By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN – Now is an adjustment period for Danielle Greulich and her horse Gypsy.
Just a few weeks ago on the day they left their Houston home for Michigan it was 75 degrees. On Wednesday, Greulich was bundled in Carharts to walk the 50 yards or so to the barn to see Gypsy, who was also covered in at least three layers for protection from the cold.
Gypsy, an 8-year-old quarter horse mare, is still getting used to the snow.
"She paws at it. She sniffs it. She tries to eat it," Greulich said.
Greulich, 26, is the new equine and facility manager for the Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) on Red Bud Trail in Buchanan. The non-profit 21-acre farm turned therapeutic riding facility offers people with special needs and disabilities life-enhancing opportunities through horse-related activities.
Last year was a big one for the TEC. The organization completed the transition from farm to therapeutic riding facility, hosted the Berrien County 4-H "We Can Ride" program for local children with special needs and completed their first six-week therapeutic riding program. Nearly 350 people attended the Sept. 23 grand opening.
Greulich lived in Texas for the last four and a half years near her mother Linda Hines, but moving back to southwest Michigan is like coming home for her. A graduate of Galien High School, Greulich began riding horses as a child in and around Buchanan. She also, along with her father, Ron Greulich of Galien, her brother Jared and sister Megan, were involved in the Berrien County Youth Fair showing pigs, steeds and other animals.
"My mom will say this: I was on a horse before I could walk."
From Galien, Greulich moved on to Michigan State University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal science. While in Houston, Greulich trained horses and provided student lessons in Western and English riding styles.
The opening for the position at the TEC came up in late October. Greulich interviewed for the position while home for Christmas and was offered the job shortly after the new year.
"And two weeks later, I'm back in time for a snowstorm," she said.
The first eight-week riding session at TEC begins April 9. For now, Greulich said she is preparing the center for a full season of riding, including getting the boards and electric fences set for the outdoor riding circle and, on Thursday, picking up the four other horses that will share the barn with Gypsy.
Greulich will also have to be certified by the North American Riding for the Handicap Association (NARHA), which involves a two-part training – an online course and exam focusing on technical horse training and knowledge of different disabilities, followed by 25 hours of lessons with a NARHA certified instructor. The TEC currently has four NARHA certified instructors.
"This parts a little new," Greulich said, adding she had some involvement with Special Olympics as a member of the National Honors Society in high school, and her roommate in Texas had experience in equestrian therapeutics.
The TEC hopes to add more instructors and more horses in the next few years, eventually filling the barn to its capacity to hold 16 animals.
"And then from there, I think the sky's the limit," Greulich said.
As for Gypsy, Greulich said she has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of her soon to be friends and roommates by pacing around the indoor riding track and making acquaintances with the cats.
"[Horses are] social creatures, and for her to be by herself is a little nerve wrecking," Greulich said.
Gypsy will be a grooming horse in the TEC program with which riders can learn how to brush and care for a horse. The job is perfect for Gypsy because, Greulich said, the horse tends to enjoy the grooming so much that she falls asleep.
But, there is also a reward for the groomer, she explained by using an old saying.
"The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man."
Greulich's new job and return to home is an adjustment, but a good one for her and her family, she said.
"I'm always excited about being close to family. I've had aunts, uncles and cousins stop in," she said.
Plus, her brother is at Western Michigan University and returns on weekends to visit, and her sister is her new roommate while attending Andrews University. And, her father, who still lives in Galien, is also adjusting well as the newest volunteer on the facility committee at the TEC.
"This is dad's new playground. He loves it out here. He loves the country," Greulich said.
For more information about the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, to sign up for riding sessions, to volunteer or make a donation, call (269) 471-0700 between 10 a.m. and 2p.m. Monday through Friday, or email jking@tecfarm.org.