Six years ago my son Arthur was born with cerebral palsey.  After almost two years of therapy he still wasn't sitting.  At the time I had an old horse that was being used in the children's horse ministry at rancho el camino.  I cringe to admit it now knowing what I know,  but I bungy corded him into the saddle and took him for a walk.  He was doubled over wwith his face buried in the mane, but he was so happy.  The horse had always made him really excited.  It only took a few steps before I noticed that Arthur was trying to sit up.  Arthur has been riding 4 years and now is able to ride alone.  He sits runs climbs steps as well.

I know that equine therapy is not a magic cure but after seeing how it motivated Arthur to use what he was learning in traditional therapy, I wanted to share it with other kids.  We did two week long clinics at Rancho el Camino with Ruth Njordsky a Path certified therapist and Victor Jiminez of CAM 8 de Octubre, Arthur's therapist and a partner in Ninos Arriba.  We all learned a lot but ultimately the ranch was too far away.

In the meantime Raymundo Vargas whose ranch is in San Nicolas sent down a pony for Arthur and "the kids of La Paz". I was obliged to put something into action.  Actually this pony did put things into action.  In looking for a trainer for her I met Martin Lucero a well known horseman, trainer and jockey from Del Valle.  He has agreed to oversee the care of our horses.  He was also instrumental in procuring the lot next to his stable for us to have a safe nearby place for the therapies.  Thanks to our partner Steve Martin coveringthe rent of the facility we wrer able to begin right away.

We bought our first horse with a donation. The other horses were loaned by Lupita Fischer of La Paz a licensed hippotherapist who is no longer able to work due to injuries.  Her generous spirit and encouragement have taken us a long way towards helping " her kids".   Incidentally,Lupita was Victor's hippotherapy instructor.
We began our Therapy sessions two weeks ago and have served 6 kids  with disabilities ranging from cerebral palsey to autism.   Several disabled adults have also ridden at Ninos Arriba and we hope  to reach more in the future. We also are working with neighborhood kids in hopes that they will become  volunteers in the program.

Our kids are doing wonderfully.  But perhaps the most remarkable change has been in the neighborhood kids.  One in particular named Ricky made fun of  the kids with disabilities.  I knew he was a great rider already and so I told him I needed him to work with a particularly difficult horse for me.  He came in and rode and the next day he showed up with a Power aide to share with the very kids he was making fun of.

I hate to ask for money for something that is such a blessing to me but horses have to eat and we want to keep our costs for the therapy low and to provide scholarships when they are needed.  So thanks for your support.

Ninos Arriba is a ministry of Crossroads Christian Fellowship.  I am  greatful for the encouragement wisdom and love of Christ that Crossroads sends my way.  Thanks to my partners Bob and Lily Williams and Pat and Melany Glover all all the other volunteers.