Alexandra Bogdanovic's Blog: That's life... - Posts Tagged "children"

Anyone who has read my book or anyone who knows me personally knows how much I love horses.
On any given summer weekend you can find me photographing a high-goal polo match in Greenwich or Bridgehampton. If I'm not there, you might catch me shooting a horse show -- especially if my buddy (and American silver medalist) Peter Leone is competing. But nothing beats volunteering in a therapeutic riding program.
It's something I've done sporadically over the past thirteen years or so, and something I just started doing again a couple of weeks ago.
A confidentiality agreement precludes me from talking about specific students or their disabilities -- and I wouldn't do that anyway. I can say that generally speaking, students in these types of programs are physically and/or emotionally challenged. Some have minimal disabilities and others are profoundly affected.
Some ride fairly well and others need a lot of support. As a sidewalker, I'm there to do whatever I can to help. Usually that just means walking next to the horse and making sure the rider stays in the saddle. I also have to make sure the student is listening to the certified instructor and following her directions.
It sounds easy but each forty-five minute lesson is tough work for the horses, the students and for us. It's also rewarding for the horses, riders and for us.
By the time I get home after two Thursday afternoon sessions, I'm filthy, hot and exhausted. But for reasons I can't always pinpoint, I'm also immensely happy.
Until next time, "That's life..."