Tegan's story- Participant testimonial

Chad and Kristy have been bringing their son, Tegan, to Grace TR for riding sessions. Chad shares about the ways he has seen his son grow and the way the team at Grace works hard to support his family. Read his testimonial below.

Tegan waves to the crowd at the annual Ranch Round Up

Anyone who has met Tegan knows he is not shy when it comes to the spotlight. Tegan’s parents, Chad and Kristy, shared that Tegan loves to show off and truly enjoys doing it from horseback. 

When the Ripperger’s first came to Grace Therapeutic Riding, Chad and Kristy were not sure how the experience would go. Tegan does not enjoy loud noises, or wearing safety equipment like helmets, harnesses, or belts. Allison and Ashley explained that Tegan would have to wear a helmet and gait belt to keep him safe while he is having his riding lessons. With lots of love and patience, Allison and Ashley helped Tegan into the saddle with gait belt and helmet on within the first hour of arriving. After that, Tegan was on board with whatever his instructors asked him to do.

Ashley and Allison pose while getting horses ready for sessions

Chad shared that he was surprised and impressed with the care the team provided to meet Tegan’s needs. “If I'm being honest, (the) story is really about how great the staff here is, all inclusive, but I don’t think you can separate the benefits gained without talking about the exceptional service everyone gets here.”  

The hard work of the team to make an accessible experience for as many as possible is worth it when the benefits are seen in the participants. “This is an avenue for (Tegan) to share his personality/joy that he has, that would never occur without services that are provided here. For someone who doesn’t have words as a voice, I don’t think we can underestimate how much benefit he gains from this.  He feels more included as he gets to share in a way he can’t without his own voice.  And the joy he gets from seeing others’ smile is great for him and, frankly, great for all of us too, how can you not smile when you see what he’s doing there.”  

For someone who doesn’t have words as a voice, I don’t think we can underestimate how much benefit he gains from this.

Chad wanted to include that they are incredibly grateful for the family they have at Grace and the support Tegan receives. “Frankly, there just aren’t a lot of opportunities like this and we are super blessed to have Allison and team lead such a great endeavor.  Thank you for your leadership, Allison, and to all the staff here, you are truly, truly special.”