Volunteers Add Power and Heart to the Little Bit Mission

During a recent survey, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center donors asked for more Little Bit stories, including stories featuring our volunteers. Sharing Little Bit stories is one of our favorite things to do! If you have witnessed Little Bit programs in action, you know how vital our volunteers are. The number of Little Bit volunteers has increased every year from 2014 through 2019—they provide power and heart to the Little Bit mission!

We reached out to Soraya and Greg, two of our many dedicated volunteers, to ask them for their perspectives on the Little Bit volunteer experience.

How long have you been volunteering at Little Bit and what are your volunteer roles?

Soraya: I have been volunteering since January of 2019; I am trained as a horse leader in adaptive riding as well as a member of the training team that helps new volunteers. I also step in for hippotherapy when they are available because I love them.

Greg: I started volunteering in 2018 and am trained as a horse leader in adaptive riding. I help out with adaptive sessions but more often now with hippotherapy.

Why do you carve out the time to volunteer at Little Bit when you have so much on your plate?

Greg: It is such joy to be there working with the riders, the staff, the therapists, and the horses. I don’t do it as a selfish reason, but I do get a lot of joy out of it. Just to see the rider’s face if they are able to overcome a fear or accomplish something, that interaction. I learn so much about the different riders and horses. It’s quite enjoyable for me.

 Soraya: For me, volunteering at Little Bit is my recharge station. Doing a lot of high stress things on a day to day basis, it really helps to have a place to go. Being around horses recharges me—seeing the riders get through things, like Greg said, learn things, overcome fears—that also recharges me and makes me feel ready to go back into whatever I need to do that day.

Do you have a favorite rider or patient experience since you’ve been at LB?

Soraya: One of my favorite experiences is watching a rider bond with a horse for the very first time, especially in hippotherapy sessions. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right horse for the right rider. They’re all great, but there are certain personality matches that just click. I remember subbing for a therapy session where the kid was extremely high energy and had trouble focusing on therapy. He had previously been put on slow horses that were very calm, and that wound up being too little stimulation for him. They tried him with Spring who is very high energy, very up and go. That match was love at first sight. You could see over the course of less than 10 minutes the patient went from being distracted to focusing.

Greg: What first came to mind was seeing the same rider and horse over a few weeks—you get acquainted. You’re not just someone at the head or side of a horse. It’s meaningful when that connection is a little bit stronger, whether it’s a simple smile of recognition or some type of communication to me. I’m there to kind of help, but then to see that little bit of change, it’s just a reward. I remember there was one time one of the therapy patients came in, and it wasn’t a good day for her. All of a sudden, it changed. The therapist’s eyes beamed as if to say, this is great. It’s going to be a different day.

Do you have any experiences to share about your interactions with other volunteers at Little Bit?

Greg: I became acquainted with Little Bit because one of my staff had been volunteering there. She knew I felt comfortable working with horses. Unfortunately, we never got to volunteer at the same time. There was an occasion when I knew another volunteer from years before. It was great to have that little bit of connection. When we were volunteering together, it was fun to chat with each other during the warm-up. I have another colleague whose daughter is a rider, and I’ve been able to see his wife and their kids on occasion at Little Bit. The program reaches out a good distance from Redmond, and so it’s good to appreciate that people are coming from many locations and many walks of life. Sometimes there is some familiarity from another circle of involvement.

Soraya: I’ve forged new friendships there. There have been a couple of times when I worked shifts at odd hours, and during those quiet times you really get to know the volunteers you’re working with. One of my first friendships at Little Bit was with a woman who I had not met before. We wound up, every morning, chatting about what was going on in our lives. When there was a group of people who were all working Friday afternoon, we often spent extra time hanging out at the stables after the classes were done. We would help clean out the stable and feed horses to get a few more minutes in. I’ve definitely found that forging friendships with other volunteers at Little Bit has been another reward.

If you were trying to convince someone to volunteer at Little Bit, what would you say to them?

Soraya: I tell them that volunteering at Little Bit is one of the most rewarding things I do every week. It’s a great way to reconnect and actually see the good results of what you’re doing. I also tell them that you don’t need to be intimidated if you don’t know that much about horses yet, because the people at Little Bit will really walk you through it and will be patient as you learn—and they’ll also teach you really good practices so that you are safe around horses.

