My wife has been volunteering her time for the past few years to a really wonderful organization. Xenophon Therapeutic Riding offers special needs children a chance to ride on the back of one of their gentle horses under the watchful eye of skilled instructors. Many of these children must be lifted gingerly out of their wheelchair onto their horse. Once they’re on the horse however, something happens. The transformation is instant and magical. Their faces describe it far better than my words ever could.

It’s not hard to see the sense of accomplishment and pride these kids feel when they’re in control of a large animal. Everyone benefits from this interaction in more ways than you can imagine. You can not witness the determination these kids display and the unconditional love given by the all-volunteer staff and not be moved. It is truly a beautiful thing.