Perspective

This Saturday, while spending time at Care-ousel Therapeutic Riding Center, I began thinking of an idea that came to me years ago while working in the classroom. Perhaps, these children who have disabilities . . . these kids who are "challenged," just maybe, they are "normal" or "typical" and the mass population is "challenged" or "disabled." 

I have yet to hear one complaint, one criticism or one single negative comment about another. Hugs are how these kids say hello. There are no jokes about how one looks in the saddle. When someone falls, the other is there to stand them up. 

I think the term "challenged," is not accurate. In fact, "challenged," "disabled" and "retarded," ought to describe the general population and these children should be our mentors.

Here we go!

Sun River Equine Youth Ranch would like to thank everyone for all the support and encouragement during this process! As you all know, we have been working very hard toward our goals.

We had our first Board of Directors meeting this past weekend and the excitement is overwhelming! We have eight dedicated and amazing members! Paperwork is in progress and we are moving forward!

God has already given us so many opportunities to reach out to the community and some amazing animals.

This May, we will be attending a conference in Oregon where we will learn more about Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, their ministry, and how we can be a part of it.

This opportunity . . . this ministry is a gift.

Coming together . . .

    I would like to share with everyone the experience I had yesterday while mentoring at a local Therapeutic Riding Center. Sam is an amazing girl who always has a smile on her face. She is unable to walk but can bear her own weight with support. Every Saturday morning, Sam anxiously awaits her horseback riding session at 10:00am. She sings to herself patiently, while she watches volunteers grooming her horse. Then, when it is time, her mother goes to her side and helps her up on a step and onto her gelding (Tom).
   Since, she is not verbal, her brother asked me to walk beside her while she rode. I eagerly accepted (as my toes were FROZEN and I needed to get the blood flowing somehow). I looked up as we walked and what I saw was pure joy that I cannot even really explain fairly with words. Sam rode with her arms out and eyes closed, as this horse was not only a companion to her but this horse was her legs.
   I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to be a part of this and to learn from those who may not have a voice but have so much to show the rest of us about life and what it's all about.
   We have our EIN number now so Sun River Equine Youth Ranch is an entity. By the end of the month we will have our application in for our non profit status. Thank you God for this gift, to my husband for his support of my craziness, and to all the fabulous people who are putting all of themselves into this to make it happen!