by Elio Gugliotti,
Editor
A three-quarter mile long sensory trail now winds its way
through the center, which was founded four years ago with a mission to improve
the minds, bodies, and spirits of special needs children and adults through
equine-assisted activities and programs. Horseback riding improves the strength
and balance of riders and provides emotional health benefits through bonding
with the horses.
Six sensory stations are set up along the trail where
riders can partake in a number of activities designed to stimulate the senses,
including shooting basketballs, playing musical instruments, and ridding through
hanging foam noodles. All the stations are accessible while horseback
riding.
“It brings the ability to meet and reinforce sensory goals in a
fun way,” said Jeanna Pellino, program director at Hidden Acres about the
trail.
For some, Pellino said, touching a squishy toy or a hitting a
tetherball is a simple act. “For children with special needs they are big
accomplishments,” she said.
The trail was built through a collaborative
effort. Occupational therapy students at
The materials for the trail were
purchased through a $2,500 grant from the Petit Family Foundation, which was
founded to honor the memories Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her daughters, Hayley and
Michaela, who were murdered during the
The Petit Family Foundation’s mission includes supporting the fight
against chronic illness. Jennifer Hawke-Petit had multiple
sclerosis.
Hidden Acres was picked for the grant because the trail
will help children and young adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities,
according to Rolande Petit, an administrative assistant at the foundation and
the wife of Dr. William Petit Jr.’s cousin.
On June 5, William Petit Jr.
visited Hidden Acres to open and dedicate the trail in memory of his daughter,
Michaela, who loved animals and the outdoors and who the trail was named
after.
“We really thought that it would be a nice way to remember her and
what they gave to us,” said Pellino about naming the trail Michaela’s
Trail.
Hidden Acres’ gesture was not lost on the Petit family and foundation.
“Dr. Petit, the Petit family and the board of directors love that the trail
is named after Michaela,” Rolande Petit said.
http://www.mycitizensnews.com/news/2012/07/michaelas-trail-opens-at-hidden-acres/