Quiet and tentative, the 9 year old girl held her breath in nervous anticipation as she approached the side of the small bay mare. Although she was reassured by the shorter stature of this gentle horse compared to the others towering over her nearby, she couldn't help but wonder if she would do something wrong to cause the mare to abruptly toss her off. With the help of the instructor, she was hoisted quickly and easily into the saddle. And then suddenly, all of the nervous insecurity, the worry, the apprehension...dissipated. Between the sweet and welcome horse smell and the coarse, thick feel of the black mane near her hand, this unsure girl felt a surreal sense of freedom and delight as the horse began to amble slowly beneath her. For there, on the back of her trusty steed, she was living a dream.

So many years later, not much has changed for me. I still hold my breath in nervous excitement as I swing my leg over my horse's back. As an insecure and somewhat awkward 9 year old girl, the barn and my lessons there offered some of my happiest memories. The smell alone was enough to send me into waves of delirious euphoria. Something about those majestic animals allowing me, of all people, to pet them, ride them, learn from them...it was incredible.

I watched a story recently on CBS news about Molly, a pony rescued after hurricane Katrina, who suffered a debilitating attack by a pit bull. Her leg was lost and her owner was certain she would have to be put down. But Molly had a hope and resilience that no one counted on...and she now stands as one of the few horses with a prosthetic leg. Molly proved everyone wrong and although she is starkly different from most horses, her willing spirit would never indicate it. More than this, with her courage Molly has inspired kids few others could reach. A young boy who lost a leg to bone cancer found courage in Molly's brave persistence. He recognized that she was different, just like him. And with that one encounter, he returned to school and put his fears and worry behind him.

I believe animals, especially horses, have a tremendous ability to counsel and console. Although I was spared disease or physical limitations as a child, I experienced firsthand the courage and joy one can receive from these beautiful creatures. And now that I've had firsthand experience with a rescue horse, I can see how they have even more to offer. These are horses who know what it's like to go without...to be neglected, abandoned...unloved. Their ability to overcome and trust again is a powerful lesson to us all. Their very will to keep living after all they have endured is inspiring.

Imagine the impact some of these horses could have on a child struggling - be it physically or emotionally. Children, like animals, are unable to control their environment or what happens to them. The horses who overcome these trials and adversities stand as a living, breathing inspiration for children. The horses don't judge. And for the child on the receiving end of their gentle trust, an invaluable experience is sure to be had.

If only we could all live this way. Life is sure to beat and batter us and yet, we can overcome. And who knows who we might inspire and encourage along the way.