Equest Students in the Driver’s Seat!

This was the inaugural year for Equest’s Therapeutic Carriage Driving Program, made possible by the recently awarded State of Maine 2006 Public Service Grant that provided start-up funding for scholarships, equipment and staff development. In November 2006 Sue Grant, OTR/L, Equest’s Program Director, joined the ranks of only nine other certified Therapeutic Driving Instructors in New England.

Therapeutic driving is a wonderful opportunity for individuals who want to pursue a horse-related activity but are not able to ride due to the extent of their physical disability or stature. "It provides the driver with a remarkable movement experience,” notes Sue. This program was piloted in the fall of 2006 and will be expanded to accommodate more drivers in 2007. Today, we remember a great supporter of Equest, Bill Spaulding, who several years ago contributed funds towards a carriage to be used in a therapeutic driving program one day. We are glad that day has finally arrived.