We were first introduced to Personal Ponies at a Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization play group, held by Sandra Seiden and her special ponies. Sandra had arranged several fun activities at the farm that day. My daughter Shelly was just four years old then and she enjoyed making "pony food balls" out of peanut butter, pony feed, and carrots. She decided to sample some and thought they were delicious! At that time, she was a very picky eater and I was amazed that she ate them. After that, she began eating carrots at home. Shelly and her friends also got to paint the ponies and then wash them off. Shelly enjoyed herself so much that I decided to bring her to the ponies on a regular basis.
Shelly was born with Down syndrome, which is a chromosomal disorder that causes delays in development. She has received years of therapy including occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. In addition, she has a sensory processing disorder, leading to difficulty adjusting to new people and new experiences. Vision problems add to Shelly's challenges.
When we started our weekly pony visits, Shelly's strength and endurance was limited, as she tired very easily and wanted to sit down often and take her shoes off. I literally had to tape her shoes to her socks to keep them on. At first, Shelly seemed unaware of her pony Sugar Lips as an animal and did not acknowledge her much. Shelly's speech was minimal, and my goals were for her to become more engaged with Sugar Lips, to improve her communication, and to have fun with her pony activities.
Sandra always spoke to Shelly with such a positive, encouraging, and caring manner. She believed in Shelly's potential. Through creativity, compassion, dedication, encouragement, and stimulating activities, Sandra and her special ponies have brought out some amazing skills in Shelly. I am thrilled to have her involved in such a meaningful program.
Shelly has blossomed beautifully and is now seven years old. She is able to talk in sentences, and asks for her ponies and for Miss Sandra. Shelly is so excited when we drive to the stables every Friday. Her awareness of the farm and ponies is fantastic. Now Shelly fully engulfs her whole being into the ponies. She says hi to the ponies upon seeing them, and lovingly rubs her arms and face into them. She touches and talks about Sugar's tail, mane and face. Shelly helps Miss Sandra care for the ponies by cleaning their hooves, brushing, bathing, and loving them up. Her endurance is much better, as she now participates in her activities while standing up for the entire session. I was amazed the first time she was able to hold a heavy water hose all by herself while bathing her pony. I think she gets just as wet as Sugar, and loves every minute of it!
Personal Ponies has truly been a miraculous experience for Shelly. Sandra Seiden and her magical ponies have brought so much joy and love to Shelly. She has grown in so many wonderful ways from experiences that she could not get elsewhere. The pure and unconditional love that Sugar Lips and Magic have given to Shelly has helped her to become more confident, aware and independent. According to Sandra and Shelly, she has her very own pony! It?s something I never dreamed possible. My family and I wish to thank Sandra Seiden from the bottom of our hearts for all of the time and unconditional love she devotes to making our daughter's life happier and more enriched. Sandra Seiden and her ponies are truly angels, and we look forward to spending many more years with them!!
With Love and Gratitude,
Shelly's Family
