For centuries, the horse has been utilized for travel purposes, sport, recreation, and work. Now, horses are helping youngsters with special needs gain a new perspective on life. Project R.I.D.E. is a non-profit program in Elk Grove. It stands for Riding Instruction Designed for Education. Every participant has either a physical or developmental disability, but the program focuses on the children's abilities rather than their disabilities. A team of volunteers and instructors are dedicated to improving the students' physical, emotional, and social well being through therapeutic horseback riding. Therapeutic riding helps improve posture, coordination, mathematical and language skills, and above all self-image. Program Director Chris McParland says, "When you transfer a child from a wheelchair to a horse's back, what a great motivational opportunity to get a different view of the world and improve their self-esteem." With upbeat music and the help of enthusiastic volunteers, the students do a wide variety of physical exercises. The constant verbal interaction helps increase language skills. Parents of Project R.I.D.E. participants say the results are amazing. Barbara Keeler is the proud mother of Jessica who has spastic cerebral palsy. Barbara says, "When I look at the videos from the first time I videotaped her to now, it's just really remarkable. It has helped Jennifer's balance a lot. She didn't have good balance before." Project R.I.D.E. is a fully accredited program with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Chris McParland at Jessie Baker School at (916) 686-7703. If you have additional questions or comments about this story, please E-mail Producer Allison Lund Thompson at athompson@kvie.org.