Truly inspiring and heartwarming!
source: WCNC
CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — What started as a joke between Brenda Ward and a caregiver at a retirement community turned into a dream come true for the senior amputee last week.
Conni Ortega, who works at Abernethy Laurels in Newton, said Ward mentioned something about “getting on the back of a horse and riding away” one day.
Conni Ortega
“I knew we had a program that helped grant resident’s dreams,” said Ortega. “I remember telling Brenda that I thought I could make this happen for her.”
Abernethy Laurels
Ward was nominated then selected for the “Grant a Dream” program through United Church Homes and Services. The next step was finding a horse.
That’s where Rising Hope Farms, a non-profit therapeutic riding facility in Claremont, came into the picture.
Gail Wartner
“If there is a group of people who understand limitations and the strong desire to ride a horse, it is our amazing volunteers.”
Rising Hope Farms
Brenda Ward
“This is one of the best days I have had in a long time. I just don’t want it to end.”
Senior “Equestrian”
Calamity Jane