TALES FROM THE TRAILS
Back on July 29, Amy Cedarburg and Bob Roffman paid a visit to the Aberdean Riding Academy.
“It’s a labor of love,” Amy said. “My friend, Mary Sullivan, boards here, and we came to help the horses and enlighten the owners about the power of cranio-sacral therapy (CST). The timing was perfect, as my friend and mentor, Bob, is visiting from his home in North Carolina and came along.”
Amy owns and runs New You Massage Therapy. CST works by treating the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, protective membranes, spinal fluid and the bones to which the membranes attach, all the way from the head (cranium) down the tailbone (sacrum). It addresses restrictions of motion to the cranial vault, the spine, the sacropelvic region and all of the fascial connections, including the extremities.
“Many people confuse what we do with massage, but it’s totally different,” Amy explained. “CST has its roots in osteopathy and can help such diverse conditions as headshaking, lameness, ulcers, back and neck pain, and TMJ problems. It works by assisting the body’s natural healing processes by removing or lessening the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. It’s different from massage or chiropractic, done with a light touch, which affects the whole body. It takes the ‘less is more’ concept to a whole new level. We can manipulate change on a cellular level with profound results.”
Paige Miller, had just finished riding Vegas, her 4-year-old Warmblood gelding that she boards at Aberdean.
“I don’t really know what CST is,” she said. “I’m curious to see what CST does. I’ll be interested in seeing if they find anything. He’s growing in all directions right now, so it’s like all his parts are still coming together.”
Mary, who takes lessons at Aberdean, had watched Amy work with horses in the past. “I had no idea the power of energy was so profound,” she said. “After a session, the horses’ demeanors change. They’re totally relaxed.”
Lorna Wallach was also curious. She has been boarding at Aberdean since January but has ridden with barn owner Shonna Romani for four years. “I love our barn,” she said. “It’s not one of those fancy, expensive places. When you come here, you feel good. And the facilities can’t be beat.”
The Aberdean Riding Academy is located at Sunshine Meadows Equestrian Village off State Road 7 in Delray Beach on 280 acres of pure bliss. There are four full-sized hunter rings, a grand prix ring and a jumper arena filled with jumps of every description, two mirrored dressage arenas and lots of grassy trails.
Shonna’s 10 stalls house her three school/project horses and four boarders. She has 45 to 50 clients, both children and adults. A native Floridian, she has always been into horses. She worked as a trainer for other barns but always dreamed of having her own facility.
“I wanted to offer something different, so everyone could share in the love of horses,” she said. “Many times, the clients with deep pockets get the most attention. I wanted everyone to explore their passion for the sport, regardless of financial means. We’re very family-oriented and supportive of each other.
Here, kids learn more than just riding. They learn to be kind and compassionate.”
“This place is fantastic, second to none,” Mary added. “The facilities are huge — lots of places to ride, great amenities, close to Wellington and other show venues. It’s perfect for an amateur like me.”
Bob and Amy proceeded to work on all of the school horses. Mary, Shonna and Paige clustered around as Bob and Amy worked on Vegas. The results: the horse was in pretty good shape, with just a few minor restrictions in the stifle, girth and saddle areas.
Amy invited Paige, then Shonna, to put their hands under hers and feel the energy rock back and forth.
“I did feel something,” Paige said. “It’s really cool, very interesting. I always listen to every word when someone works on my horse to learn as much as I can.”
“It’s all very fascinating,” Shonna added. “I’m just breathing it all in. I’m so thankful they came and helped the horses.”
Amy Cedarburg is available for clinics and demonstrations. Visit www.newyoumassagetherapy.com to find out more.
To learn more about the Aberdean Riding Academy, call (561) 245-0613.
