While exploring volunteer opportunities around Filadelfia. I’ve had the most wonderful and unexpected surprise! I’ve been offered the opportunity to work with horses and ponies involved in therapy for children with disabilities. What an absolute privilege to be part of something so special! I start next Thursday and am genuinely excited to see what this new adventure brings.
The horses and ponies here are particularly suited to their important role. They’re calm, gentle, and short in stature, making them less intimidating and more accessible for the children they help.
Now, here’s where things get interesting!
Although my father and a brother were horse lovers, my childhood experience left me with a rather different opinion. The owner of the farm my father managed had me convinced that horses were dangerous creatures and never to be trusted. Once a month, the local hunt was permitted to cross the farm, which did absolutely nothing to improve my confidence around these magnificent animals
So, all these years later, here I am in Paraguay, about to embark on an adventure that might just change my perspective.
Perhaps these gentle horses and ponies will teach me a thing or two about trust, patience, and the incredible bond that can develop between humans and animals.
And if I can play even a small part in helping children gain confidence, independence, or simply a little more joy in their lives, then what a wonderful opportunity this will be.