“We work on physical, mental and emotional abilities,” Howell said of the work she performs with differently-abled students. “I work with autistic kids, amputees, the paralyzed, mentally retarded, social phobias — male or female, adult or child.”

Her goal is to help her students achieve measurable objectives in different categories, including behavioral, cognitive, physical, psychological and communication. The multi-disciplinary approach is all-encompassing.

“We play games that work on attention and focus,” Howell said, “which helps eye-hand coordination and strengthening and toning muscles. We use horses in therapeutic riding because a horse’s gait is very similar to a human’s walk — it’s a three-dimensional movement closest to the human walk.”

Some of her students achieve a certain level of triumph simply by mounting a horse, but Howell helps them aim much higher.

“To the best of their ability, each of my students has to halter their horse, lead their horse, groom their horse, tack up their horse and ride their horse,” Howell said. “These things are their responsibility.”

The lessons learned during each session are countless. As a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association certified riding therapist, Howell combines therapy, education, sport, recreation and leisure for each student every week.

“It is impossible to be involved in any one of these areas without gaining benefits from the others,” Howell said. “While receiving psychological therapy, for example, the rider is also gaining balance and coordination, learning sequencing and patterning, and developing social skills.”

A four-year resident of Penrose, Howell has offered therapeutic riding for the past 18 months. She is an equine agent and horse trainer who also offers lessons to able-bodied riders. Originally from Cape Cod, Mass., Howell volunteered there at a riding center and found the magic of therapeutic riding.

“I fell in love with watching these adults and children get out of a wheelchair and get on a horse and be able to function,” Howell said.

She said she can offer therapeutic riding only because she has great horses and an amazing team of volunteers.

“My horses are unbelievable,” Howell said. “They are trained to deal with games, props, toys and having someone sitting on them backward. They have to accept kisses and hugs.”

Her stable now includes four horses of a variety of breeds: Jude, Stella, Tucker and Tonka.

“Matching the rider with the right horse is very important,” Howell said. “I have a variety of horses to pair my riders with.”

Currently working with a team of 10 volunteers ranging from teens to adults, Howell said some lessons require a horse handler, while others require one or two side walkers.

“I could not function without my volunteers,” she said. “I simply could not do this without the whole team. They are supportive, enthusiastic and encouraging.”

Her husband, Sam, is a contractor and has built a mounting ramp and outbuildings for Equine Partnership. Howell sees a wide-open future for her venture and is seeking help to get there.

“This can grow and grow. I will do my best to serve each rider,” she said. “I’d like to see a real barn with stalls and an indoor arena some day. For now, just fill dirt for the arena is on the wish list — it’s as hard as a rock — or a disk to work with what we have.”

Howell recently held a fundraiser to provide adaptive tack and the mounting ramp.

“I’d like to find a way to scholarship riders,” Howell said. The cost is $160 a month per rider for a one-hour ride each week. “It would be great if individuals or businesses would sponsor a child or help sponsor a horse.”

Already prepared for the day her business outgrows her, Howell is trained as a mentor for others who might become therapeutic riding instructors.

“When I get to the point of not being able to take on any additional new students, I will be searching for an instructor-in-training,” she said.

Until then, she will focus on each student, one lesson at a time.

“There is a single highlight, if not four or five, in every lesson,” Howell said. “These kids bring me to tears every day. They are amazing. I am truly blessed to be doing what I am passionate about.”

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit www.equinepartnershiperin.com or call Howell at (719) 994-4640.