For many years, I have been timid around animals. All animals; it doesn’t matter how big or small or what kind. I heard about 4Steps Therapeutic Riding Program recently and wanted to learn more about it and figured I’d take a few pictures of horses.

But Sandy Winter, owner of 4Steps, knew the best way for me to feel comfortable was to follow her directions and get right in there next to a horse! I was only there a moment before she showed me how to position my hands on the horse and brush him as I counted to 10. It was very calming, I felt in control, and that was only the first of several quick lessons.

For the children and adults who ride at 4Steps, they learn all about the horses and have the chance to ride trails, but that’s only the start of what they gain. There are currently 30 students at the Parsonsburg farm who learn how to groom and saddle a horse and bond with the animals. Every lesson ends with a trail ride and treats for the horses. But the end result is special needs children and adults grow in confidence and exude a “joy that overtakes them,” explained Maribeth Kulynycz, one of the teachers at the farm. Students are placed in small groups of 2 or 3 for the six-week lessons where they can develop friendships and build confidence. Mounted or unmounted lessons are available; it depends on a student’s degree of comfort with getting on a horse. For someone who has lost or limited use of their legs, that person can still ride by getting on the horse via help with steps and a ramp.

The stated mission of the 4Steps is to “enrich the lives of special needs children and adults with physical, emotional, and learning challenges by providing therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted activities.” The farm is an offshoot of the main business, Hoof Prints (which is what you’ll see if you look for it on a map), which is open to the public for trail riding. The Parsonsburg farm backs to the Wicomico Demonstration Forest and Winters said they have permission from the state to use the trails, so they have plenty of room for longer rides. 

When the therapy student rides the trails on her property, they are treated to a surprise. The trails are all interactive and they are decorated with everything from objects hanging in the trees to garden characters to a full-length mirror so the riders can see themselves as they go by. I saw the Pirate Trail and the Fairy Trail the day I visited and a lot more is to come. It truly felt magical as I walked through.

During the last week of October, Oct. 24-30, therapy students will enjoy a costumed ride through the decorated forest, playing games and trick-or-treating. It will be a special time for many of their riders who are not able to participate in traditional Halloween activities due to their disability, Winters explained. 4Steps has been actively seeking sponsors for this event, and individuals or businesses are welcome to contact the farm for information. Sponsor a rider for the week or even sponsor a rider for a six-week session.

“We are a non-profit,” Kulynycz explained. “It’s the grants that keep this place running and no one is ever turned away because they can’t afford it.”

The 4Steps name comes from the four tenets they teach to their students. The focus is on forward motion, communication, balance and transitions, Kulynycz said. “If we can teach them the things in the arena with the horses, it can transform over to the rest of their lives,” she continued.

Pittsville resident Jen Brodie, whose daughter Avery just began her 11^th year at 4Steps, said they looked into therapeutic riding when it was suggested by professionals for her ADHD and anxiety. 
“One of the best decisions we ever made was by bringing her there. It calmed and focused her, she gained confidence in herself as she grew up and it helped tremendously with her mobility issues,” caused by scoliosis and spinal surgery, she said.

Through the years, as Avery has ridden with other children, and now adults, like herself who need a little extra care, she has learned horse skills and people/life skills such as teamwork, acceptance, kindness and friendship, Brodie said. “Ms. Sandy does an amazing job reaching the hearts and minds of the kids/adults, and finding what they each need individually to success and benefit from being there,” she continued, noting the time at the farm has been calming for her as well as her daughter.
 
 

This goes right along with what Kulynycz explained. Horses are prey animals, and they can sense when a special needs person needs more, she said. “They can tell when someone needs an extra special touch. They are super perceptive,” she said. “Horses have the power to heal.”

Volunteer Linda Marcus, who moved to Salisbury only a couple of years ago, said she used to work at a horse camp for kids in New Jersey. She feared she had to give up her favorite activity when she moved, but then found 4Steps. Now she volunteers a few days a week. Her joy overflows as she talks about her loves of horses and being able to be around children with special needs.

Marcus led me around the interactive trails with enthusiasm. All the volunteers and employees are so warm and made me feel comfortable.



If you are interested in being a volunteer, the farm is hosting volunteer training session this Sunday, Oct. 15, from 1-4 p.m. Call for details. 

In addition to the special Halloween week planned, 4Steps hosts groups for special events. Winters has been seeking grants for fall trail rides for veterans and active military Nov. 12 and 19. They are working with Delmarva Veteran Builders on this and will teach participants how to saddle up and go for a ride in the forest. Bonding and camaraderie are the goal, she said.

Everything 4Steps does is to support individuals and their families. We talked at length about the state of our youth today, and Kulyncyz commented about the anxiety and issues seen in young people, especially since Covid hit. “Our youth are in turmoil,” she said. “We’re trying to provide a bright light for these children.”

4Steps is doing just that, for every person who visits the farm. It’s warm and welcoming and a time of respite for anyone fortunate enough to visit.
 
If you are interested in learning more about classes or sponsoring students, contact 4Steps. They also have an active Facebook page.