TimesLeader.com

July 9
Gallop into something fun

Kelly Choplosky Abington Journal Correspondent

NICHOLSON - Equine enthusiasts in the Abington area searching for a fun, relaxing, and inexpensive place to take western-style horseback riding need not look far. Brookside Farms, located in Nicholson, provides just such a service.

Jerry Stines, left, sits atop Thor, as volunteers Brooke Colombo, 13, and Jessica Wells, 19, stand with Zeus at Brookside Farms in Nicholson.

Abington Journal photo / Kelly Choplosky

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Jerry Stines, a man who was born two hours after his mother got off her horse, said he has been working at Brookside Farms to help rebuild the farm into something spectacular. He mows and seeds grass to expand and elaborate the farm for better use, trains horses, and teaches riding lessons during the week.

Brookside offers horseback riding lessons to those who have the desire to ride and become good at riding. “My main purpose is to spend all the time I can on people who are interested in getting the respect from the horse,” Stines said in reference to training horses.

Stines, 40, originally from Colorado, has been training horses for over 25 years and has been on a horse for as long as he can remember. Stines said he prefers to work with children. “I’m a simple man, and I love working with the kids,” Stines said, “It’s easier for them to learn when they’re young.”

The way Stines runs his lessons is a unique way in which he does not necessarily teach the students, rather he tells them how to steer his well-trained horses. “Once they get a hang of it, I move onto the next step,” Stines added, “I don’t want to just tell them what they’re doing wrong. That’s no way to learn.”

A first normal lesson for any student, whether they are experienced in riding or not, is easy-going and fun. The student gets the chance to hop in a western saddle on the back of one of two Norwegian Fjord horses: Zeus or Thor, both who were featured in the movie “The 13th Warrior” starring Antonio Banderas.

Once the student gets the feel for the horse after walking around the arena for awhile, Stines suggests them to weave through poles located in the arena. This weaving technique helps the students get familiar with steering the horse around. “If it’s a kid and a horse, all I want to do is help them to become better at riding,” said Stines.

These horses are so well trained, Stines said, that when steered in the right direction, they push around giant rubber balls. This technique also helps students to steer the horses.

“Sometimes we play soccer on the horses when I have group lessons. It makes it more fun for the kids,” Stines added. “I’m doing what I love which is what I’ve always wanted to do. I may never be a Monty, but training horses is my gift; it’s where I’m most at peace.”

Brookside Farms also provides therapeutic riding for individuals of all ages with physical and mental disabilities. These lessons are run by Loretta Dragon who owns the farm. The official name of her business is Oak Leaf Therapeutic Horsemanship Center, located right on the farm. Oak Leaf Therapeutic Horsemanship Center is also a certified NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) center.

Therapeutic riding has many benefits for those who wish to participate. Not only does it help improve physical health, relax tight muscles, increase balance, build muscle strength, sharpen hand/eye coordination, and improve social skills, but it can also help individuals gain a sense of control and self-confidence.

Therapeutic riding works with the horse’s calming rhythm, strength, warmth, and three-dimensional movement pattern which provide healthy exercise while improving circulation and muscle tone.

The regulation related with working with horses benefit the mind and spirit while raising confidence and increasing independence through accomplishment. The unconditional love of these well-trained horses is proven to reduce anxiety, support interaction and offer a comfort zone where riders can feel a sense of power.

Want to ride?

Contact Jerry Stines for horse training or lessons at 945-7698. If you wish to inquire about therapeutic riding, contact Loretta Dragon at 498-9556.