Disabled Riders to Spur Support for Fran Joswick Therapy Center

It took horse ranch operator Jerri Gardner just two months to recover from a car accident that left her a paraplegic before she hoisted herself back into the saddle.

She remembers little about the accident eight years ago except that a rear tire blew and her car flipped.

Now, the 38-year-old graphic artist from Costa Mesa owns four horses, rides at least three times a week and serves as an inspiration to other disabled people who have taken up horseback riding.

“The biggest challenge now is getting up on the horse,” Gardner said, explaining how she shifts her weight to steer the horse since she no longer has the use of her legs.

Today, Gardner and other riders with various disabilities will perform at the Fran Joswick Therapeutic Riding Center’s 19th annual fund-raiser barbecue.

Gardner will guide her horse through a series of turns and circles. Other riders, including Ryan Kuhn, 13, and Cory Laflin, 9, who both have cerebral palsy, will perform difficult gymnastic moves.

“We stand and kneel and do different moves, like turning around while we’re on the horse,” Ryan, of Dana Point, said.

The center opened in 1978 as a nonprofit organization providing horseback riding as a means of physical therapy to disabled children and adults. The training strengthens their muscles, promotes balance and coordination and builds self-esteem.

“It’s kind of like the therapy they would receive in the hospital except we do it on horseback,” Assistant Director Kris Schuster said.

Philanthropist Fran Joswick’s love for horses and interest in helping those with disabilities gave the center its start. She is now an honorary board member.

Food at the event will be provided by Claim Jumper Restaurant. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for seniors and children younger than 12.

The center is at 26282 Oso Road in San Juan Capistrano. Information: (714) 240-8441.