Eric participates in Main Stay’s Equine and Animal-Assisted Learning (EAAL) program. When asked what he looks forward to most about coming to the farm, his answer was easy: seeing and interacting with the animals.
Eric joined a weekly adult EAAL group from Walworth County four months ago. He had previously ridden at a therapeutic riding program in Wisconsin and missed spending time at the barn. Although EAAL sessions do not involve riding, they have given him a chance to reconnect with horses and build his in-hand skills, including leading members of our Littles herd.
He has also grown more comfortable around the goats and sheep. That took a little time: before coming to Main Stay, he’d had an encounter with a goat that wasn’t quite so friendly! Alongside his peers, he works on emotional regulation and social skills through connections with the animals and people around him. He hopes his time at Main Stay will also help him relax and relieve stress.
“He is an easygoing group member who is inclusive and willing to work with everyone,” shares Carla, Main Stay’s EAAL Manager. “He recently expressed appreciation for feedback from Main Stay volunteers that helped him improve his in-hand leading skills. Eric is often outgoing and interactive during his Main Stay group!”
Working with horses and doing barn chores are among Eric’s favorite hobbies. His horse-themed T-shirts and stories about past riding experiences, including participating in a horse show, make it clear how much horses mean to him. He hopes to ride again and is currently on Main Stay’s adaptive riding wait list.
When asked what he wishes people understood about him, Eric said:
“I wish people would understand that my disabilities are not a choice.”
Eric wants people to understand that part of his life, and to see the person beyond it: someone who loves horses, enjoys barn chores and can’t live without his PlayStation.
Q&A With Eric
How long have you been coming to Main Stay?
I’ve been at Main Stay for 4 months.
What do you look forward to most when coming to Main Stay?
I look forward to seeing and interacting with the animals.
Is there a goal you want to accomplish at Main Stay?
My goal at Main Stay is to relax and relieve stress in my life through therapy.
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?
I wish people would understand that my disabilities are not a choice.
Do you have a favorite hobby? If so, what?
My favorite hobby is working with horses and doing barn chores.
What is something you can’t live without?
Something I can’t live without is my PlayStation.
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Main Stay is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and receives no state or federal funding. Through the generosity of individuals, private foundations, corporations and service organizations, Main Stay is able to touch hundreds of lives each year.
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