Thornton, Colorado, May 31, 2006 – On the afternoon of June 9th, North Valley Hospital will once again host an Equestrian Day for it’s rehabilitation patients. North Valley Hospital is a specialty hospital that provides rehabilitation for some of the most medically complex patients. Many of the patients at North Valley Hospital have had serious brain injuries, or shattering accidents.

Pegasus, a Littleton-based hippotherapy program, will bring the horses for equestrian day. Pegasus uses trained horses to provide therapy for patients. The hippotherapy program provides numerous emotional, and physical benefits to the patients they serve. This will be the 4th time that Pegasus has provided the horses for this event.

The purpose of equestrian day is to bring sunshine into the lives the patients at the hospital. The event will be held in the parking lot at 8451 Pearl Street in Thornton, Colorado. Patients, families, friends, the North Valley Hospital staff, as well as horses and ponies will be attending this remarkable event. “To see the light in someone’s eyes who is wheelchair bound, get onto and ride a horse is beyond words,” said Sheila Rockley the Director of Business Development for North Valley Hospital. “Horses and humans take the same number of steps, therefore the patients almost feel as if though they are walking again,” said Sheila.

Walter Sackett, the CEO of the hospital said the staff offers a range of rehabilitation opportunities for their patients. “Our therapists have specific goals in mind for the patients. Whether it’s to extend their range of motion or teaching them how to transfer from a chair to a horse or wagon. The goals are individualized to each of our patients,” said Sackett.

About North Valley Hospital
North Valley Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital offers comprehensive in-patient and out-patient programs for the medically complex patient. State-of-the-art technology, individualized patient care, specialized physicians and a highly dedicated staff is the pledge of North Valley Hospital.



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