Graz'n Acres

Therapeutic Riding Center

The Gentle Giant

I helped a student experience the freedom of walking by being his legs

I helped a student learn to pet his dog by learning to hug and kiss me

I helped a student ride their bike by developing their balance and coordination

I helped a student who was angry at life by teaching patience and understanding and giving lots of kisses

I helped a student who couldn't speak by intuitively understanding their needs and wishes

I helped a student who was timid and afraid gain the confidence to ride a "Gentle Giant" and try new things

I helped a student by making them laugh when I would say "please" by lifting my front leg to beg for treats

I helped a student who was depressed by providing them something to look forward to each week

I helped a student that society saw as different feel unconditionally loved

BUT

A student helped me by providing a reason for being when my previous career was over

A student helped me by giving kisses, attention and treats, which I so desperately craved

A student helped me by not noticing my age or the arthritis that come with it

A student helped me by ensuring I had the best home and care a guy could ask for

A student helped me by making the last years of my life the best!

I was Graz'n Acres 1st therapeutic riding horse, called the "Gentle Giant" by my many students whom I loved dearly.

Definitely the most important and rewarding job I ever had!

Written in loving memory of "Orcland Supreme Wind"

January 25th, 1976 - November 17th, 2000

14492 Ivor Road

Sedley, VA 23879-2306

Office (757) 653-9615 Fax (757) 653-0219

Cyndi "Miss Cyndi" Raiford, Our Executive

Director and husband Phil with Kelsey, our

first student and Orcland Supreme Wind,

our first therapeutic horse.

A Premier Accrediated Center of the

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA)

An easy way to support the Center is by designating us when ordering supplies from these companies. Be sure to tell your friends.

Just type in graznacres for your Country Care Code at the end of your order

and the Center receives 5% of the total.

Therapeutic Equine Assisted Activities

Therapeutic Equine Assisted Activities, which include Therapeutic Riding, Driving for

the Disabled, At-Risk Programs and Mental Health Programs, is all about partnering with

the horse and their environment to serve physically, mentally, emotionallly and learning

disabled participants. The horse, their natural movements and the environment provide a

therapeutic benefit not seen in other settings, helping participants build confidence,

improve muscle strength, flexibility, concentration, memory skills, socialization and so

much more.