80 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
that the minis wear on therapeutic visits
to nursing homes, schools or libraries,
so the seven living with them stand in as
models for frequent costume fttings.
At libraries, the minis - and even
Jennifer - dress in costume to act out
stories to encourage children to read.
Dressing in costume has been a challenge
for Jennifer; but it has really helped her
to overcome her shyness and open up.
“Costumes are a new thing for me; but
I’m getting used to it,” she said. When
dressed in a sock hop outft at a retirement
home, many residents excitedly told her,
“I used to have a skirt just like that!”
Other costumes that this willing volunteer
has worn include a princess outft and a
cowgirl outft. “Just last week, I was Thing
One!” she admits. “I put on a blue wig and
everything.”
What would motivate a busy college
student who doesn’t like calling attention
to herself to put on crazy costumes and
devote so much time to miniature horse
therapy? “I enjoy it. It’s unusual and it’s
fun. It makes me happy to see someone
else happy,” Jennifer explained. There
is a more personal reason for her work,
as well. “I have a special needs sister
and she really enjoys it.” Jennifer’s
sister accompanies Gentle Carousel on
their therapy outings and the two sisters
love spending time together bonding
over something that they both enjoy --
miniature horses.
Jennifer has had many highlights
during her work with Gentle Carousel;
but one special highlight was visiting the
Sidney Lanier School, the school her
sister attended before she graduated. “I
don’t think I’ve ever seen people happier
to see miniature horses,” she said.
Another experience that stands out in
her mind is a visit to a young boy named
Joseph who suffered from Pompe, a
rare form of muscular dystrophy. During
the visit, Jennifer couldn’t tell if the boy
was enjoying himself or not because his
expression wasn’t easy to read. About a
week later, Gentle Carousel received a
letter from Joseph stating that their visit
had been one of the best moments of his
entire life. “I’ve got goose bumps right
now thinking about it,” Jennifer said. It’s
moments like these that show her how
much her volunteer work is really making
a difference in the lives of people in need.
About the writer: April Leonard is spending
the summer as an intern for Sidelines
Magazine before beginning her senior year
of college. She is working toward a degree in
Equine Business Management at Cazenovia
College in Cazenovia, New York.
All photos by Debbie Garcia-Bengochea