Fairchild EFMP youth ride into summer on horseback Published June 30, 2015 By 2nd Lt. Shelley Gregory 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Six children enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program from Team Fairchild attended a five-day horseback riding day camp in the Spokane, Washington, area June 22 to 26, where they learned how to interact with horses and spent the mornings riding in an arena and outside on trails. In the afternoons, they made crafts to take home. The EFMP coordinated the five-day summer camp with a local Hippotherapy facility. Hippotherapy has the rider do activities on horseback that provide a foundation to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of everyday activities. Horseback riding also helps build muscle, improves joint movement and enhances balance and coordination. "I wanted to offer families with dependents who are enrolled in the EFMP an opportunity to experience something they may not have the opportunity to experience in a safe, fun and nurturing environment," said Steve McMullen, the Fairchild AFB EFMP coordinator. "When I look at the pictures and videos I took over the course of the five days, I can see improvements in each of the participants." This is the second year the EFMP has held a Hippotherapy camp for Fairchild families enrolled in the program. "My hope is that some of the skills learned during the camp will carry over into the lives of the participants and that they might find something they enjoy that will enrich their lives for many years to come," McMullen said. For more information about the Exceptional Family Member Program and upcoming events, contact Steve McMullen at steven.mcmullen@us.af.mil or (509) 247-2246.
