Stable provides important services

I was very surprised when I heard that the Palatine Park District made the decision to close Palatine Stables.

I feel that they did not take into account how important the stable is to many people.

I have been involved with the Horse Therapy program at Palatine Stable for about 10 years. I have seen riders who are nervous begin to relax after a while with the horse just slowly walking. I have seen nonverbal riders laugh when they are riding the horse.

The Northwest Special Recreation Association offers a Horse Therapy Program for their clients. We have very quiet and patient horses in the program, and it is good exercise for the riders. If the stable closes, where will those riders go for horse therapy?

There are many ways that people enjoy the stable. Young riders come to learn to ride and older people who have not ridden for years can come there to enjoy an activity they loved when they were younger. Many young children enjoy having birthday parties with the ponies.

When you compare park district facilities, pools, golf courses and baseball fields are used for a few months a year. The stable is used all year. Riding lessons are given indoors even when it is cold outside.

Horse care and feeding is very expensive, but the stable is self-supporting, which proves that it is very popular and well run.

I hope the residents of Palatine know how important it is to keep the stable open so that it can be used by people from all over the area. Please tell your park district to keep it open.

Sharon Lialios

Arlington Heights