I'm a believer!

Having a love for horses is not an uncommon thing. These graceful creatures have been an integral part of human existence for their peaceful demeanor and ability to transport - we've relied on them for centuries.

I don't know many people who don't enjoy riding them or, at the very least, admiring them from afar.

But my experience at Equest therapeutic horsemanship ranch in Wylie this week for a story I wrote on how these animals possess another unique characteristic has made me love them even more.

Sure, I had heard of how horses are being used to help people with disabilities, but I honestly had to see it to believe it. After visiting with the staff and hearing more about how therapeutic horsemanship has become a fun and effective way to enhance social and motor skills for individuals suffering from anything from ADHD to multiple sclerosis, I became more and more intrigued.

But it wasn't until I saw it in action that I became a believer.

Upon meeting Jarren McTee and his mother, Jenger, at the indoor arena, I realized two things: One, the McTees live in the same town as me (Farmersville) and Jarren actually attends the same school as my daughter (small world!), and two, Equest had become a haven for this little boy.

The 6-year-old has been attending the hippotherapy sessions there for roughly three years and still gets visibly excited each week when he gets to spend time with his horse. Since he was born, Jarren's had very little mobility and spends most of his time in a wheelchair. I'd seen him many times at my daughter's school, recognizing him only by the wheelchair.

The Jarren I saw at Equest, however, was another boy altogether. This Jarren was riding high on his horse, Crunchie, and sitting tall with a wide, opened-mouth smile of joy on his face. His face lit up in such a way that it was as if the horse alone was giving him the strength he needed to push himself up - it was amazing.

I love looking through the collection of photos we got from that day and reliving the moment I saw Jarren come alive and remembering how the women at his side softly sang "Old McDonald" to keep the momentum going as they walked him around the ring.

I envy people like Jarren for their uniqueness and their willingness to rise above seemingly insurmountable obstacles. No wonder why this place has hundreds of volunteers. I'd love to be one of them and see little miracles like this every day.

Kelley Chambers is a staff writer and the arts and entertainment editor. Email her at kchambers@starlocalnews.com.

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