NOV 2010 – Michael M.
Michael M. is a 5th grader at McAlpine Elementary. In addition to being a Mitey Rider he is also an athlete for Special Olympics. Michael plays individual skills basketball and does the 200 meter, 100 meter, and long jump for track and field. He has won many gold and silver medals both at local and state competition. This fall Michael plans to train for soccer. He loves being outdoors and animals so being at Misty Meadows is a very happy and relaxing place for him. Max, a golden retriever, will start training in October as a service dog for Michael. We thank everyone at the farm especially Harry and Marilyn for giving Michael the opportunity to be a Mitey Rider.
OCT 2010 – Johnny C.
Hi! My name is John C. I am 7 years old and in the 2nd Grade at Fairview Elementary School. I live with my three older brothers — Michael, Paul & Daniel — my Mom, Dad, my Grandmama and Grandaddy, my Uncle Francis and my cat, Puddin’. I have been riding at Mitey Riders for 2 1/2 years. I first rode Pepper and now I ride on Chief. I like to call Chief my “Robot Horse.” I wrote a story about Mitey Riders & Chief at school and they made it into a book! I love to read books too, especially Curious George, Clifford and Dr. Seuss. I really like Disney - the movies and especially Walt Disney World. I love to talk about WDW with my sidewalkers during quiet times before my lesson. Goofy’s Barnstormer Roller Coaster is my favorite ride, but I also like Test Track at Epcot!
OCT 2010 – Denni W.
Denni just graduated from high school and has been busy interviewing for jobs. She will be starting in a day program in a few short weeks. Denni loves anything musical and is especially dedicated to anything having to do with Richard Simmons. She spends a lot of time with her friend Brenda going to movies, having cookouts, and attending dances. She has an older sister, Ricki, that takes her on special sister outings. This year celebrates a decade of riding with the Mitey Rider program.
SEPT 2010 – Katie H.
Katie H. has been a Mitey Rider since she was 4 years old. She is 17 years old now, a senior at Hopewell High School in Huntersville, NC, currently looking at colleges and trying to get her learner’s permit so she can drive. Katie was born with Cerebral Palsy which has limited her mobility but has not affected her spirit. She has always had a very positive attitude and is very determined.
She has loved horse back riding since the moment Harry placed her on a horse 13 years ago. She rides on Saturdays at 1:00 in the advanced class. This past summer Katie volunteered at the farm for the summer horse back riding camps that support the Mitey Rider program. She came out to the farm once a week and organized the arts & crafts portion of the camp.
Since participating in a therapeutic riding program and volunteering for therapeutic camps at our local Parks and Rec. office, Katie has decided to make working with special needs kids a part of her career. She is looking towards earning a degree in Recreational Therapy or Human Services. Katie will continue riding and plans on always being involved in the program whether she is a rider or not.
Hi! My name is Anne Wilson. I am an “11th grader” at Metro School this year. I am 17 years old and I have a younger brother, Hill, who is 8. We live in Charlotte with our parents, Ross and Denise. I began riding at Misty Meadows in the summer of 1996. I have been riding Otis the past few years during my Wednesday afternoon class. I always get very excited when we turn down the driveway at the farm. My special volunteers are Miss Eileen and Miss Jean. ALL of the volunteers on Wednesday are wonderful! I like to take walks with my family, go to the beach, play in the pool, and watch old movies. I participate in Music Therapy at Queens University. Rainbow Express camp in the summer is lots of fun, too. I am very blessed to have Meredith, Marion, and Lauren as CAP workers. A big THANK YOU to Harry and Joy and everyone who makes MITEY RIDERS so much FUN!
Tristan has been in the program for 10 years and rides on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. He attends Ardrey Kell High School and is 17 years old. Tristan has had great attachment to his horses through the years. Tristan is a NASCAR fan and had the opportunity to meet Jeff Gordon — his favorite driver. He follows all sports and can tell you when “his” teams are on TV. He plays flag football, bocce and baseball. He even got a hit last year! He loves and misses his big brother Stefan who attends school in Boston. When he is home they are best buddies. Tristan’s greatest trait is perseverance. He tries his best at all he does and lives life with enthusiasm and excitement!
Justin is now 8 years old and loves Mitey Riders! He attends Sandy Ridge Elementary and is in 2nd grade. Justin loves to play sports, play games, read, and he likes trains. He also loves music and sings all of the time and says he wants to be a rock star when he grows up (and then he wants to be President)! Justin lives in Waxhaw with his parents and 1 cat.
Morgan is 22 years old. He loves so many things and each is so special to him. He loves Jimmy, yet speaks of Sonny every Saturday we drive through the gate, as if he were still there. He loves all girls any age. He loves Spiderman 1,2,3 and anxiously awaits completing the set with 4 in 2010. He loves to sing and dance, read the Bible, visit friends in the hospital and read the Bible to them and pray. He loves to visit elderly in nursing homes and play bingo with them or simply talk. But the most exciting of all is to see his brother Chris or even see that he has a “missed” call from Chris. He worships his brother.
Cole is an active 5 ½ year old boy who is in his second year of riding at Misty Meadows.
Cole is very fond of animals. He has a dog and two cats.
Cole enjoys playing baseball, basketball, and pretend play with his neighborhood friend’s.
His favorite subjects in school are PE, writing, reading and math.
Cole also loves playing video games!
My name is Seth and I live in Union county just south of Charlotte. I live with my Mommy and Poppy in a neighborhood full of kids. I like to play with my friends as much as I can. I spend my time reading books and playing with my toys. I also enjoy taking trips with my parents to the library, museums, and zoos (my favorite). This is my second year as a Mitey Rider at Misty Meadows. I love animals so I enjoy meeting and riding the many beautiful horses. Everyone here is so nice to me and my parents tell me that Mitey Riders has helped me to gain the confidence to become the super cool kid I am today. Stop by to meet me… I’m Seth Moore, glad to meet you.
