Cole’s journey with the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center began when he was just five years old. His mom remembers watching her tiny child ride a powerful horse for the first time and being moved to tears. Over the years, CTRC has become one of the most important parts of his life. He can name every horse he has ridden and spends time at home looking through photos of them between lessons.

For Cole, equine-assisted services provide something truly special. “He has trouble communicating, but it just feels like his whole world comes together when he has equine therapy. You can see it on his face. Cole’s smile is genuine and radiates. He smiles when he is at CTRC,” his mom shared. “He talks about it all the time. He just loves it. It is his favorite thing.”

Due to his disability, there are some activities Cole is not able to participate in, but riding is something he can do, and it has been life-changing. His mom believes part of what makes it so meaningful is that riding feels unique and special. “Not everyone rides horses,” she said. “We are grateful for the opportunity for Cole to be able to do this.”