>> I do feel like
there's a different connection with a horse
than with any other animal,
only because you have to trust a thousand pounds of animal
to keep you safe.
What I love about riding a horse
is the freedom that you get,
and also the connection you can have with a horse,
I think, is a little different than you might get with another animal,
because you have to learn to trust them
and they have to learn to trust you.
And it's also really rewarding
when you do get that connection with a horse.
I got involved in therapeutic riding when I was young in 4H,
and we needed to do community service.
So I picked therapeutic riding as my community service,
and I've loved it ever since.
I really enjoy volunteering,
because it gives you a great sense of reward,
not only for the child that benefits from it,
but from yourself that you have a feeling of involvement
and a connection with the child.
And it's just really self-satisfying
to do something for somebody else.
You ready?
Okay. Well, come over here.
Do you want me to hold your hand?
You're doing good! Is school out?
You done with school?
>> Four teachers in my class.
>> Four?
That's a lot.
You're a good girl.
One of my fondest memories through volunteering
for the therapeutic riding programs
was a young man that was high on the end of the autism spectrum.
He had a hard time walking; he did not speak,
and he didn't show any facial expressions.
So once we got him on the horse, he looked at me and he smiled.
And I thought that was a really rewarding moment for me.
Therapeutic riding serves adults and children alike.
They range from having autism, cerebral palsy,
MS -- it's pretty much all-encompassing.
They can feel the horse underneath them.
If you have an issue that is muscular,
the horseback riding builds that muscle again.
Whoa, good job!
Way to use both hands!
And helps the rider to walk or gain strength.
And also, with children and adults
that have mental issues or autism,
through the horseback riding program,
it really helps them come out of their shell
and learn verbal skills
through the side walkers and the leader.
And it also helps the child
become more comfortable in social settings.
I grew up riding, so I feel like I'll be riding my entire life.
And to ride for the Border Patrol, I find it as a huge blessing.
And I feel like after I retire,
I'll just keep on riding.