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A young child wearing a riding helmet sits on a horse during a hippotherapy session while an instructor standing beside the horse holds colorful rings for the child to reach. The session takes place outdoors near a red barn.

Finding Her Rhythm: Tate’s Story of Growth Through Hippotherapy

When Tate began hippotherapy at just two years old, everything about the barn felt new and overwhelming. Today, with the support of The Bridge Center’s dedicated team and a trusted equine partner, she approaches each session with confidence, joy, and growing strength, showing what’s possible through patience, connection, and individualized care.

Tate

In June of 2024, at two years old, Tate began hippotherapy at The Bridge Center as part of her Physical Therapy journey. New to the barn, the horses, and the therapy routine, she found her first sessions marked by tears and uncertainty. Even wearing a riding helmet took time to get used to. Tate often arrives at her sessions with her mother or one of her grandmothers by her side, creating a warm, familiar support system as she continues to grow. Over the past year, Tate’s journey has become a powerful story of strength, trust, and progress.

Born with Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD), Tate’s family was given limited hope about what life might hold for her. Today, her experience at The Bridge Center has helped rewrite that narrative. With the support of her Physical Therapy team and hippotherapy interventions, Tate has made remarkable gains in strength, balance, and confidence. She now happily participates in 45-minute sessions that incorporate equine movement, working atop Whitney, an experience she looks forward to each week.

Her mother, Carly, describes one of the most meaningful changes as the immediate calm Tate shows upon entering the barn. Fridays have become their favorite day because Tate gets to be on the horse. What was once intimidating has become familiar, joyful, and empowering. Over time, Tate has grown stronger physically and emotionally, showing resilience and comfort in an environment that now feels like home.

A special part of Tate’s progress has been her bond with Whitney. From the moment Tate puts on her helmet, she is all smiles, ready to go. One especially heartwarming moment came when Tate and Whitney shared kisses at the end of a session, reflecting the trust and connection they have built together. That nurturing bond has helped make therapy both meaningful and motivating.

Carly credits Paula, Tiffany, Cindy, and the rest of The Bridge Center team for being deeply attuned to Tate’s needs, accomplishments, and growth. Their care has made Tate feel like part of a team that genuinely believes in her potential. For Tate and her family, The Bridge Center has offered more than therapy; it has provided encouragement and community.

“We are forever grateful for the staff, students, and volunteers at the Bridge Center for supporting Tate through a new lens,” said Carly. Tate’s story exemplifies what is possible when expert care, individualized programs, and trusted equine partners come together to support a child’s growth.

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