By ROGER HARRISON | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: A first-time visitor to a Wednesday Open Skies riding class for disabled children murmured, “It must be done for love, ‘cause it’s not done for money.”

Those few words summed up the atmosphere and raison d’être for the existence of the organization that gives children with both physical and mental difficulties a chance to face a challenge that in every case improves their condition.

Perhaps the closest bond developed between man and beast is the millennia-old relationship between man and horse. Beast of burden and war, and vehicle for the spread of whole cultures, especially Islam, this remarkable animal has a unique and unexplained ability.

It is to develop a little understood communication and bond with disabled humans, children in particular.

It has been known about for over two and a half millennia. So well recognized is it that in the US it is heavily funded and claimable on medical insurance.

“My dream is to see this invaluable therapy that gives so much to those who have difficulties fully funded,” mused Judy Houry who runs the organization.

Three years on from Houry’s expression of hope and that security has yet to materialize. However, volunteer help is at hand. Motivated by a keen desire to help where they can and a love of the children and horses they supervise, they turn up and an atmosphere of sheer fun develops. Most precious of all is the benefit that the young riders get from the exercises on the horses. It helps them significantly in mind and body.

Recent recruits to Houry’s regiment of volunteers came from an unexpected quarter. Corporate Social Responsibility is a dry-sounding term; Starbucks Team prefers to think of it as, “promoting interaction between us and the community.”

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Proudly wearing his new riding hat, autistic Omar surveys the world from atop long time favorite mount Shrub. (AN photo)