In 1997 Pat and John Wagner rescued an abused horse and nursed him back to health. Little did they know that this would be the begining of a herd of 30 horses now located at the Painted Pony Ranch halfway between Higuera Blanca and Punta Negra. Last week David Wood And I accompanied Pat Wagner and several parents of children at the special education school in Bucerias for the Kid's special date at the ranch. Pat and her Husband John travel from Puerto Vallarta every Wednesday morning to pick up four or five children and their parents and take the kids horseback riding. there are over 40 children in the school and they are rotated every week over a six-to-eight-week course. Some of the children have cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome or are blind, autistic or have difficulty coordinating.

It was really a wonderful sight to see the smiles on their faces as they were lifted onto the horses and led around the pasture by their parent and a helper. this ride teaches the children how to balance as well as gives them an opportunity to get outdoors. During our visit, some children cried when they had to leave the backs of the horses.

It cost around 1,500 dollars a year to maintain and feed each horse and Pat and John have donated most of the funds. their daughters, 14 years-old Angela and 17 years old Jenny Lynn also pitch in to help groom and feed the horses.

If you are interested in helping walk the horses or making a donation for this cause, contact Pat or John Wagner at (322) 225 1968 or paintedparadise@yahoo.com.