May 16, 2012
Thanks to the kindness of Grand Island Sheriff's Posse members and volunteers, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, along with their little brothers and sisters, enjoyed rides and had a fun, friendly encounter with horses.
At 80, riding program founder Don Nealon is now sharing his love of horses with those who otherwise would not have such an opportunity.
Don Nealon: "That was my main goal, was to set it up for kids that have no other way to ride a horse and, you know, be around horses. Most kids all enjoy horses, but they don't get the chance, to get...the chance to ride them."
Don started the riding program with the Hall County Sheriff's Posse fifteen years ago. The posse originally worked to assist law enforcement, but they're now mainly involved in community service.
They introduce horses and horse riding to Grand Island area international exchange students, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and of course, their little brothers and sisters.
Big Brother Don Mays says that, more than just riding, there are life lessons to be learned from our four-legged friends: "They have to be real patient, and real kind to the animal...a lot of mutual respect."
Don's little brother Jaden Dinuzzo says that while riding his steed, he learned about composure, and the attitude required to surmount a challenge: "Keep calm, and nothing wrong would happen if I kept my calm."
