Found

Yesterday I participated in what was my first experience with riding for disabled persons.  Within five minutes of being in the arena I had tears in my eyes.  I had just witnessed a horse hug and hold a young girl of maybe 10 or 11 who was mentally and physically disabled. She dismounted with the aid of her 'sidewalkers' and went up to stroke tho horses head when he gently reached his head around to her and held it there, eyes soft, licking his lips as the young girl leaned into him for what seemed like an eternity.  I seen her eyes light up and she was found.

Riding horses can help Youth feel in tune with their movement

Throughout the evening I helped youth from wheelchairs and onto the backs of horses and observed them turn from tight awkward beings to loose laughing souls.  I was overwhelmed with compassion and a new appreciation for the horse.  

Artist: Matthew Cusick

Horses know fear, they know work and they know love.  That was very clear yesterday evening and it is something I want to remain involved with.  The ability to touch the lives of humans is remarkable.  They can be a guide to map to finding ourselves.  A little outside trust, compassion and encouragement can take us a long way.