Johanna

Johanna started riding horses at just three years old as a way to treat her physical and developmental disabilities and has been in love with it ever since! Hippotherapy uses the natural gait of a horse to provide motor and sensory output, which can improve physical and mental health. Johanna's weekly Hippotherapy lessons have helped her improve her motor skills, confidence and memory as well as build a love for horses and horseback riding. While seeing drastic improvements, Johanna's therapist recommended that she continue her lessons in order to achieve her highest level of independence. After 12 years of weekly lessons, Johanna's family reached out to Variety for help supporting Johanna's hippotherapy. Through our Freedom Program, Variety was able to provide funding for Johanna's lessons in 2022, ensuring she continued to improve her health while enjoying her favorite activity.