Christopher Lynch

Adaptive Rider

Christopher Lynch started riding at Little Bit nearly 25 years ago at just 11 years old. Mom Ginny shares that they received a referral for a few different services, and Little Bit seemed like a good source for muscle control. Christopher has Down syndrome and it’s important for him to build up his core. “He’s a good poster,” Ginny says, “he gets the rhythm of the horse very well.” Since starting at Little Bit, Christopher has become much stronger, and riding has helped to strengthen his legs.

Ginny shares that she grew up with horses, other family members have ridden and had horses, and it’s been fun to see Christopher grow and develop his abilities and confidence around such large animals. Little Bit differs from other programming they’ve been involved with because it’s hands-on and feels like a real working environment.  

“This kind of therapy is so vital and so helpful to people,” says Ginny. “They see results in their physical-ness, in their speech, in their cognition.” 

Christopher especially enjoys the horse shows and being able to have his family come and watch him ride. Christopher and Ginny reminisce about his first horse show with Little Bit, and how surprised they were to receive a ‘Best in Show’ ribbon, which they now have framed and mounted in his room. Christopher has ridden many horses over the years and recalls Skip and Raffi, among others. Most recently, he has been riding Liberty for quite a while and loves to trot.  

One of the biggest challenges Christopher has faced over his time at Little Bit is changing instructors and horses over his many years at Little Bit and regaining momentum while getting used to a new team. Now, he rides independently (without a leader).   

How has Little Bit changed over the years? Ginny feels that in addition to their growth, Little Bit’s programs have broadened, providing support for families to help them engage in all aspects of their child’s development by providing additional resources beyond horseback riding.

“They are able to network and gather businesses and volunteers and enrich their lives as well as the lives of participants.”

Community. . . Encouragement. . . Support. . . Talented instructors. . . Dedicated volunteers. . . These are some of the things that come to mind when asked about Little Bit. “I think it’s wonderful that they’ve been around for so long and they really engage the community,” says Ginny. “It really speaks well of Little Bit.”

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