Linthicum
Lions support Therapeutic Riding, needy families
Joe Dyer of Maryland Therapeutic Riding talks to the Linthicum Lions Club about the benefits of horse riding for wounded veterans and autistic children.
Linthicum Lions Club has donated funds to support Maryland Therapeutic Riding and local needy families, thanks to fundraisers held in the area throughout the year.
At the club’s March 17 meeting, Joe Dyer, volunteer instructor at Maryland Therapeutic Riding in Crownsville, talked about the benefits of horseback riding for people with disabilities including wounded warriors and children with autism.
“Horses are very good for physical therapy,” he said. “Every step a horse takes throws a rider off balance, and the rider is forced to get back into balance. It’s a good way to exercise. The riders engage core muscles, which enhances their breathing and conditioning. For those with stiff limbs, riding opens the blood flow to their legs.”
He also cited the behavioral benefits of riding for autistic children.
“The constant stimulation of riding helps autistic kids communicate with others by riding together,” Dyer said. “Horses are a good tool for physical and behavioral therapy. Plus, horse riding is fun.”
At the end of his presentation, the Lions Club donated $200 to Maryland Therapeutic Riding.
Club members also voted to present gift cards for Easter food baskets to local organizations that support needy families. The Lions will send $100 each to St. Joseph’s Lutheran Church, Friendship Church of the Brethren and Hilltop Elementary School. Two $25 gift cards will be sent to Quarterfield Elementary School.
The Lions also donated $100 toward the upcoming April 6 Walk Multiple Sclerosis in Annapolis.
Last year the Linthicum Lions donated more than $3,200 to causes as diverse as Leader Dog for the Blind; House of Ruth; Samaritan’s Purse; Hospice of the Chesapeake; Arundel Singers; Lions Vision Research Foundation; Lions Clubs International Foundation; Lions Quest; Women’s Club of Linthicum; Lions Association for Sight and Hearing; North County Emergency Outreach Network (NCEON); and He Opens Paths to Everyone (HOPE) in Glen Burnie.
Linthicum Lions Club has 18 members and meets on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Italia’s Corner Café, 7089 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd in Glen Burnie. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs.
For more information or to get involved with the Linthicum Lions Club, email linthicumlions@gmail.com, or visit the club's website at http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/linthicum/index.php. Follow the club on Twitter @LinthicumLions.
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Its 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs are serving communities in 207 countries and geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org.
