Pathways to Success

Garden Spot High School

Emily Sauder – Therapeutic Riding Internship

My name is Emily Sauder and I had the amazing opportunity to intern at Penn Medicine LGH in the spring of 2020 and am currently interning at Triangle Therapeutic Riding at Stony Run Fields.  At this time, I am observing Laura Rutledge and the staff through their respective responsibilities.  Laura is the owner of Stony Run Fields and the director of Triangle TR.   She is a certified PATH International Instructor.

There are many new jobs I have observed and learned so far during my time at Stony Run.  When working with equine, one day is never the same as the next, but there are a few things we always do. When preparing for a Triangle TR lesson, the horse must be groomed and tacked.  During the lesson, each rider usually has a leader and two side aids, depending on their capability.  The lesson plan changes for every rider to accommodate the weather and the extent of their ability.  Stony Run has a large indoor arena, as well as outdoor trails that are used for lessons.  I also have been employed part-time to help with barn work.  This job includes cleaning stalls, refreshing water bowls, refilling hay bags, and overall maintaining the cleanliness of the barn.  I have also learned about horse health during this internship.  Horses are unpredictable, so injuries can happen at any time.

This experience has shown me the work that goes into owning and maintaining a barn as well as the benefits and difficulties of instructing. Being a part of the staff at Stony Run has taught me about all the facets that go into running a barn.  One aspect I really enjoy is seeing riders improve and enjoy their time on the horse.  In the future, I am looking to graduate early and become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).  I would later like to specialize in the healthcare industry, but am planning to continue working part-time and volunteering at Stony Run.

Overall, my time with Triangle Therapeutic Riding and Stony Run Fields has been very rewarding.  From cleaning stalls to tacking horses, to working with riders, I am very appreciative for the opportunity to participate in the variety of experiences I have been fortunate enough to have.

agriculturemedical

jhackman • November 11, 2020


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