For my Bat Mitzvah project I wanted to do something that combined two things I loved: horses, and my friend Kayla. Kayla is a 3 ½-year-old sweet girl with Angelman Syndrome. Kayla can’t talk; she can only walk with the help of a special walker, but when she rides horses she’s so happy. People who know me know that I really love animals. I first visited Pony Power with Kayla because I wanted to watch her ride and I wanted a chance to see the horses. But I was so amazed at how much Kayla gained from riding. The kids I saw on my visits were so happy and it made me feel so good to see how therapeutic horses can be for kids. I chose this organization as my Bat Mitzvah project because I’d love to give other special needs children the opportunity to ride as well.

According to their website, Pony Power Therapies is a nonprofit organization giving special needs and at-risk children and adults a unique opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses. Their riding and non-riding activities enhance individuals’ physical, social and emotional well-being in a safe, nurturing farm environment.

During each 30-minute session, riders are paired with one Pony Power instructor and two trained volunteers, and the therapeutic riding focuses on teaching each child to ride a horse within his or her ability. Many kids can get better focus, flexibility, balance and motor skills from riding, and all riders leave with a smile.

I think everyone should be able to live their life to the fullest, regardless of their abilities, and Pony Power helps make that happen.

So far I’ve raised almost enough money to send two children to a semester each at Pony Power. Because therapy is not done in one session, but rather 10–12 week semesters, the money I raise can really make a difference in a few kids’ lives. I’m working with Chai Lifeline and i-Shine to identify kids who could benefit, and I hope to attend a few of their sessions so I can see how the money I’m raising is helping them.

Please visit http://ponypower.causevox.com to learn more about Pony Power or donate to my project.

Bari Diamond is in sixth grade at Yeshivat Noam in Paramus, NJ. She lives in Teaneck with her two sisters and parents, Stefanie and Matt Diamond, and their Whoodle puppy Charli. Bari plays piano and softball and loves all things pertaining to animals.

By Bari Diamond