continued >>
special needs, each experiences this moment in a unique and profound way–the sight of horse-drawn carriages entering the arena, the thunderous sound of horse hooves, the trembling of the earth as carriages pass by the waiting area, the smell of the countryside that envelopes them, the pumpkin patch where they will be taken to by horse-drawn carriage to pick from a field of preschool-sized pumpkins.
As the turnouts stand poised and ready for their special passengers, volunteers work to prepare each participant for his/her experience by fitting helmets and practicing commands or hand movements. Each participant is escorted into the arena to first greet his or her volunteer team, but the greatest excitement is in greeting the horse.