Youth with disabilities find fun, independence in equestrian activities

From The Star-Ledger in N.J.:

Like many 16-year-olds, Gary Johnson (pictured) of East Orange has a preoccupation with driving. But the Essex County Vo-Tech senior's fixation doesn't involve getting his license.

Johnson's kind of driving is done in a carriage behind a mini-horse or pony, and it has changed his life. As he deals with cancer and cerebral palsy, involvement in the sport has both brightened and broadened his horizon. He participates with the sharing Village Driving for Surviving pediatric equestrian program several times each week at a Bedminster stable, when he can put his crutches aside and be just another horseman.

Focusing on driving has helped him deal with recurring medical procedures, including chemotherapy and spinal taps. He explained, "I wasn't so stressed. When I come here, my mind is clear; I'm not thinking about problems I have elsewhere. I'm focused on one thing and I don't have to focus on other things.''

An orphan who lives with his aunt, Gary came to the attention of East Orange school nurse Mary DeStefano several years ago. When she went to a polo match and ran into Shelley Zlotkin, one of the founders of Driving for Surviving, and then watched the organization's young drivers give a demonstration, DeStefano thought it would be a perfect opportunity for Gary.

He was willing to give it a try, but he wasn't certain how it would turn out.

"I was amazed and excited to see everything,'' he said, after getting his first glimpse of a horse and carriage. "I wanted to get in and try it for myself, though I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it, since I was used to seeing people control horses with their legs.''

He took to driving right away, however, and has competed in open shows for junior drivers who are not physically challenged, winning top ribbons at such fixtures as the Delaware Valley Horsemen's Association in Sergeantsville and Quentin in Pennsylvania.

"Part of the reason he's so effective is that he has a great natural feel. He's always listening and trying to learn,'' said Ellen Mitchell, who is a hands-on instructor for kids in the program.

Driving for Surviving continues to offer opportunities to Johnson, who also works as an intern at the sharingVillage office in Peapack. In June, he spent some time with six-time dressage Olympian Robert Dover, who had been a sponsor of Johnson's but who he only knew "on paper.'' Johnson did some research to find out about Dover.

"When I read about him and the many achievements he accomplished, I was like, 'Whoa, this guy is amazing,' '' he said.

"When I got to meet him, I was more excited than just reading about him. I think he's going to be a big help and find me a pony or do his best to. He's kindhearted, he's very open. It wasn't hard to talk to him at all.''

Dover, a founder of the Equestrian AIDS Foundation that is now the Equestrian Aid Foundation, noted he has helped individuals in need for years "without putting them in the spotlight'' as they were assisted with money or a place to live.

He said that Gary's situation is different because he lost Boxcar Willie, the pony he drove with great success, when the gelding donated by the Fairclough family of Sussex County had to be put down due to complications from Cushing's Disease.

"But he is an active competitor and he needs a pony, so my goal is to get him a partner again,'' said Dover.

"The minute you meet him and know his story, you see he's all smiles and thankful for what he has and having horses in his life. You have to help a person like that.''

Added Dover, "You can tell that in his character is a much older soul than this young kid. He has a wisdom about him that makes him able to have that calm attitude around horses. Horses love calm and people who work with horses gain a great deal of inner strength from them. Horses can create all sorts or miracles for people who are disabled.''

There are a number of high-profile horse people trying to help Johnson. One is Chester Weber, the USA's champion four-in-hand driver. Johnson and other Driving for Surviving members, meanwhile, are taught by former top driver Sharon Chesson.

Paula Duva, a volunteer from Mendham, was watching the other day when Johnson was working with coachman Will Hick, who is employed by Driving for Surviving board of managers member Teri Piancone and her husband, Lou Piancone, of Bedminster. Hick was driving a fancy German sporthorse pony that is on loan to the organization, handing the reins over to Johnson and other young drivers when he felt the mare was ready for a less-expert hand at the controls.

Duva and Zlotkin noted that not only was the pony borrowed, but also the harness and the carriage.

"At the end of the day, it all comes together,'' said Duva.

"It's magical.''