Aristotle said it over two thousand years ago.
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and do good.”
I have been lucky enough to find a beautiful place to volunteer. Kachina’s Place is a therapeutic riding center for individuals with special needs. They provide a variety of equestrian experiences to those facing life challenges. But Kachina’s Place is so much more than that. I call it my happy place.
Here I receive as much benefit as I provide. Regardless of wether I am scooping manure and feeding horses or helping a special needs client with a lesson, my life is enriched. Calm and peacefulness is everywhere at the ranch. Clients come to Kachina’s Place to practice yoga, perform barn chores, learn teamwork, balance and responsibility. They learn horsemanship skills, and perhaps most importantly, they learn to give back to others.
I believe if live well you must give well. Since I retired from teaching I’ve missed the daily contact with children and adults with special needs. Here At Kachina’s Place I am refueled. My soul is satisfied and I feel a sense of purpose.
I love each of the beautiful horses and minis at the ranch and they each have a unique story of how they came to Kachina’s Place to live a life of happiness and service to others. There is Ruby, the reluctant racehorse who didn’t like running but really loves to be brushed and is as sweet as she is beautiful.
Then there is Kiko, the abandoned Appaloosa who is now specially trained to be ridden by very inexperienced riders. Kiko, which means Happiness in Japanese has a gift of gentleness around young children.
Because horses are animals of prey, they are keenly aware of their surroundings and can act as a mirror of human emotions. When you consider the enormous size of a horse and their heightened sensitivity and empathy for those around them and you have the perfect therapy animal.
National Save A Horse Day is April 26. If you are interested in helping a worthwhile charity that helps those that can not always help themselves please consider a donation to Kachina’s Place.
