It's a sunny Saturday morning. I've packed up my camera, and headed to a small farm just down the road. People have come from miles around, bringing their special needs family members to ride horses. The horse owners, all members of the PASC---the Pendleton Area Saddle Club---offer their horses to help these individuals. According to one of the members of the Saddle Club, "Special Rider's Day" has been held by the group annually for over twenty years. For a long time, this event was held on the grounds of Clemson University; with the perpetual updates of legal policy concerning safety and liability, however, the PASC is no longer able to hold the event there. Fortunately, Pat and Tony Holland (members of PASC) own a small farm where, for about ten years now, they have graciously allowed the club to host this event. "I thought we'd have a low turnout," Mr. Holland observed, "but we've got a good crowd." For some of the riders, it required as many as 4 helpers; one person led the horse, and three others helped to keep the rider stable.

But oh, how they loved it...

It was an amazing experience. To stand and watch the bonding of man and beast was truly a magical thing. Some of the individuals who could barely support themselves on the ground, once on the back of one of these majestic animals, improved amazingly. Things like balance, posture, and cognizance seemed to grow in these dear people.

One young boy---we'll call him Bryce (pictured in header)---greatly enjoyed his time in the saddle. One of the individuals present described him as "about two handfuls" when on the ground. Up on top of a painted horse though, he was calm and joyful, content to circle around the arena for as long as he could. I spoke to another rider, a young man named Brad (pictured below), and asked him if he liked his ride. "YES!" he replied enthusiastically, a big grin spreading across his face. We spoke for some time, talking about everything from horses to cameras.

Animal therapy is a highly effective treatment method for special needs individuals, as well as veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Clinical research has shown that therapy programs utilizing specialized animals are often very beneficial to patients with such debilitating handicaps. I personally know several individuals who's lives have been changed though the use equine therapy.

"There's just something about a horse that's soothing to 'em," Mr. Holland casually commented. He is right. There's just something about a horse...

Photos by ABPhotography