Lilly’s puffy hairdo and dark eyeliner draw you in, but it’s her patient, unflappable nature that allows her to do her best work.
Whether the client is picked up and mounted by mechanical lift for an occupational therapy session at the SUNY Cobleskill Equine Center or is an independent rider learning to canter, Lilly takes good care of her partner.
She puts her head into the wheelchairs of riders who cannot reach up to pet her and helps a rider with multiple sclerosis stand once more.
She awaits her cue to “walk on” (by a programmed button) from a rider who is nonverbal, and the movement of her gaits provides a feeling that cannot be replicated in the clinic.
The therapy helps a young rider to gain core strength and balance so they can climb the steps to the slide on the playground.
Read More: How a Therapy Horse Helped a Stroke Survivor Heal
Read More: Therapy Horse of the Week: Cowboy
Later in the day, she befriends a closed-off veteran who needs her support, non-judgmental connection, and unconditional love.
And all this happens in the form of a fuzzy friend.
Lilly thrives in her job, embraces her many roles, and has an innate ability to provide what is needed. Her life’s work has been to improve the lives of others (and for the occasional animal crackers)! – M. Mansfield
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