horse.
It helps progress them in their everyday lives.” GMTRC is home to 10 horses. Its facilities include an indoor riding arena, an outdoor riding arena and spaces to ride in nature. But some individuals also benefit from simply taking care of the horses. “We love and rely on our horses. They’re providing the services,” said Fleck. “A lot of people have heard of us, but they really don’t
The email from the Witmer family to David S. Thompson, Paradise Township manager, said that the family wanted to donate two youth-sized picnic tables in memory of their son, Zane. “We can create an environment for families to make lasting memories together. We hope that this donation will enhance the overall park experience and bring joy to all who visit,” the family stated. T h e t a b l e s w e re re a d i l y
See Greystone Manor pg 3
accepted for placement in the park on Aug. 7. “I’m inspired by your motivation to transform grief into a positive and lasting impact,” wrote Thompson in response. On Aug. 7 at 11 a.m., the Witmer family - David and Jennifer and their children David Jr. and Caitlyn - met with Paradise Park manager Adryan Yothers at the park, 6 London Vale Road, Paradise. Two youth-sized picnic tables were stacked in a blue trailer painted with web addresses See Family mission pg 2
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“There is a unique bond that can be found with a horse.”