 Greg: I’ve invited others to join. You don’t have to be leading a big horse or be concerned about the rider and the horse. You can help out at the barn. I saw volunteers build some of the sheds outside at the paddocks. I would love for my son and I to spend an afternoon and just knock-out a couple of those. There are lots of different ways to volunteer. It doesn’t always have to be so intimately engaged with the horses. When I had a barn, it was therapy for me, just to get in there, have a sense of accomplishment, and interact with the animals. There are lots of ways to help. It’s just a matter of encouraging someone to come along, look at the place, and find a place that is suitable for their interests and abilities.

Do you have a favorite horse at Little Bit?

Greg: I don’t have a favorite horse; there are some that I like more than others. It’s really the ability to work with a horse over several weeks to get acquainted. Even now coming back, I’ve had to get reacquainted. I have to remember I can’t cross-tie Sherman and when I need to bring a crop because that horse is going to dive for grass every opportunity. I would love to get to a place where a horse nickers when I approach. Sherman did that a couple times when I was working with him week in and week out. It’s great to receive that kind of recognition, and it doesn’t require treats in my hand to get that.

Soraya: I absolutely do play favorites. My favorite is Davida. There was a time when I was working with her week in and week out, in an adaptive class, and it was always such magic to see her in the warm up: she’s very alert and she demands that you be very alert so she knows that you are looking out for her. Then the rider arrives and she becomes this gentle, sweet thing. She pays so much attention to the rider that she’s working with, trying to do what she can to help them. I really love how she goes from making high demands of people that work with her on the ground to being an attentive caretaker for people that are on her back. It feels like she is asking the people on the ground, “Hey, I’m about to work and I want to make sure that you’re ready to work with me.” Davida is a very big favorite of mine.

There will be people who read this who have never been to Little Bit. How would you describe the Little Bit experience to someone whose knowledge of Little Bit is limited to stories and videos?

Soraya: I would describe it as being around the kindest, most attentive people that you can find. Everyone at LB is always trying to help each other out. There isn’t a sense of judgement ever; there isn’t prying. How can we help each other out? I love the attention to detail, like checking on the horses and sweeping a little muck out of the area. The therapist or instructor helps the rider rearrange their pants leg after it’s been pulled up by the saddle. All of these little things come together to form this place. You know how much work is getting done, you see how much work is getting done, and yet the people who are doing all that work make it look simple. They’re handling it, they’re here to care for people, and they’re willing to put so much energy into making everyone else have this great experience.

Greg: What I love about the name Little Bit—it’s kind of a philosophy in that sometimes we don’t know how much we help by the little efforts we offer, whether it’s helping someone adjust a cuff or cleaning the stall. In the lives of the riders and their families, they’re looking for help in many ways, some specific and some not. We get to contribute a very, very small part, just a little bit, in helping them. That gracefulness of helping people, that gratitude of being thankful for the assistance others give us, I think is prevalent throughout the organization. It’s very rewarding to see, and not take any credit for it, but to see someone say thank you. That smile on their face, that nod of appreciation. That’s what’s very attractive about the whole outfit—from reception to throughout the stalls and every aspect.

What adjustments have you seen Little Bit make, and you personally have had to make, related to the pandemic?

Greg: I think it is well thought-out with the understanding that the process has been considered and evaluated. It’s also adjusted as needed. I personally feel safe. There are many things in place to help make it safe for all people involved. I kind of expected it but I’m glad to see it. Sometimes it’s great in plan or in theory, but in practice is sometimes where things trip up or you forget a detail. After talking to the staff and understanding that we’re going to make adjustments, all those items are terrific.

Soraya: The adjustments that I’ve seen since returning have been impressive. A lot of things changed. For example, each horse no longer has their assigned tack box. Now, a volunteer gets in, they pick their own tack box, and it’s just theirs for the day. Then those have to get cleaned and washed and can’t be shared. These are really good thought processes and really effective at minimizing how many people are contacting the same things. Over time, I’ve seen pieces of that which worked and pieces which didn’t work. I’ve watched the staff adapt to each of those changes, adapt rules about who can go into the tack barn and how we’re going to put horses into individual stalls. People are being really flexible about working together and accepting change. Everyone is actively looking out to make sure we are doing things safely.

How are you acknowledged as a volunteer within Little Bit?

