I want to start off by saying Reier is the best little kid.  He is happy, sweet, and has a great sense of humor.  We are truly blessed to be his parents.

This is Reier’s second season at MHR.  I don’t remember how we first learned of MHR, but I do remember our first visit.  The Ranch immediately felt welcoming and the staff illustrated their enthusiasm and sincerity in helping children and animals.

Reier was born 6 ½ weeks premature.  After a 3 week hospital stay, we were proud parents going home with our perfect little boy.  It was at 5 months of age that we were first made aware that Reier may be delayed.

After extensive testing, doctors’ appointments, and months of unbearable worry, we were informed that Reier has moderate to severe spastic quad cerebral palsy with epilepsy.  In layman’s terms, Reier has brain damage that impacts his muscles.  Reier’s arms and leg muscles are very tight and overworked, while his midline functions are underdeveloped and weak.  His leg muscles are so tight that they are starting to separate the hip bone from the socket.  His seizures continue to impact his ability to sit or stand independently.

When Reier began riding, he wasn’t able to hold up his head for any length of time.  His riding helmet was too big and kept falling over his eyes.  He would bury his face in his pony’s mane, which quickly taught us that Reier has a major allergy to horses!  (Thank goodness for Claritin). 

Riding therapy helps Reier to develop the muscles he needs to sit and hold his head up.  The riding also helps by stretching and loosening his leg muscles and placing pressure on his legs that assist in pushing the hip bone back into the socket.  According to Reier’s orthopedic surgeon, riding is one of the best ways to help prevent, or at least delay, some of the surgeries he will most likely need in the future. 

Reier initially only tolerated 20 to 30 minutes of riding and went home exhausted.  His trunk and neck strength were almost non-existent.  By the end of the first year he was able to hold his head up on his own.  His favorite part of riding this Season was starting his therapy by brushing Molly, his tiny little pony.  He was able to ride 45 minutes to an hour and we continued to work on “sit up straight”.  He especially loves taking the bean bag turtles and dropping them in the hula hoops. 

Not only has Reier’s motor skills improved, so have his social skills.  He is now able to interact with his trainer and all of the assistants.  He can smile and say “hi”, “walk on” and “whoa”.  Of course he talks non-stop at home, but this was a huge advance for him in a more public setting.

When he was first diagnosed no one could tell us what CP would mean for Reier, and to be quite honest, they still can’t.  Reier is defining his destiny and MHR is helping him to achieve his potential.

Ryan Kane
2010 Evening Session Child of the Year

By Luann Kane 

Hi, my name is Luann Kane and my son, Ryan has cerebral Palsy.

On May 20, 2000, my husband John went on a planned overnight fishing trip with a friend.  Early, Sunday morning of May 21 my pregnancy took a sudden turn.  An ambulance was called and we headed for the closest available hospital which happened to be United Hospital.  At first, doctors hoped to delay delivery for a couple weeks but Ryan’s condition quickly deteriorated and an emergency c-section was necessary.  (John was still fishing!)  Luckily, my brother and my neighbor were with me as I was rushed into the operating room.

Sometime later I awoke to find I had a 3.5 pound baby boy.  (John was still fishing!).  Finally, later that Sunday afternoon, my brother was able to reach John and tell him to come to United ASAP. 

Ryan was in the intensive care unit for about 3 ½ weeks.  The day before he was to be discharged the doctor came in to tell me that Ryan would have cerebral palsy.  He could not advise on the severity so I decided then and there that we would have to do all we could to keep Ryan engaged, moving and learning.

Besides the traditional therapies of OT, PT, SPEECH etc., I had heard of horseback riding therapy as being helpful in learning balance and walking.  I began my search for a place locally and came across Majestic Hills Ranch when Ryan was 2 years old.  I met Jody and started therapy right away.  Ryan initially used a boppy cushion for support, rode backwards, sideways, laying down etc.  Ryan cried and screamed if the horse sneezed, flicked its tail, peed or pooped while he was riding as the unfamiliar sounds and movements would frighten him. 

Now, Ryan is 9 years old so he has been with Majestic Hills Ranch for 7 years.  Ryan loves the ranch and loves having David and Nancy each week as his volunteers.  Funny, the things that used to make Ryan scream and cry now make him laugh uncontrollably.  The all time best is anytime his horse poops, pees or farts. You will hear nothing but hysterical laughter from across the arena.  In fact, Ryan laughs so hard he would probably fall off his horse if it weren’t for David beside him.

Since Ryan started at the ranch he has made so many gains in his life.  Ryan’s overall balance has improved so much that he now goes from hands and knees into sitting on his own and can play with toys in this position.  Ryan’s walking has improved from a Bronco gait trainer to a Kaye-Reverse walker with only hip prompts and arm supports.  Ryan’s loveable spirit has grown by leaps and bounds.  When he first started, he would hardly say anything.  Now, he gleefully says “walk on” to his horse and hardly stops talking to David the entire hour he is riding.  Ryan loves coming to the ranch and seeing his horse each week and seeing his volunteers.  Over the years, he has built a special bond with them and can hardly wait to get going. 

Ryan was sad to lose his favorite horse Cinnamon a few years ago and he was really sad this year when his buddy Duncan moved on to full retirement.  But Ryan’s happy spirit always rebounds quickly and soon he loves his new horse and gleefully says “Walk on”.

Ryan is the shining star of our lives.  He never seems to amaze us in all the things he can do and all of the accomplishments he has achieved.  Our little angel may have started at 3.5 pounds and 16 inches long but his big heart and hard work have won the hearts and the admiration of those around him.   To Ryan, I say “Walk on”. 

And to everyone at Majestic Hills Ranch, I say “thank you” for giving my son the opportunity to ride a horse as I had growing up. Thank you for all the time, energy, loving spirit and dedication you provide for all the riders.  It wouldn’t happen without you.