Testimony
June 16, 2016
My Grandson, Noah Bowers, was blessed with the opportunity to ride and learn with Maury Magic Riders while he was in Middle School. Noah has been challenged by ADHD and Asperger Syndrome throughout his life. He has had special schooling and assistance since he was two and one-half years old, which has led to Noah’s success this year. He just finished his first year of Community College. I asked Noah what he remembers from Magic Riders, and he said he learned self-confidence for himself, and from watching others with disabilities who were achieving learning and self-confidence at Magic Riders, he knew he could grow and succeed. I watched each week as the dedicated professional leaders, caring volunteers, and well trained horses, let Noah experience a new world combining the riding of a horse, listening to the leader, and accomplishing assigned tasks that improved coordination between hearing, thinking, and doing. Such small things as sitting properly on the horse while guiding it around the ring, remembering he was to get the orange object and take it to the bucket, engaged his mind, and built self-esteem. A particular
challenge for Noah has always been, interpersonal relationships. Through Magic Riders, he built trusting relationships with the leaders and volunteers that supported him each week. He went from a youngster who was a bit scared to be on the horse, challenged by thoughts of what was going to happen next, to a young man who went to the regional riding completion, rode around and around the ring in front of a crowd, winning a ribbon in what was one of the most memorable moments in his life to that point.
We think so much of the program that two years ago, when I saw a notice of opportunity to work with Magic Riders, Noah, his younger sister, and I all volunteered and have been assisting with the riding program. We have found that not only do the riders benefit from the program, but also the volunteers and leaders who get the opportunity to see growth and joy in the riders. Maury Magic Riders is a truly exceptional program supporting individuals with mental and physical disabilities, opening new worlds of growth for them. I would assure any supporter that funds provided to Maury Magic Riders are being very well spent and used for the benefit of many individuals, and the community.
Respectfully,
Alan Woodruff,
LtCol USAF Retired
My Grandson, Noah Bowers, was blessed with the opportunity to ride and learn with Maury Magic Riders while he was in Middle School. Noah has been challenged by ADHD and Asperger Syndrome throughout his life. He has had special schooling and assistance since he was two and one-half years old, which has led to Noah’s success this year. He just finished his first year of Community College. I asked Noah what he remembers from Magic Riders, and he said he learned self-confidence for himself, and from watching others with disabilities who were achieving learning and self-confidence at Magic Riders, he knew he could grow and succeed. I watched each week as the dedicated professional leaders, caring volunteers, and well trained horses, let Noah experience a new world combining the riding of a horse, listening to the leader, and accomplishing assigned tasks that improved coordination between hearing, thinking, and doing. Such small things as sitting properly on the horse while guiding it around the ring, remembering he was to get the orange object and take it to the bucket, engaged his mind, and built self-esteem. A particular
challenge for Noah has always been, interpersonal relationships. Through Magic Riders, he built trusting relationships with the leaders and volunteers that supported him each week. He went from a youngster who was a bit scared to be on the horse, challenged by thoughts of what was going to happen next, to a young man who went to the regional riding completion, rode around and around the ring in front of a crowd, winning a ribbon in what was one of the most memorable moments in his life to that point.
We think so much of the program that two years ago, when I saw a notice of opportunity to work with Magic Riders, Noah, his younger sister, and I all volunteered and have been assisting with the riding program. We have found that not only do the riders benefit from the program, but also the volunteers and leaders who get the opportunity to see growth and joy in the riders. Maury Magic Riders is a truly exceptional program supporting individuals with mental and physical disabilities, opening new worlds of growth for them. I would assure any supporter that funds provided to Maury Magic Riders are being very well spent and used for the benefit of many individuals, and the community.
Respectfully,
Alan Woodruff,
LtCol USAF Retired
Noah along with his sister, Gracie are now volunteers at Maury Magic Riders! Thank you Noah and Gracie!