Soraya: One of the things that means a lot to me at Little Bit is how many therapists, staff, and other volunteers make the effort to learn and remember my name, which is a tricky one to pronounce. (So-RAY-ya, “Ray like sunshine,” I like to say!) It’s always meaningful when I sub in for a class and maybe I haven’t seen that staff member for weeks or months. A surprising amount of the time, they remember my name, and if they don’t, they make the effort to be polite and ask. Then they refer to me by name during the class. “Turn towards Soraya.” It’s a small touch that means a lot to me to show that they care that I am there.

Greg: Outside of Little Bit, there have been a few occasions where I’ve encountered some staff members. In every instance both of us stop what we’re doing and just have a chat. Sometimes you see an acquaintance from one area of our lives and pass them with a completely different backdrop, and 1.) Do you remember who it is, 2.) Do you remember the person’s name, but 3.) Are you able to stop what you’re doing and have that brief conversation—it’s great, you kind of feel a part of it. It’s a big organization and there are so many volunteers. It’s great to see the recognition and the time that it takes.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Greg: A part of the organization I’d like to explore more is how to donate horses; I’ve owned horses myself, and at the time our place was considered a geriatric barn. I’d like to understand how to donate a horse or sponsor a horse, to be able to think of a horse that might be suitable for the program.

Soraya: One of the things I don’t have many opportunities to say thank you for are the folks that work the office. They have always been incredibly helpful and understanding. Whenever I’ve brought up an idea for improvement or concern, I’ve been met with understanding and support. Even picking up volunteer shifts that need a substitute, people are completely understanding. If I can make it, great; if I can’t, no problem at all. I can tell how much people are giving to the job, both in the stables and at a desk.

Thank you

to Greg, Soraya and all of our dedicated volunteers!

Written by Sharon Soldenwagner

Meet Our Herd: Honey Bee

Jessica Farren Photography

Honey Bee is a sassy 20-year-old Norwegian Fjord mare who joined our Little Bit herd in July of 2014. Before coming to Little Bit, she was a competitive trail rider and driver. Now, at Little Bit, she is a fantastic all-around horse and aids in both the Adaptive and Hippotherapy programs. She is known for her reliability, high level of training, and big, adorable personality.

Honey Bee is incredibly sweet and does whatever job is given to her, including being fully scheduled and receiving special training for hoist mounts. She is a very hard worker, but has been known to pout and make faces when her girth is tightened or she can’t get a last bite of grass. Honey Bee can be a bit of a diva.

When on vacation from Little Bit during session breaks and holidays, Honey Bee is very lucky to be able to go home with our instructor Diana who spoils her. With Diana, she spends her days playing in the pasture with fellow Little Bit horse Gigi and is turned in to a private stall at night.

Jessica Farren Photography

After many years of hard work in our program and regularly supporting unbalanced riders, Honey Bee has developed a bit of a sensitive back. To ensure her utmost comfort, Honey Bee receives chiropractic care every six to eight weeks and massages every two weeks as well as handmade concave horse shoes. At the beginning of 2020, Honey Bee’s saddle had begun to pinch her withers and put stress on her vertebrae. She was uncomfortable, and it was difficult to find a saddle that fit her better. Thanks to generous donations, Little Bit was able to hire a professional saddle fitter who measured her and selected a custom saddle that is a perfect match for Honey Bee.

Thanks to her new saddle, Honey Bee is able to relax while riding. Her schoolers have said that she stretches her head and neck all of the way out “like she’s free.”

We truly are blessed to have a special horse like Honey Bee on our Little Bit team. Right now, Honey Bee’s care is 28 percent sponsored. To help her get closer to 100 percent, please contact Director of Development Sharon Soldenwagner at sharons@littlebit.org or visit www.littlebit.org/horses. Horse sponsorships start at $1,000 per year.

Written by Sharon Soldenwagner

Meet Our Herd: Rosie

Suzy Weber Creative

Rosie is a beautiful 14-year-old Warmblood mare with a Hunter Jumper background who joined the Little Bit herd on a care lease in October 2018. Her owner thought she would be happy to retire from her jumping career and would love to work in our program. Once at Little Bit, she immediately wanted to become engaged with patients and riders! She is known at Little Bit for her gentle nature, kindness, and intuitiveness about her walk/trot riders’ needs. 

Kimberly Lind Photography

Rosie receives monthly chiropractic and also is on an acupuncture regimen to keep her back, neck and pelvis healthy and comfortable. Her twice-monthly sports massage sessions from our amazing volunteer therapist have helped her to stay relaxed and limber. Her saddle fit is professionally checked to avoid soreness and she wears handmade therapeutic horseshoes.

