My name is Charlie. 

I have a very important job at my new home, Rising Sun Ranch.  Until today, however, I didn't fully grasp just how amazing and special my job is.  I had an experience that humbled me and truly moved my horsy heart.

A lady came to ride me today.  This was the second time.  She didn't spring onto my back and take off onto the trails or put me through my paces in the arena.  You see, she can't.  With help, she stepped up onto a mounting block, placed one braced foot into a stirrup, and with help, clumsily, but proudly flung a leg over and settled into the saddle.  Her seat became light and her body relaxed as she no longer had to depend on her own crippled legs to carry her.  She apologized to me before mounting for how clumsy she knew she would be and any discomfort she might cause me.  She does the same before dismounting when she heaves a leg over and drops back to the ground beside me where someone waits to catch her if her legs fail.  I know from listening as I always do to the people around me that at one time, she did not need this kind of help and she was stronger and enjoyed riding very much.  Life and time had taken their toll and made it hard for her to do the things she loves, like ride. 

As she rode me today with someone leading us around the trails they spoke not of what couldn't be done, but of how this lady and the people at my farm can help people, young and old, facing physical disability and unbearable emotional pain from serious loss and hurt in their lives.  The tool they choose to help them to help others take their lives back is ME.  This is my job.  It hit me.  I can be the legs for those who cannot walk, if just for a little while.  I can help make someone who is feeling small and frightened in this world feel tall and strong and confident again as they sit high on back and take another view of the world.  I can be the big, strong, and un-judging shoulder to cry on when someone has faced a horrible loss or unbearable disaster in their lives.  I, the horse, can carry them through the pain, past the heartache, and into a better tomorrow.  This ninety pond lady with cripple legs, a bent back, and who struggles through every day to do simple things we all take for granted showed me what true strength, courage, love for others and life is all about.  She showed me how special and important I, the horse am.  I will carry her gladly, and anyone else who needs me to be the legs for their body or the wings for their soul.  Until today, I felt so small and insignificant.  NONE of us are small.  We are all great and have some special purpose in this life.  Mine it would seem is to help you on the path to finding yours.  I am the horse.  I am Charlie.