Horses of Hope

Miracles...They happen every day all around us, if we just look. 

     When you are at Horses of Hope you don’t have to look too hard to see those miracles happening, everyday, in big ways to some, small ways to others, but happening just the same.  Just this week we were told by a young man with cerebral palsy what his miracle was.  His first ride was 1 week ago and it only lasted 15 minutes, which is all his stamina and tolerance would allow.  Since that short 15 min ride he was excited to share that he was now independently sitting on the mat (floor) in his adapted PE class!  The first time he sat for 1 minute 30 seconds, the second time he sat independently for an entire 2 minutes!  What a big step for that young man!  That 2 minutes of independence for him might be the equivalent of another young man of that same age driving himself to school for the first time…who knows…but I am so proud that Horses of Hope had a part in that young mans everyday miracle! 

     Another young man overcame his fear of the unknown. Being in a different place with new sounds, sights, people and animals and challenging himself to “Be brave”.  “Be Brave…Be Brave” he repeated to himself over and over as he took his first steps on the back of his pony Petie.  Soon the mantra changed to “I am Brave… I am Brave!”  How proud he was after his rider was over to announce to his instructor “I Am the Bravest!”

     A young lady, who will soon be 16 years old and has been a rider at Horses of Hope for 7 years, has been manifesting her miracle everywhere she goes! Talking with folks, learning people names and telling us what she did at school today.  When she was an infant her parents were told she would never walk, talk or be functional in any way.  Just last night she rode, independently guiding her horse and following verbal instruction and also giving verbal instructions to everyone in the arena.  Her language may at times be difficult to understand, but at age 16 she is still making developmental improvements and expanding her language and abilities!  I am so excited that I have been allowed to be part of her life and watch her grow and change over the years.

 These are only a few of our everyday miracles, I could go on and on, but why don't you come for a visit and see for yourself.