Buddy Systems

6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian

FRESNO, Calif.- On his Fresno farm, Herb Falk runs a program called Buddy Systems which offers therapeutic riding sessions to people with disabilities.

The six-week sessions are extremely "people-intensive" with three volunteers working with each rider, riders whose handicaps range from mild to severe, from spina bifida to cerebral palsy to Down's Syndrome.

While the quest for help is never ending, Falk says tapping on the shoulders of friends is what really helped to get the program underway.

With one phone call, Falk found the perfect source to tap into last spring in the Fresno State equestrian team.

Head coach Megan McGee was able to produce six volunteers for Falk almost immediately, and has another group heading back out in the spring.

While the common person may not fully realize the benefits of a program like Buddy Systems, Falk says the rewards are immeasurable - physically and mentally.