For the past few years, I have been a volunteer at Strides. During that time, I have had the opportunity to learn about horses and people and to watch our riders grow and develop physically, mentally and emotionally. It is so exciting to see a child who, when they began the program could barely hold their head up for a few minutes, actually sit up and ride for an entire lesson! Or one who couldn't or wouldn't talk start to make sounds and formulate words. Each child or adult develops differently and at their own pace, but even a small step forward is rewarding for everyone. Along with the riders, I've been able to grow and develop too. I've learned alot from Nora and the other volunteers about how to motivate a rider and how to "go with the flow" in order to have a meaningful lesson, even if the rider might be tired and a bit cranky. Also, the time I've spent with our horses has been pretty instructive as well. We at Strides have a great bunch of horses! Even given their occasional horse-quirks, they are patient with riders and volunteers, alike. Only asking for a carrot once in awhile to keep their spirits up! Even though I can only come out to Strides once a week, those hours with the fresh air, volunteers, riders and horses are "therapy" for me too!