Page 46 November 2012 A Camelot student hugs Cliffy after her lesson. A Camelot student and the Horseboy method. Disabled can catch a ride on horseback to Camelot By Jasmine Barta Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship in north Scottsdale is a nonpro fi t organization offering therapeutic horseback riding programs to children and adults with physical disabilities. Camelot was founded by Eileen Szychowski, a woman who didn’t allow her disability to keep her from horseback riding. What started with two horses, a goose and a rented space at Santa Rita stable in 1983 expanded through the years to a privately owned, fi rst-of-its kind nonpro fi t organization on more than 14 acres. “We specialize in serving children and adults with physical disabilities and we offer curriculum-based horseback riding for them,” said Mary Hadsall, executive director. Hadsall, who has been riding horses for 45 years, said although an individual with a disability can have trouble walking from point A to point B, horseback riding can be an activity unaffected by disability. “It’s very inspiring and uplifting to work with my students. I help teach my riders how to use their bodies to develop a relationship and communicate with a horse,” she said. “It’s very empowering. And it’s a beautiful, beautiful opportunity.” Hadsall said, “Horses are masters at reading body language. They will mirror a person’s energy. I see people come, and they’re looking to create a relationship and bond with the horse, and the horses don’t judge them.” Continued on page 47 NMLS# 179446 / BK0902429 / NOVA NMLS 3087 Referring my clients to another professional is the ultimate act of trust. I trust Tom with my clients. Tom understands that I have DWKNVCHQWPFCVKQPQHEQPſFGPEGCPFHCKVJYKVJ my homebuyers. He and his team continue this practice through their thoughtfulness, focus on needs and the greatest attention to detail. I have high expectations and Tom Ross delivers. ~ ROBIN ORSCHELN, Arcadia Specialist Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Senior Loan Officer 602.791.5861 www.asktomross.com W Wh hy y T To op p p p A A Age en nts I In n n O Ou ur r r M M Mar rk ket t T T Tr ru us st t U Us:

Page 47 November 2012 Painting, Camelot style. Camelot Continued from page 46 “They’re just kind, and really willing. The relationships that develop are really pretty.” The Camelot Creed, written by Camelot’s founder reads, “We commit ourselves to slaying the dragons of doubt in ourselves and others. We believe the world is changed one life at a time.” “The people who come and ride with us are fi rst and foremost horse lovers and then they have a disability second. It’s really about the people and not the disability,” said Michelle Bartlett, principal riding instructor, who has been riding horses since a child. The instructors at Camelot aren’t therapists or doctors. Individuals with disabilities can have a hard time fi nding a place to ride horses because of apprehensions concerning their disabilities. “This is a place where they can experience risk,” Bartlett said. “It’s a place where they can ride and take on independence. “A lot of programs don’t offer those services.” Camelot soon will include The Horseboy Method, a horseback-riding curriculum for students with autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Rupert Issacson, novelist and star of fi lm The Horse Boy , who also created The Horseboy Method, supports the use of his program at Camelot. He is the keynote speaker at Starry Knights, a fundraiser Nov. 3 at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort. “So often children with autism are told ‘No,’” Bartlett said. “And Rupert Isaacson has created an environment where they try to remove danger, and it’s become this ‘Yes’ environment, trying to create positive interactions between the families and the children.” When Camelot introduces the method next year, it will begin serving a few families, and then plan to expand to meet the needs of more autistic families. “Camelot serves a unique niche. We work on changing the world one ride at a time,” Bartlett said. “And there’s nothing else out there quite like what we do.” For more information: CamelotAZ.org. Fundraiser helps Camelot By Jasmine Barta On Nov. 3, Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship will host Starry Knights 6 to 9 p.m. at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort. The money raised from Starry Knights will go toward introducing The Horseboy Method into Camelot’s programs. The method is a curriculum for children with autism and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Rupert Issacson, novelist and star of fi lm The Horse Boy , will be the keynote speaker. He also will be doing a demonstration of his method 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 4. Isaacson, who has an autistic son, has gone to great lengths to fi nd methods that help his son learn and thrive, including a trip on horseback through Mongolia to fi nd shamans native to the area who claimed special knowledge of autism – the travels that his novel and fi lm The Horseboy recounts. “The Horseboy Method utilizes the horse as a modality for communication,” said Michelle Bartlett, principal riding instructor. “It gives families an opportunity for dialogue.” The fundraiser will include student and volunteer presentations, a shoot-for-the- stars raf fl e drawing, silent and live auctions, a cash bar and buffet dinner. Camelot will be selling 50 raf fl e tickets at $50 a piece. The winner of the raf fl e will have $2,500 to spend at the silent or live auction. Single tickets for the event are $125, or $1,000 for a table seating 10. Tickets can be purchased at camelotaz.org. “It’s a fantastic organization. I’m very happy that they’ll be using The Horseboy Method,” Isaacson said. For more information: CamelotAZ.org. ROC 101485 ROC 129482 Offers expire 11/30/2012. *Rebate offer is valid only with the purchase of qualifying Lennox ® products. **See dealer for details. © 2012 Lennox Industries Inc. See your participating Lennox dealer for details. Lennox dealers include independently owned and operated businesses. Scottsdale Air 1121 N. Sickles Dr (480) 945-7200 www.scottsdaleair.com or Special Financing Available** Receive up to $1,375 in rebates* on a qualifying Lennox ® Home Comfort System (Rebate offer good from Sept. 10 - Nov. 30, 2012) Designer Showroom Open to the Public M-F - 10am-5pm, Sat - by Appt. 480-326-7771 ParkAvenueStudioAt68.com (Next door to Switch at 68th and Thomas) • New Furniture • Lovely Accessories • In-Home Consultations S C W INC INC Your premier collision and paint shop in the Phoenix Metropolitan area! Family-owned and operated since 1981. Representing your interests with the insurance company BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz factory trained technicians Free pick-up & delivery • Towing service available Free Estimates 602-277-8254 4620 N. 7th Ave • Phoenix, AZ 85013 www.scottscoachworks.com BMW