The Ohio University Southern Campus Center for Therapeutic Riding will present a clinic conducted by renowned horseman, Michael Richardson tomorrow at the Ohio Horse Park in Franklin Furnace.

Monday, February 12, 2001

The Ohio University Southern Campus Center for Therapeutic Riding will present a clinic conducted by renowned horseman, Michael Richardson tomorrow at the Ohio Horse Park in Franklin Furnace.

The educational program, entitled "Unity Education for Horses and Humans: A Oneness of Mind, Spirit and Emotion," was created by Richardson, a Texas horseman who is confined to a wheelchair.

A lifelong horseman, Richardson found a need to create a different kind of horse training method after his crippling accident in 1986. Richardson said his life began again five weeks after the injury when he rode horses in a therapeutic riding program.

He soon began competing in wheelchair races and swim meets and, not long after, was on horseback again in a special adaptive saddle he helped design.

Richardson has said his changed circumstances dictated how he approached working with horses. "Unity Education" promotes the kind of communication between humans and horses that is deeper than words, he says. Richardson feels the link between humans and horses is spiritual, mental, emotional and physical.

Richardson teaches his program at his Educational Center for Horses and Humans in Decatur, Texas. He also travels the country and world conducting seminars, clinics and appearing at speaking engagements.

Tickets are $10 each – $8 for 12 and under – which includes a chili supper. Supper begins at 5 p.m. with a lecture and demonstration at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Ohio Horse Park Center for Therapeutic Riding.