CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — Competition day is important to Chagrin Valley Farms, and the trainers, students and families of Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center.
They're all here for the Riders with Disabilities horse show, part of the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic.
Winni Spisak is an instructor at Fieldstone. She knows just how much these horses mean to their riders.
"If the student comes a little nervous, or maybe not having a good day, the horse will show it. If the student then starts to relax, you'll see the horse relax too," Winni said. "They like mirror our emotions in a lot of ways."
It's something only a horse and its rider understand. Stephen Sydenstricker was a big winner in the carriage driving event.
"It takes a lot of practice," he told us.
And not just a little practice ... Stephen's been practicing for 26 years.
"Steven has something called Fragile X syndrome," his mom, Jeanne, said. "I think everyone you see here today and throughout the entire program will have a sense of caring for the participants and for each other. And they are an amazing team."
Teams, that include Jeeval Nadar and her favorite horse, "Tex."
"Tex, he's awesome. He's fun and chaotic and funny," she told us.
Jeeval's mom, Niketa Chheda, says her riding routine is engrained in her.
"She's done this for the last 15 plus years. So, it's, again, it's just part of her constitution right now," Niketa said.
It's also part of the lifelong friends she's made through Fieldstone. Right by her side, is her best buddy, Hannah Kensil. The two have been friends for most of their lives.
"It's me, Hannah, I got the two ribbons I deserve!" Hannah excitedly told us.
And, just like any other competition, Jeeval and Hannah were cheering each other on.
"The teachers are phenomenal. Fieldstone could not be more of a perfect fit for her. They work on emotional needs, as well as physical needs, in the horse riding," Hannah's mom, Julie, said.
Here's what you need to know about Fieldstone: Everyone is welcome ... no matter their challenges, age, or skill level.
In this equine world, it's all about healing, partnership and bonds that they'll share forever.
"That's all kids with special needs really want ... is to be accepted. And this program gives them the benefit of being their best self, you know, being their best at whatever it is that they wanna be." Julie said.
To learn more about Chagrin Valley Farms, click HERE.
To learn more about Fieldstone Therapeutic Riding Center, click HERE.
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