My personal therapist weighs 1,250 lbs. and is twenty years old. His name is Okie and he is my horse. Horses are, and have always been, a major part of my life. Some of my earliest memories as a child involve horses and I can not recall a time when they were not incorporated in some way. Okie is my personal therapist because he is there to listen to my troubles and allows me to vent without passing any judgment. I know the healing power a horse has, but I did not know I could help others connect with horses.

When I discovered I still had service hours I needed to complete, I wondered what I could do to serve others and still do something I love. Luckily, the solution was only twenty minutes away in Elk Grove, California. My grandfather had told me about Project R.I.D.E., Inc., a therapeutic horseback riding center located about five minutes away from his ranch. I thought this would be the perfect place for me to volunteer. I dedicated the month of June to working there, and I thought that would be the end of my time with Project R.I.D.E.. Little did I know how much Project R.I.D.E. would change my point of view.

Albert giving 'Tory' a bath

The students vary in age and come from different backgrounds with different disabilities. There is one common thing that each rider has; they all love to ride. Outside of the arena, some students are confined to wheelchairs and can barely control their own movements. However, there are no boundaries once they are on a horse. Their faithful steeds take them wherever they want to go and they go from a three-foot wheelchair to a six-foot horse. The riders’ transformations are amazing. One moment they are quietly sitting in a wheelchair and the next they are barely able to contain their joy as their horse takes off on a trot. Most of the students are quiet but you can hear their laughter from across the arena. For forty-five minutes a week, they are not handicapped. The wheelchair is left behind while they ride off into the sunset on their faithful companion.

I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have been able to work with such wonderful children. I only thought I would be working there for the month of June. However, I volunteer there on a regular basis and tell everyone I know to volunteer their time there. Being there has put my life into perspective. If these children who have been dealt a difficult hand can take their disabilities in stride, why am I different? They are my inspiration and help me break down my own barriers, like they have broken theirs.

After every session, each child has a giant smile their face can barely hold. I am familiar with that smile because it is the smile I have whenever I have a personal session with my own four-legged therapist.

Albert D
High School Senior

Editor’s Note: Albert submitted this essay as part of his college application. He was accepted into every college he applied and credits his volunteer service at Project R.I.D.E. with his success. We wish him the best as he prepares to begin his college career – and hope he will return to us as an instructor one day!