Horse camp helps those with disabilities

“It’s a great environment with for kids with disabilities,” said Christine Mitsogiorgakis.

Mitsogiorgakis is the mother of 17 year-old Stefanos who has a rare illness called PANDAS, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections.Together traveled all the way from New York City to attend camp at Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center.

“There’s no place for these kids to go, kids with aggression, kids with social issues that they don’t treat with medication here, they teach with behavioral techniques,” said Mitsogiorgakis.

The unique thing about Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center is how the horses can help change the way people get treatment for physical or mental disabilities.

“Before we got here, Stefanos really couldn’t speak in full sentences. Everything was ‘I’m ok, I’m OK.’ Here now just this last week his counselor told me, you know he’s talking to me! He’s asking, ‘should I do this? Should I do that?'” said Mitsogiorgakis.

Nolan Sands, the manager of Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center, explained that riding a horse is something anyone can do, and it is proven to not only stimulate the brain but is able to work muscles that normally couldn’t be worked for someone who couldn’t walk.

For families such as the Mitsogiorgakiswho don’t have clear medical answers, the horse therapy is something that is showing positive change in everyday life.