news-record.com

Therapists and volunteers at Horsepower in Colfax hope to give survivors of traumatic brain injuries a memorable learning experience.

The HorsePower Experience for survivors of traumatic brain injuries is a summer camp held by HorsePower staff and UNCG's communicative disorders graduate program. Camp began last month.

"The HorsePower Experience improves their memory skills through riding a horse, following directions and sequencing," said Perry Flynn, a riding instructor at HorsePower and professor at UNCG.

Jeff Weathers was a Kernersville police officer before he was injured in the line of duty in 2005.

For him, the camp not only helped with memory function, but fulfilled his dream of riding a horse.

"I've always liked them, but I never had the chance to ride one," Weathers said as he helped brush one of the horses.

"I'm learning a lot about horses and the way that you ride them," he said.

Flynn worked with participant Kat Sullivan on her memorization skills by helping her recall the proper way to get onto a horse.

"They have a lot of fun while riding the horses," said UNCG student Laura Watkins.

The camp has also proved to be a learning experience for the instructors and UNCG students.

"It really puts in perspective just how precious life is. The participants are so appreciative, and they really show it," said student Molly Davis.

For information on HorsePower, to make a donation or sign up to volunteer, visit www.horsepower.org or call 931-1424 .

Contact Adria Hairston at 883-4422, Ext. 244 or adria.hairston@news-record.com