Kyle thanks his horse, Calvin, after his demo.It was a magical night at Moonshadow Ranch during the first fundraiser held by Special Sprit, Inc. a new non-profit founded to raise funds to benefit children with special needs who ride. Our rider, Kyle, was chosen to represent children with Autism that night, and he made us proud! It's difficult enough for a child with Autism to be in a new place, let alone ride a new horse! Kyle rode a Haflinger gelding named Calvin in the arena in front of a large audience who came to support this new fundraiser. Calvin is larger than the horses Kyle is used to, and he was afraid at first. But after he rode him (including kneeling and standing on the horse), Kyle asked, "What horse am I riding next?" Kyle enjoyed watching the vaulting demonstration, and wanted to kneel and stand just like them on his borrowed horse.
Kyle has been riding with Strides for over a year. He had only a few words when he started, but talks up a storm now. He loves horses, and this was a chance for him to shine.
