Manes for Movement

Manes for Movement encompasses every value and benefit you could possibly need or want when life throws some health related curveballs your way.

Manes, being a place of therapy and rehabilitation, is a place where people with disabilities and/or pain go to strengthen their bodies and even their minds to better cope with their issues. Erin, Niki and the new occupational therapist Liz are an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional team that can adapt to almost any condition. They are also friendly and empathetic to provide a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere that allows you to recenter yourself. The horses compliment the wonderful team with their insane cuteness and great personalities.

My son has Cerebral Palsy due to a moderate to severe HIE event right before birth. As part of his regiment of therapies, we decided to try Hippotherapy with Erin after doing some research. Now years into it, my 6 year old son has more confidence, better hip/thigh flexibility, body control and perhaps most importantly, a happier mindset. Granted, he has loving parents, extended family and friends to support him so I can't give 100% of the credit to Hippotherapy but I can say that he looks forward to it more than any other activity. Ditto with his physical performance, he does well and works hard in his other therapies but he's the most relaxed and focused when he's riding.

I also have been going to Manes for therapeutic horseback riding with Niki for about a year now for my lower back and hip pain issues.

I had a L5 herniated disc that required surgery and still have a labral hip tear that causes quite a bit of stiffness and nerve pain which causes flexibility issues. My deep love of horses caused me to incorporate riding into my physical therapy routine. My goals are to help gain core strength, increase flexibility and find some sanity while I'm at it.

What I found was more than I could ever have imagined. In my one year of riding, I've developed an incredible bond with the horses, became a skilled rider through excellent instruction and achieved my physical therapy goals. I also improved my sanity and additionally found a zen awareness thanks to the experience of learning on a special horse (Chance). Also, I can't say enough about Niki, my amazing instructor and therapist. I was transformed from a newbie rider into an amateur competition ready horseman in just a year.

As for the horses, Manes currently has three named Mali, Chance and Lizzie.

Lizzie is the calm and unicorn like pony that takes on the bulk of the therapies for the young ones. When my son rides her, I can be confident that she will be consistent and kind while braving distractions that could spook any other horse. With the therapy team walking with Lizzie, I can just enjoy seeing the smile on my sons face while he proudly and joyfully engages in his therapy without pressure or pain.

Mali is the true professional push button horse that makes you feel like a champion, even with less experience. Mali can help a person build confidence and due to his "automatic" nature, you can focus completely on your own goals for rehabilitation without worrying too much about horsemanship.

Chance is the horse that will show you who you really are by testing your horsemanship. By no means is he dangerous or unpredictable, he is sweet and loving. It was through my experience with him that I learned humility, but I also learned what I was really capable of achieving. I learned to control my emotions and mental state, which had a direct correlation to how Chance would respond being that he is extremely sensitive to, and aware of his rider. Chance gives the opportunity to those who want to take their therapy and horsemanship to the next level. No where else can you get such an opportunity, in a therapeutic and safe setting. Once you've earned Chance's love and respect, you'll know you've arrived.

In summary, Manes is an incredible place with incredible people and horses that give far more than is expected. Thank you Manes for everything you've done for me and my son.

Erin, the owner, gave a talk about her approach to Physical Therapy at a Club 21 event in Torrance. I wanted to experience the benefits of her Hippo Therapy and started taking my daughter in October 2018. She was 4 years old and immediately took to “her” horse. She was not afraid at all to do her PT on top of the horse; while moving.
Erin runs a very professional organization. Billing is easy with her. Her horse leader and volunteer are very good at what they are doing.