Fourteen years ago, I met someone who forever changed how I see disabilities—or, as I now prefer to call them, abilities. His name is Zach, and his story is one that continues to inspire me every day.
When I first met Zach, he was in his mid-20s, a proud and determined young man navigating life with a condition that severely impacts his physical mobility. Due to privacy reasons, I can’t share all the details of his disability, but it has left him in a body that struggles to keep up with his mind. Doctors said he’d likely spend his life in a wheelchair, but Zach defies those predictions daily.
Though walking is a constant challenge for him—often relying on a walker or holding onto someone’s arm—Zach insists on moving forward, literally and figuratively. His speech is slowed, and his movements are unsteady, but his spirit burns brighter than anyone I’ve ever met. And as much as Zach fights to walk on his own, it’s when he’s on horseback that his true abilities shine.
The first time I placed Zach on a horse, I was unsure what to expect. What unfolded was nothing short of incredible. On the ground, he struggles to move without stumbling; on horseback, he’s unstoppable. The transformation is immediate. Zach can walk, trot, and even canter—moving with grace, speed, and purpose. The joy on his face when he rides is indescribable. It’s as if the horse becomes an extension of his body, giving him freedom he rarely gets to feel otherwise.
Over the years, Zach has competed in countless Special Olympics events, earning medals of all kinds. But what sets him apart isn’t just his riding skills—it’s his heart. Zach doesn’t just ride horses; he connects with them in a way that leaves everyone watching in awe.
One unforgettable moment happened during a competition. His horse hesitated at an obstacle, unsure of how to proceed. Many riders would have grown frustrated, bypassing the challenge entirely. But not Zach. He leaned forward, gently whispering in the horse’s ear: “It’s okay. Don’t be scared. We’ll get through this—you and I, together.” Moments later, the horse bravely stepped through the obstacle, guided by Zach’s quiet encouragement.
The crowd was silent, and when the horse finally crossed the finish, there wasn’t a dry eye in the arena. That’s the magic of Zach—he doesn’t see limitations, only possibilities. And through his bond with horses, he teaches all of us what it means to persevere.
Working with Zach has reminded me, time and time again, why I do what I do. There’s no better feeling than watching someone who struggles to walk or run on the ground discover the freedom and strength they feel atop a horse. It’s transformative, not just for the rider but for everyone lucky enough to witness it.
Today, Zach is in his 30s. By medical predictions, he shouldn’t even be here—but by God’s grace, he is. And every day that he is, he continues to inspire me with his determination, kindness, and the unshakable bond he shares with horses.
When people ask me why I dedicate my life to equine therapy, I think of Zach. I think of the countless moments when he’s whispered to a nervous horse, or when his face has lit up with pure joy while riding. I think of how horses give him—and so many others—a sense of freedom and confidence they might never otherwise experience.
Zach has taught me that abilities outweigh disabilities, that kindness can move mountains, and that horses have the power to change lives. My life is better because of him, and I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons he’s taught me.
Because of Zach, I know this work matters. And because of horses, I know we can keep making the impossible possible