Those visiting Manito Equestrian Center during the Open Gate Tour came to see the horses, and three of them, relaxing in their pasture, had been brought closer at the beginning of the tour for better viewing.

Dakota and Josie are therapy horses. Walter carries lesson riders.

He is used for traditional riding, said Lydia Huegel, barn manager, and though he may be skittish, he takes care of his riders.

Josie came to the farm from a mustang adoption and has a special feel for the people with autism who come to ride.

The three horses are known as the “Old Guys.”

Lisa Schadt, owner of Manito Equestrian and Life Center, said it is her 23rd year at the farm though it was built more than 200 years ago.

Schadt grew up riding and said she has an amazing team helping at the farm.

“We’re proud of the growth of our therapeutic program,” she said. “It benefits special needs adults and children.”

Therapy was added to the riding and traditional lessons in 2005.

Manito partners with Resource Human Development from the Philadelphia company’s Bethlehem site.

Raven belongs to Jennifer Metzger, head therapy instructor. Lydia is working toward her professional association of therapeutic horsemanship certification.

For children with physical or cognitive disabilities, therapeutic riding may help core strength, balance, attention, speech and behavioral issues.

The farm has 15 horses on 60 acres. Six of the horses are used in therapeutic riding. One horse, without special training, is seizure sensitive and will alert the person working with him.

He may make eye contact with Lydia, chew his lips and hesitate when asked to do something. In extreme instances, Lydia said, he has completely stopped.

Lehigh County 4-H Equine Club had displays about horse digestion, conformation and dressage.

Schadt said she credits the quality of the programs for her team and the volunteers who make it all possible, and to the Lehigh County Extension which organizes Open Gate each year with stops throughout the county.