Wherever she goes her white cane precedes her, gently tapping the ground with the rhythm of a metronome. Shelley is blind. I watched with fascination as step by measured step she explored the ranch. I couldn't help but wonder what it must be like, how hard it would be to understand a world you could not see.
     Today was to be her maiden voyage—her first ride. We chose a young horse named River to carry her. He was a small bay Arabian gelding who was frightened of nothing. His easygoing personality resembled more that of a seasoned twenty-year-old than his scant four years. I felt that his kind and relaxed manner would suit Shelley well.
     Under the gently guidance of Elishah and Rachel, two of our senior staff, Shelley led River into the arena. She was helped off the top step of the mounting block and into the saddle. Before River began to move, Shelley asked with simple innocence, "What does it feel like to ride?"
     Elishah and Rachel pondered her question for a moment before widely returning with, "Why don't you tell us?" With that they began to lead River around the arena. The leaders watched with deep satisfaction as pure wonder began to shape the blind girl's expression.
     In silence the little team walked nearly an entire lap before Shelley spoke. Her eyes fluttered closed and she tipped her chin upward as if trying to catch the breeze on her cheeks. "I can tell I am really high up in the air," she finally said in a soft voice rich with imagination. Her eyes remained closed. "It's very windy up here. I feel like I could fly. Yes, if I put my wings out and fly, I can feel all my troubles blowing away."

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