In addition to Rosie’s routine vet care, she receives grain and nutritional supplements for healthy bones, Platinum Performance multi-vitamins, and meals three times a day to help her digestive system function at its best. 

Rosie has a custom schooling and training program which focuses on building up strong muscle through her back and topline and teaching her to use her hind end properly. She also learns the special skills she needs to be a wonderful Adaptive horse. She also stretches out on the Little Bit track to relax and spends time grazing in our grass pastures.  

Kimberly Lind Photography

At the end of her day, she retires to her big, cozy 12 x 24’ barn stall with room to stretch and extra shavings for a comfortable rest.

All of us at Little Bit admire Rosie and feel so grateful to have her as part of our program! Today, 43 percent of Rosie’s care is sponsored. If you would like to join Rosie’s existing sponsors, please contact Director of Development Sharon Soldenwagner at sharons@littlebit.org or visit www.littlebit.org/horses. Horse sponsorships start at $1,000 per year.

Written by Sharon Soldenwagner

A Valentine to Our Little Bit Supporters: Jann's Story

Married for 43 years, Tom and Jann Ibsen raised a family and enjoyed adventurous travel. While vacationing in 2008, Jann’s right hand tremor signaled the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. She was 59 years old.

As the effects became more debilitating, Jann needed help to walk. Undaunted by illness, she summoned herself into action. Recommended by a physical therapist, she discovered Little Bit in 2015. An animal lover, Jann was delighted by the prospect of equine-assisted therapy.

It took six months of conditioning for Jann to develop leg strength to ride Della. A year later, she was struck with cervical dystonia, or tilted head, making riding impossible. Jann was devastated, but asked to try grooming. Responding to her new norm, Little Bit customized unmounted grooming sessions with horse Honey Bee as part of her care continuum. As a result, Jann’s endurance increased from 15 to 40-minute sessions, and her range of motion expanded from six to 24 inches.

Therapy sessions are a family affair. Tom supports Jann with a gait belt, providing a joyful, shared experience with his wife. They have developed enduring friendships with Instructors Diana and Joan, and Volunteer Kathy. Commissioned by the Ibsens, a painting of Honey Bee graces their mantle, affirming that she is as much a part of their clan as their three dogs, two birds, and numerous fish.

Jann asserts, “Parkinson’s has interrupted my life, but there is still life to live.” Little Bit empowers her to live a more active lifestyle, despite age or illness. The Ibsens encourage people of all ages and abilities to seek engagement, hope, and healing at Little Bit.

Your support lifts hearts and makes Little Bit "magic" possible.

Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and all those you love from Jann's team and Little Bit!

Written by Michelle Guinyard

Photographs courtesy of Jessica Farren Photography.

Carmel and Rosie Girl

Written by Carmel's Mom Sophie and Rosie Girl's Horse Handler Maddie. Photography by Sophie.

Sophie: Since the brightest spot in my daughter’s week is almost always at Little Bit, I brought her in for her hippotherapy session even though she wasn’t doing too well. She had been in the hospital a few weeks prior, and we were in a difficult stretch of consistent episodes. Her paralysis and significant symptoms were lifting, but she was still very weak, nonverbal, and in an altered state of awareness. Even though it doesn’t always work, her Little Bit Occupational Therapist Christina and I have seen Carmel regain speech and function even in a single hippotherapy session, and on this particular day, we were hopeful this would be the case. 

Maddie: The patient for my hippotherapy with Rosie Girl arrived very timid, weak, and nonverbal. On good days, she is a happy, talkative little girl who loves riding. Today was not one of those days.

Sophie: I carried Carmel into the barn, and she was unable to mount Rosie Girl, so Christina lifted her on. At the time, Rosie Girl was still new to Carmel, and so honestly, I was very interested to see how Rosie Girl would respond to her in such a different state than she had seen her before. If I’m honest, I was a bit nervous―Rosie Girl tends to be a little concerned about new things here and there.

Maddie: Christina helped lift Carmel onto Rosie Girl instead of doing her typical climb on. As soon as she sat down on Rosie Girl's back, Rosie's Girl's energy level went way down; she had been a little squirrelly in the warm-up but stood rock solid for the mount. Instantly, her mission became taking care of this little girl. She walked straight, calm, and slower than normal for almost the entire session. The one time she threw her barrel to the side was when Carmel was off center. I asked her to keep walking but she planted her feet until her little girl was back in the middle; it was as if she was saying, "There is no way I'm going to let her come off today," even though Christina and the sidewalker would never let that happen. Rosie Girl was clearly in her motherly protection mode. 

