Pet talk

Dogs are not the only animals with jobs.  Equines both large and small often have jobs helping people in many ways.  And I am not just talking about cart horses taking tourists around exotic cities.  These equines actually impact peoples lives and are performing small miracles every day.

Stepping Stones Therapeutic Riding, Inc on Hurd road in Monroe is one such place.  If you ever get a chance to stop by, or better yet volunteer your time, I hope you do.  The grounds are beautiful and calming, and the people are helping special needs children every day.  Here the riders get to improve their muscle tone, coordination, and balance, as well as form a bond with a very understanding, and non judgmental friend, the horse.   As any teenager will tell you, confiding in a horse is easy.  They listen well, and believe everything you say!  

And those same qualities also come into play when Thumbelina, (the worlds smallest horse), visits children in schools, summer camps, and hospitals.  She also travels around the country raising money for good causes so she not only helps people directly, but helps fund special programs.  Thumbelina is only 17 1/2 inches tall and is more comfortable playing with dogs than with other horses.  She also sleeps in a dog house when not doing her good deeds, or getting her picture taken with Radar, the worlds largest horse.  Even though Radar stands 6 feet, 7 inches, Thumbelina didn’t get intimidated.  What a good lesson to teach children everywhere.

My last equine hero is a mini donkey named Nicodemus, (named after a biblical figure reputed to have miraculous powers).  He is owned by 72 year old Jerry Cosgray of Cass County, Indiana.  Mr. Cosgray plans to visit wounded soldiers from Iraq on a journey that will take him from his farm in Royal Center, IN to San Antonio, TX.  Nicodemus has been featured on Animal Planet after making a name for himself by helping people in nursing homes, schools, and rehab centers.  Donkeys are wonderful equines, smarter than the average horse, and so affectionate.  My friend Ellen has one named Bosco and he is almost a zen experience on hooves.  Just ask Ellen…..or if you want it straight from the horses mouth, ask Bosco! 

This entry was posted on Friday, May 4th, 2007 at 3:02 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.