GAIT hosts horse-training workshop

MILFORD — Scheduled riding sessions at GAIT Theraputic Riding Center ended just after Thanksgiving, giving the staff a chance to focus attention on the very important aspects of GAIT, namely the horses. On Nov. 28, enthusiastic volunteers who love working with the horses and being at the barn were treated to a workshop by Michelle Eccles. She is a John Lyons certified trainer who trains her own horses in Hawley, and conducts workshops in this area. Eccles volunteered her time and expertise to teach GAIT volunteers to communicate clearly with the GAIT horses. “I was really pleased to see how well your volunteers are already trained in handling horses,” Eccles remarked to GAIT Exceutive Director, Martha Dubenksy. “The horses were good students and your volunteers were great listeners,” she added. Eccles, who is expecting her second child in the spring, says the key to working with horses is threefold: the handler must stay safe, the horse must stay safe and the horse must be calmer at the end of the training session than he was during the session. Judging by the photo, all three “musts” were accomplished.