 Sophie: The session unfolded in the most beautiful way, and oh I was wrong to doubt Rosie Girl even for a moment. At one point, I even had tears welling up in my eyes as I watched Christina patiently work with Carmel, and I watched Rosie Girl actually refuse to move until Carmel was centered. My tears really started rolling as I watched Rosie Girl later actually shift her barrel to help prop Carmel up when she was slipping. (Normally, when Carmel is full strength, she is able to stay centered.) The whole time Rosie Girl was very focused, and I could see that she was truly concerned about Carmel. Though I don’t claim to understand horses, intuitively I felt this incredible trust with Rosie Girl, because I knew she felt how fragile and vulnerable Carmel was. I knew she would stay calm and take precious care of my girl.

Maddie: About 20 minutes in we started playing with bubbles. Carmel started to smile and interact for the first time in the whole session. Pretty soon after the first few bubbles, she started talking and laughing. Rosie Girl took note of this and almost immediately her energy level rose to match Carmel’s. Rosie Girl became more engaged with me because she was no longer so highly focused on keeping Carmel safe and settled (although that, of course, was still her goal). We had a wonderful last 10 minutes of the session, with Rosie Girl walking in her natural gait and Carmel smiling, laughing, and interacting. 

Sophie: By the end of the session, Carmel was engaging and talking, and her body had regained some strength. I could see in Rosie Girl, and also in Christina (and team), such a natural reward. Rosie Girl seemed even more attentive, happily so, and her concern over Carmel had diminished. Rosie Girl was delighted to receive Carmel’s affection at the end of the session. It was as if Carmel was saying, “Thank you, I love you.” and Rosie Girl was saying, “It was my honor.”

Maddie: When it was time to get off, Carmel was very intent on kissing Rosie Girl. Rosie Girl stood in the ramp and didn't budge all the while receiving many hugs and kisses. It was really special to witness this horse be so gentle and take care of this little girl in every way. They are a sweet pair and their love for each other is very clear!

Sophie: I’ve always known horses are esteemed to be some of the most intelligent and intuitive animals, but I really think Carmel’s life and her specific medical condition really highlight just how built for connection horses are. Rosie Girl is a special horse, and she truly demonstrated an unmatched level of attentiveness and composure that I am very grateful for. Since then, Rosie Girl continues to be incredibly interested in and attuned to Carmel’s needs―and their bond is ever growing. We are so, so grateful!

Thank you for helping create Little Bit "magic" for Carmel and hundreds of other children and adults with disabilities. Happy Holidays!

Malcolm and Joel's Story

At least one morning a week, it’s easier for Malcolm and Joel to get up and start their day. They arrive at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center full of anticipation. Diana, their Instructor certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), greets them and, like many of their classes, they start by completing a short walk around the property. Diana shares interesting facts and jokes to remind Malcolm and Joel that she believes in their intelligence and also to help them be calm. Spending some of their energy first allows them to quiet their bodies before riding. Both in their teen years, Malcolm and Joel are intelligent people with autism who often find it difficult to connect their bodies with their thoughts.

Kari (left), Joel (middle)

Joel first arrived at Little Bit at the age of eight for hippotherapy and continues to be non-speaking. Kari, Joel’s mom, noticed a positive change in Joel from the beginning. After a month of hippotherapy, he could put on his own socks and his core strength improved quickly! Given Joel’s hypersensitivity, especially around his head, his ability to put on a helmet each and every visit is yet another positive effect. Today, as an adaptive rider, he can turn his head towards whomever is speaking to him, often making “amazing” eye contact. Each ride helps with his ability to understand, plan, and carry out a skilled act in the correct sequence from beginning to end. Kari elaborates by stating that adaptive riding gives Joel “real purpose for following directions, such as ‘Look at letter K [on the arena wall]’ while steering his horse.” Even their unmounted lessons, held when the temperatures didn’t allow riding to take place, provided great opportunities for following two or three-step directions during activities like grooming their horses.

