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FARMINGTON -- A woman who runs a therapeutic horse riding program for disabled children and adults won this week's High 5. Cindy Becker is so passionate about her volunteer work that she has made serious sacrifices to keep the program going.
Cindy is an occupational therapist with specialization in neurodevelopmental treatment. She runs the non-profit enterprise Therapeutic Assets, which holds riding sessions at Buffalo Ranch in Farmington.
She's the most selfless person I've ever met in my life.
–Valerie Duffin
Cindy says participants' experiences on the therapy horses are the closest many of them will ever come to walking.
"Cindy's amazing," said volunteer Valerie Duffin. "She's the most selfless person I've ever met in my life. She just really cares so much about the kids and the people here."
Cindy said, "We've been able to get kids who have maxed out their insurance benefits or their ability to work in the clinic. They come here and they think it's fun. We get amazing things done."
According to Cindy, the program costs $33,000 annually. Last year, the Deseret News reported the $200 fee she charges for about a dozen weeks of therapy doesn't begin to cover her costs. She's so passionate about keeping it going that she has mortgaged her home twice and cares for the horses on her own, all while dealing with lupus.
As a thank you, Cindy received a gift basket from our High 5 sponsors, Les Schwab.
If you know someone who deserves a High 5, nominate them here.
