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16 Feb

A note from one of our ICS Volunteers….

Author: cinmic

MichaelMaddieAs the host for the ICS day I wasn’t sure what to expect on many levels. What would Michael be like in person? How would the kids like his program? How would our veterans do in dealing with the kids from all walks of life and physical conditions? How would the horses do?

All these worries were calmed when we met Michael. The kids arrived rough tough and ready to challenge the program and the task put before them. Loud and mouthy the kids quickly got soft and quiet, interested, attentive and respectful when in minutes of Michael speaking. When they were introduced to the first horse they smiled, became even more attentive, questions flew and everyone wanted to be the first to touch.

As the day progressed the kids came together as a unit ONE unit, the toughest kid helped the weakest by choice not direction. The hard crusty girl became soft and pleasant and asked not demanding any longer.Crutches We had one child in a wheelchair and one on crutches, I was worried they wouldn’t feel welcomed by the other kids. NOPE not so, the other kids carried chairs for one to sit in, water as it was a hot day, and the loudest cheers when they climbed the leap of faith ladder higher than them, gentle hands to help them climb the wall of hay, and truly caring smiles exchanged.

There were lasting friendships formed between the veterans, the kids, and the horses used and we are very excited about our up coming season.IMG_5318

 

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