Interview with Theresa Major, owner and therapist
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I have a special-needs child myself and, about 10 years ago, I was looking into an alternative therapy for him. I learned about hippotherapy, using the movement of a horse to provide treatment therapy to disabled children and adults. Being an occupational therapist myself, I was very interested in learning how to provide this therapy myself. I worked for another business for a couple of years and then when that business closed its doors, I opened my own business.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: There are only a couple of businesses in the Denver metro area that provide this unique treatment approach. I own a small, family-oriented business where I am the only therapist and I evaluate and treat every client. Some of my volunteers have over 15 years of experience working in this industry. I feel that having a special-needs child myself provides me with unique insight on how to deal with these very special kids and adults.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I truly enjoy going to work every day. I love to better these people’s lives and love watching them improve in their everyday function, talking more than they had in the past, performing tasks better than they had ever done and just making their parents so pleased watching their progress while having fun on the horse.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Working with special-needs kids and adults can be its own challenge, but also incorporating the use of a horse during therapy is an additional challenge that keeps you thinking all the time. We pride ourselves on our safety awareness in every aspect of what we do, while still allowing the clients to walk, groom, tack and ride the horses.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I think most people are surprised to learn about hippotherapy itself. It is becoming a more popular therapy technique. It can be provided by a physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech therapist. A horse’s gait (walking) pattern is very similar to a human’s and therefore moves the client’s body in a way to improve overall balance, strength, coordination, sensory stimulation, etc. As most people know, just being around an animal can be so therapeutic for people with special needs. Clients can vary from severe physical needs to higher-functioning people with cognitive deficits.
Profile
Business: Car-ynne 4 Kids
Address: 7554 S. Mount Marcy, unincorporated Jefferson County
Hours: Variable
Founded: 2007
Contact: 303-718-3736;
Employees: 1
