Saddle Pals is a United Cerebral Palsy program which offers riding and more to persons with special needs. - Right: Saddle Pals volunteer and retired law enforcement officer, Howard Mason, supervises Natalie as she grooms Buddy.
Obviously, it's fun, right? But there's a lot more to it than that. Anyone involved with the program -- clients, parents, volunteers, staffers -- can tell you that something really special happens when your special student gets to know and ride a horse! Something really special. Call it magic, call it empowerment, call it awesome!
It was after a Saddle Pals event, that our non-speaking, Selective Mutism-diagnosed Natalie read aloud to us, at her request, for 3 1/2 hours. We've been walking on clouds ever since, as she continues to impress us with exponential progress on being willing to speak and doing it!
Thank you, Saddle Pals! And thanks to UCP, United Cerebral Palsy, whose motto is "Life without limits for people with disabilities."
