07/22/2025
THESE. ARE. THE. MOMENTS 🙌🏼
These are the moments when I’m beyond grateful and proud to be a teacher.
These are the moments when I can’t help but fight back tears of joy.
These are the moments when I know what we do, MAKES A DIFFERENCE 💞
Meet Zion-
Zion started riding horses with me when she was just 18 months old. Megan, (previously titled as foster Mom), was brave enough to sign her up for horseback riding lessons and walk along side the horse with us- through the mud puddles and dodging p**p piles the whole way. But for Zion, it was just another walk in the park. She was content signing to the horse “walk on”, clapping to show her excitement, then watching the butterflies and dogs pass by and waving to every horse along the trail.
Fast forward to 3 year old Zion who has been riding now for half of her life-
A few short weeks after finalizing her adoption and taking on the official Mom status, Megan, was brave enough to stand by- on the porch- and wave back to Zion as we walked past without a side walker.
For any other student, this may seem like a small feat… but for Zion, it’s a whole new world of independence and opens the path to a new level of possibilities. Aside from her foster journey, Zion has Down Syndrome. As for many with a similar diagnosis, it does NOT come with built-in limitations!
Zion now has developed core strength to control her balance on the horse and has been taking more steps as an independent rider. She has started holding the horn of the saddle to stabilize herself while walking up and down hills. Zion even loves to go “All Around The World” and ride backwards! And to prove her determination, she’s taking on another huge task as an equestrian and leading her horse back to the barn!
Zion and her mom, Megan, have a fearless spirit and amazing outlook on what adventures life holds with Special Needs. There’s no shortage of love, admiration and support from our friends and farm crew- animals included of course 🦄
Stay tuned for more STRIDES 💞🦄🥰
