I have to admit: I’m in it for the grins.

Sure, I like the horses. They’re beautiful, they’re majestic, they’re powerful and amazing. But truth be told, I’m in it for the ear-to-ear grins from the kids we serve. I like it best when I catch them the moment they enter the barn. It’s infectious: the excitement, the anticipation, the unabashed GRIN when they walk in this place and take their first breath of that special Project RIDE air and know it’s almost that special time, when somebody takes their hand and leads them to the mounting block, helps them up and sets them free.

That’s why I used to be a volunteer for Project R.I.D.E., and that’s why I eagerly accepted the offer to become a member of the staff. For me, it’s always been all about the grins.