Heaven's Very Special Child

 

A meeting was held quite far from earth "It's time again for another birth" said the Angels to the Lord above, "This special child will need much love" His progress may seem very slow. Accomplishments he may not show And he'll require extra care From the folks he meets way down there. He may not run or laugh or play His thoughts may seem quite far away In many ways he won't adapt And he'll be known as handicapped.

So lets be careful where he's sent We want his life to be content Please, Lord, find the parents who Will do a special job for you. They will realize right away The leading role they're asked to play But with this child sent from above Comes strong faith and rich love. And soon they'll know the privilege given In caring for this gift from heaven. Their precious child so meek and mild. Is Heavens Very Special Child! -Edna Massimilla

What’s Happening…

A Boy, A Horse, and just a guy! 

Braden Finklea is a 14 year old boy with RTS. We came to Trugon Ranch in Whitewright, Texas about six months ago with the intentions of having David Mitchell (a horse trainer)  tune up a retired racehorse for Braden.  What we didn't know was that Braden would find a best friend in another horse that belonged to David.

Tank is a six year old  quarter horse that had been trained for cutting, as well as having a lot of training using the Parelli method that David uses. Tank is trained to be able to ride bridless and work off leg pressure by David, he is a extremely trained horse.  

Normally Braden would watch David while he worked the horses but on one particular day , Braden got up from the porch swing and headed out into the arena. David was hot on Braden's trail, concerned that he would get hurt but what David saw was Tank, lower his head in submission to Braden as they began to get to know each other.

I stood back and watched Braden calmly begin to touch tank and for tank to begin to interact with Braden. There is no doubt that there was an immediate bond between the two. It was that day that we changed our direction and David began private lessons with Braden and Tank on a weekly basis, sometimes twice a week when time allowed.

David has something that not all trainers have, the ability to connect with the horse and the ability to connect Braden and Tank. All of the activities that they do, have a underlying reason. They help him with balance, posture, coordination, motor development as well communication which is Braden's biggest need.

Since Braden has a pretty short attention span,  I am surprised as time goes on, the longer that Tank has his attention. Braden can now lead Tank through a obstacle course, stopping and starting him with words. Following David's instructions he gets better each week.

I watched Braden go from a nervous boy that was not sure of himself to a boy who knows that Tank is his horse and that he will follow him anywhere. Braden, with David's guidance has become a leader for Tank, I did not know could ever happen. As far as David is concerned, Tank is Braden's horse and nothing can replace the unconditional love that he gives them both.

David gives his time to Braden without any financial support and never asks for anything in return. He says Braden has taught him what is truly important in this world and that there is truly power in Braden. 

There is a video I would like to share that was posted on You Tube about the three of them called, A boy, A Horse, and just a guy! I would like to bring attention to Tank and to the work that David Mitchell does at Trugon Ranch with Braden as it has made a huge impact on his life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlDnhXNcKYc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

Thank You,

Claudia Finklea

 

 

 

 

Heaven’s Very Special Child C 1956 2004 by Edna Massimilla, This is Our Life.   

All rights reserved.. Words and artwork may not be sold, or reproduced without the written permission of author or agent.. Please send request to the following address….Heaven’s Very Special Child, Inc.  Po Box 21, Hatboro, Pa. 19040.