Kari continued, “As a parent, everyone was telling me all the things that Joel could not do. When we arrived at Little Bit, they really believed in him. They all respected him and me as a parent and asked me to be involved. . . Little Bit staff and volunteers seem happy to see us and work with us . . . Once a week there was a place that we could go that believed in Joel—this hasn’t been our experience everywhere . . . When someone uses language that expresses ‘we believe in you’ you get different results. Our kids pick up on attitudes.”

Malcolm (right)

Malcolm first arrived at Little Bit in 2017 at the age of 14 for adaptive riding. According to his dad Chris and stepmom Nicola, one of Malcolm’s greatest challenges is “getting people to understand what he wants and needs. It’s been a long time since Malcolm has had a meltdown. He is much happier and satisfied now, as compared to two years ago.” Today, Malcolm has even added creative dance classes to his weekly schedule!

Acceptance comes from Little Bit horses, too. Chris and Nicola believe that Malcolm’s current horse, Rosie, is the first animal he has shown a true bond with, possibly because she responds to him. There is a partnership there—a give and take. She seems genuinely glad to see him each class, extending her nose to him, and in turn, Malcolm likes giving Rosie carrots and scratches. Besides their bond, Rosie has a lot of swing in her walk, providing sensory input for Malcolm. He has built a true relationship with his horse that is bigger, stronger, and faster than he is- a horse he was once hesitant to pet and feed.

Today, Joel rides Molly, a sensitive mare, and they, too, have formed a bond to the extent that Joel can sense when Molly is not feeling normal. During class, Diana sets up cones in the arena, and Joel has learned to use his body to help steer Molly, opening a whole new way of riding for him. He turns his head, shoulders, and hips and applies slight pressure through his legs. Kari continued, “Working with the horses makes Joel feel ‘accomplished’ . . .  As a parent, when you see your child overcome fears, it’s amazing!”

Diana (left), Malcolm (right)

Diana begins each class with a plan but quickly adjusts to the boys’ needs on that day. She spoke about her experience teaching Malcolm and Joel. “Adaptive riding is a way for them to feel a sense of autonomy with the ultimate goal for them to ride independently: unclipped and steering by themselves . . . I really feel honored to be able to teach them. They have taught me about slowing down, the value of being in the moment, and the importance of paying attention to everything that is happening.” The boys learn through experience how horses respond and what their horses’ limitations are—lessons that can be applied to their interactions with people. Diana, Kari, Chris, and Nicola look forward to the day when they can ride without a horse leader.

Communicating with a child or adult who is non-speaking presents many challenges to overcome. Their body language does not always accurately represent what they are feeling. For example, Kari said, “If you give Joel two choices, he sometimes points to the one he doesn’t want.” He began using a letterboard in 2016, a tool to help him communicate with others by spelling his wants and needs but also to convey his intelligence, emotions, and everyday thoughts. Today, Joel can complete grade level academics and have full conversations. Suddenly, a door opened to greater learning opportunities, less frustration, and stronger relationships. When Kari sidewalks next to him and Molly during an adaptive riding class, she carries his letterboard. Joel spells out words he wants to convey, and Kari reads them aloud. At Kari’s suggestion, Chris and Nicola recently introduced Malcolm to using a letterboard, and his use of this new tool continues to improve.

Joel (left), Kari (middle), Diana (right)

A very special friendship has formed between Malcolm and Joel, another reason everyone looks forward to their adaptive riding classes. Since being introduced in 2018, Joel has become Malcolm’s first true friend, and their friendship is one of the things that Diana focuses on during class. Like many Little Bit riders and patients, their favorite activity is a trail ride, a time to find and notice things in the outdoors. Doing exercises in parallel allows the boys to connect with each other; they play leapfrog while riding their horses around the outdoor track, making great eye contact with each other. At the end of their class, together they return their bridles to the tack barn and prepare their trays of carrot treats for Rosie and Molly.

When asked to share a message to donors who make Little Bit experiences possible for Malcolm, Joel, and so many others, Kari said, “As a parent, I have a tremendous amount of gratitude to those that donate. I believe Little Bit is a beam of hope in the lives of people with special needs . . . Their time at Little Bit helps them be healthier, have a greater quality of life, and be more independent, and therefore require less costly care as adults. I wish everyone who donates could see their smiles. There can’t be a price tag on hope.” Joel replied to a similar question, using his letterboard, by saying, “I want donors to know that I am grateful to them because their gift is their way of believing in me.”

Thank you to Malcolm, Joel, Kari, Chris, Nicola, and Diana, for sharing their story.

Written by Sharon Soldenwagner