Volunteering at Prancing Horse has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. At first, I wasn’t sure what I signed up for, but I quickly learned what a wonderful service was being offered and I get to be a part of it. I didn’t have much knowledge of horses and never knew how therapeutic they are for people. I never knew how much I would connect with the horses, the children and the other volunteers. Working with the horses has taught me about how similar these beautiful animals are to us. A horse’s mood can reflect our own moods, which then can affect the behavior of the horse. Horses can have bad days, be unmotivated, and irritated. I realized how cooperation and motivation from the volunteers and children could change the mood of a horse. When I am in a good mood, the horse always seems to be in a good mood, and vice versa. Horses are very emotional animals and children can also be very emotional. To get the horse and the children to respond properly, I have to be calm and patient. So much is conveyed through touch of the horse and the texture of the fur for the children that have sensory issues. Working with horses has shown me how to not let little things effect my day and has helped me adapt and respond in a more positive way. Seeing kids come in crying or mad and then leaving happy or more at peace is the most heartwarming feeling. The scenery, the people, and the purpose are the biggest reasons the volunteer work has stuck with me. Being in touch with nature, getting to see and feel the outdoors is a huge factor in why horseback riding is therapeutic, for not only the children, but all that are involved. There are plenty of days that I wake up unmotivated and do not want to go, but I push myself to show up because I know it is important to the kids, and then I leave wondering why I was dreading it. I have never left Prancing Horse unmotivated or unhappy. It is extremely rewarding being a part of something bigger than myself. I love being able to help those less fortunate. I have been diagnosed with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette’s. This is not something I let many know, nor do I seek sympathy for. I try to keep my struggles to myself, but Prancing Horse has been a big factor in my progression. Just being outside with the horses, and helping the children seems calm and ease my anxiety. My volunteer service has taught me that I can be apart of something bigger and more important than myself. I have realized through working with horses and special needs children at Prancing Horse that I am capable of changing people's days, weeks, or even lives. Seeing the joy that the horses bring to the children, and seeing that I am a part of what made this child smile today, is what has proven to me that I am on the right path. I decided before working with Prancing Horse that I wanted to be a Special Needs teacher. Prancing Horse is one thing that has really helped push me to achieve that dream and has solidified my choice to continue into this career.