My sister, brother and I began taking riding lessons when I was 10 years old. Over the years (41 in total), I have owned and free leased horses and taken lessons on and off. In order to raise a family of three daughters, I took time off from the horses, but never lost my love for them. I began volunteering at a theraputic riding center 7 years ago with my middle daughter, Erin, to share a common interest, spend time together and have the opportunity to be around horses again.

I volunteered by helping in the barn and walking in lessons and was very moved by the "magical" things I saw happen between the horse and rider. Children that would never consider hugging another human being, would love spending time hugging and petting the horse that was theirs for 1 hour a week. I decided I wanted to be a theraputic riding instructor and make a difference in the life of those with disabilities throught the use of a horse.

As a therapeutic riding instructor I received a call from a nursing home wondering if our center could bring a horse or pony to their facility to visit with the residents. For liability reasons this was not possible, but I thought it would be a great way to be able to share the "magic and smiles" of our equine friends with others.

One of our very dedicated and wonderful volunteers at Upreach Therapeutic Riding Center, Kathy, told me about Personal Ponies and I shared my ideas with her about what I would like to be able to do for others with a cute, round, friendly pony. Kathy put me in touch with Marianne, the Executive Director, and Gail the state director. Everything happens for a reason and within 2 weeks Amy was traveling to NJ to pick up Erin's Felipe of Snowdown.

Felipe and I became Registered Pet Partner with the Delta Society in May of 2003, scoring a perfect 100! We have since visited Crotched Mountain Rehab, nurising homes Manchester Public Schools, Center Woods Elementary School and have walked in several parades.

Felipe is an amazing pony and loves what he does-spreading smiles to others and sharing his magic!

If you would like to visit Felipe at the Upreach Therapeutic Riding Center or talk to Kristen about a visit you can reach Kristen by phone at:

(603) 487-1071

email Kristen at cabin15@verizon.net

or write to Kristen McGraw and Felipe at:

219 McCollum Rd

New Boston, NH 03070