Jennifer LoMastro is director of therapeutic riding at the Manito Life Center.

The equestrian center originally began as a boarding and lesson barn along Cedar Crest Boulevard, South Whitehall.

Manito’s newest expansion is to provide the Life Center for those who are mentally and physically handicapped.

Others involved in the program are Alicia Pramik, administrative assistant, and Lisa Schadt, farm owner.

“Oh, it’s great,” said the mother of rider Anthony Larusso.

After Larusso on Zeke and Karly Myers on Raven were mounted they practiced saying their “whoas and goes.”

That was followed by a slow and precise ride through an obstacle course.

They took a letter from a mailbox, crossed a bridge, turned around in a square made of rails laying on the ground, threw beanbags and a ball in a basket.

“Where do the heels go?” LoMastro asked.

The reply was “down.”

Where do the eyes look? she asked.

That answer is to look between the horse’s ears.

Communication between horse and rider is by voice, hand and leg.

There is a leadership course for the volunteers who help in all the therapeutic classes. Each beginning rider has a walker on each side and one to lead the horse as necessary.

They learn a posting trot and how to ask the horse to back up because it will be part of a horse show.

The therapeutic riders have their own classes and may participate in regular show classes.

Riders who are in their second year are known as independent riders because the side-walkers give them more freedom to control their own horses.

They ride around a course marked by lime and then line up.

The independent riders showing their ability were Gianna Larusso on Raven and Austin Cressman on Dakota.

Riders are trained correctly from the beginning.

When Deb Hoffman is not working as a physical therapy assistant she comes to the farm. She is training as an equine specialist in mental health and learning.

The aim of the Life Center is to get the riders showing.

“We have a unique program combining therapeutic leadership and tolerance,” LoMaster said. “At year’s end there are championship awards which gives the riders a sense of accomplishment.”

The 2015 show was a pilot horse show that worked so it has been expanded to four shows with more classes.

The physical benefit is to create strength and balance. It helps with both fine and gross motor skills.

Word is spread through word of mouth, partner organizations, support groups and social workers.

LoMaster has been at Manito for 10 years. She is an internationally certified instructor and an equine specialist in mental health and learning.

A Gallop for the Gold 2016 is scheduled to take place July 28 with a silent auction, food and music.

Live auction prizes include a trip to the Super Bowl or to the Kentucky Derby.

Tickets or information are available at manitocenters.com or by calling 610-433-3707.