Not Just Horsing Around
From: Darcy

We’ve all experienced a sense of awe and contentment in nature. Its serenity and beauty are just some of the things that draw us in, and help us to feel closer to our origins. In this ever fast-paced world, chronic stress, the media, and many other traumas all play a role in separating us from this vital aspect of ourselves. I believe this inbred connection to nature is a doorway to spiritual healing.
It was through this doorway that the horses walked into my life. Now, I’d been horseback riding as a child. All I remember from this experience was that they were all GIGANTIC,
and that I was very scared.
Despite that childhood experience, I remained fascinated by the powerful allure of the ponies. Still interested to this day, I got involved with an organization called “Ride On.” They provide therapeutic horseback riding, called hippotherapy (“hippos,” from the Greek word for horse) - uses equine movement as a treatment strategy for kids living with disabilities. There’s horseback riding stables, and they have disabled kids riding the horses! An adult is always on either side to stabilize the child, (these are called “SideWalkers”) and a leader is out in front.
I’d seen a show on the news on therapeutic horsemanship. I absolutely fell in love with the idea, and signed right up! I was really into the idea of it all, but the first time I tried to tag along with the riders I couldn’t do the whole trail. I made it half way, I then started falling, my legs, just giving out on me. I am disabled myself (I have Multiple Sclerosis) and do what I can. I had to turn around and go back to the corral, cursing my legs and lack of strength! It is an easy enough trail, I just couldn’t walk anymore. I still go, there’s always barn work to be done, and an abundance of friendly, knowledgeable people. I always enjoy grooming the horses, cleaning out their water and feed buckets, and feeding them hay and carrots. The horses really know you, and have their own personalities.
This is my connection to nature, and the kids undoubtedly feel it, too. There’s lots of places for the parents to sit and enjoy watching their children taking lessons in the arena. There’s just nothing like the sound of children when they’re laughing. It just makes me feel great! Get a closer feeling to nature and your own origins, and share it with your kids in this special and unique place. The horses may look big, but, (as I found out) it’s their hearts that are GIGANTIC!