Risa Paskoff, executive director of Aaron's Acres, is "beyond excited" to be taking Aaron's Acres campers back to Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC) this summer, and staff at GMTRC are happy to be welcoming groups back to the barn at 1063 Hartman Station Road, Lancaster. Aaron's Acres provides socialization and recreation for children and young adults ages 5 to 21 with special needs. GMTRC works to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities.

Paskoff was quick to point out several of the benefits the horseback riding experience offers to campers, including increased self-esteem and confidence, improved flexibility, improved balance and strength, improved coordination, and the sense of independence, even with support staff walking along next to the camper.

In 2020, COVID-19 restrictions limited physical interactions between the two organizations, although GMTRC was able to offer some virtual programming to Aaron's Acres campers through Zoom calls and social media. Now that the campers can visit the stable in person, they will be able to enjoy riding, grooming, and leading the horses, along with learning about the barn operations and helping keep the stable clean.

According to Paskoff, there is nothing better than seeing a camper get on a horse. "Whether it's for the first time or for the 10th time ... he or she is riding the horse," said Paskoff. "For many of our campers, it is also unconditional acceptance from the horses (that is so important)." Paskoff added that the GMTRC staff are patient and kind as they help support each child with the goal of a safe, positive experience.

GMTRC program director Stephanie Fleck will be working with Aaron's Acres campers for the first time this summer, and she is looking forward to the experience. "We are thrilled to have the campers back on the property," she said. "We look forward to witnessing the physical and emotional interactions the campers will have when they encounter a horse."

Readers who would like to learn about Aaron's Acres may visit http://www.aaronsacres.org. More information about GMTRC is available at http://www.greystonemanortrc.org.