Unique Needs

When Therapeutic Riding Comes Full Circle

Have you ever heard of therapeutic horse riding? As of 2009 I had not, however, I now know that God was planting seeds for my future family way back then.

In 2009, my mom started volunteering with an organization called New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding. (Fun fact, my mom used to have a horse named Shane) New Beginnings provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in equine assisted activities and therapies. Their goal is to strengthen the mind, body, and soul through the power of horses. You can read more about it HERE.

My mom loved the organization and the work they were doing. She loved seeing the students grow in confidence and riding ability through their lessons. In fact, my entire family ended up volunteering in some shape or form at some of their fundraisers.

Sarah Stopping Traffic for Bike Ride
Volunteering at the New Beginnings bike ride fundraiser

Side note, if you ever need someone to direct traffic at a bike ride/race I am your girl!

After several years, my family moved out of the area and my mom’s association with therapeutic riding got pushed to the wayside as her kids started getting married and she began having grand babies. Little did she know, the experience she had with therapeutic riding would directly impact one of her grand babies.

Full Circle

Brayden was born in 2016 and long story short, we learned of his diagnosis in 2019. In 2020 my mom started volunteering at a local therapeutic riding center. She missed the horses and the rewarding experience of seeing kids and adults feel empowered as they ride and command a rather large animal.

Brayden and QP
Brayden meeting Quarter Pounder (QP) for the first time.

Amazingly, therapeutic riding came full circle for our family and Brayden started his riding lessons on Friday. I cannot help but think about how God prepared our family for this moment long before Brayden was ever born. You just never know how the seeds God is planting in you are going to impact someone else.

Someone planted the seeds for Zacchaeus' tree long before he was born

3 thoughts on “When Therapeutic Riding Comes Full Circle”

  1. God is amazing and prepares and equips us in every way if we will allow and trust Him in ALL things. I loved your family being a part of New Beginnings TR. May God continually shine His glorious light into our lives and May it impact those around us to love God more.

  2. I was just telling this beautiful “full circle“ story to a good friend the other day. We were rejoicing about the Godly mothers who raised us and how lucky we were. So happy that God started the circle with Kim, long before Brayden was a blip on your radar … but, of course, God knew the count of every hair on his head ~ even then. ♥️ Jeremiah 29:11. Love, A.T.

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