[Mike Matson]

Look at the their faces starting at about 2:50 into the video - horses are indeed a gift. And I love the way the video ends - two horses saying "We did it again!"

http://vimeo.com/30749557

[Risk-Averse Rider]

Nice.

[Mike Matson]

Risk-Averse, I can't reply to your PM because your mail box is full. You need to clear it to get messages.

[mildot]

That was awesome.

[2DogsFarm]

Thanks, Mike!

What a gorgeous facility for those kids to ride at.

And call it anthropomorphizing, but I spent a Summer volunteering with a NAHRA group and those horses definitely treated the students differently than the volunteers.

One little mare would take every opportunity to nip the sidewalkers, but if a little girl with MS grabbed her face for a hug she stood like a rock.

And as cranky as they were about being tacked up, every single one stood stockstill for the riders to get aboard, even when that meant some kid had to be lifted to lay prone on a sheepskin.
Involuntary kicks and grabs were tolerated by horses who let us able-bodied helpers know they felt otherwise when we worked with them.

[laskiblue]

That gave me happy tears. Thanks for sharing - I've shared the link on Facebook.

[mildot]

The opening scene of a father helping his disabled daughter to walk broke my heart.

There, but for the grace of God, go I.

[Risk-Averse Rider]

Risk-Averse, I can't reply to your PM because your mail box is full. You need to clear it to get messages.

I just did ;-)

Sorry about that.

And as for the comments about the horses, and how they treat the riders with disabilities, you know it! I don't know HOW they know, but they know.

[phoebetrainer]

Any hints for down loading / playing it? Is it a video clip or a series of stills? I just can't get it to play properly.

[clanter]

One little mare would take every opportunity to nip the sidewalkers, but if a little girl with MS grabbed her face for a hug she stood like a rock.

And as cranky as they were about being tacked up, every single one stood stockstill for the riders to get aboard, even when that meant some kid had to be lifted to lay prone on a sheepskin.
Involuntary kicks and grabs were tolerated by horses who let us able-bodied helpers know they felt otherwise when we worked with them.

I looked closely at the horses, none swished a tail or moved an ear as they took care of their charges... saints they are

[eventerdiva]

loved every minute of that video, and so, i must post one from a place that is very special to me.

watch all the way to the end, and if you don't shed a tear, i'm inclined to believe you have no soul...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=breYFhD0-IA

this is told through the perspective of tony, one of our therapy horses...get your tissues ready!

[Jumpin_Horses]

[Risk-Averse Rider]

loved every minute of that video, and so, i must post one from a place that is very special to me.

watch all the way to the end, and if you don't shed a tear, i'm inclined to believe you have no soul...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=breYFhD0-IA

this is told through the perspective of tony, one of our therapy horses...get your tissues ready!

I am all verklempt. That is so true.