Therapeutic equine riding lessons for Vermont snowboarder who sustained a traumatic brain injury
Therapy provided through a grant from California-based mountain action sports non-profit, the High Fives Foundation
(Truckee, California. June 15, 2016) — 29-year-old Chester resident, Michael Schwarz, sustained a traumatic brain injury while competing in a snowboard competition in 2009.
Following his accident Schwarz has had issues with speech, walking, balance and cognitive difficulties. His goals have been to regain balance and to walk independently.
With an Empowerment Grant from California-based High Fives Foundation, Schwarz will work towards recovery by participating in therapeutic horse back riding at Rainbow Riding Center in Shrewsbury, VT.
“Hey I started horse back riding. I love it,” says Schwarz. “Thanks for supporting me High Fives!”
“The therapeutic horse back riding sessions have been so positive for Mike,” said Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of High Fives Foundation. “After each session, Mike sends us a video of his horseback riding. His smile is larger than life, and it shows the impact these riding lessons are providing him.”
In the month of May alone, the High Fives Foundation granted $37,186 to 11 High Fives Athletes.