Soul and Saddle
Student-led equine program supporting neurodiverse children in Shanghai

Horses have evolved from tools of agriculture and transportation to cherished companions that thrive on connection with humans. Unlike the past, our relationship with horses today is balanced, founded on shared needs and care. Domesticated horses rely on humans as they cannot endure the wild. They also face health issues such as susceptibility to injury. They need proper care, such as hoof trimming, vet checks, and a carefully managed diet.
For me, horses are partners in life, a friend, an equal friend that brings calm and stability. Through Riding for the Disabled (RDA), I've seen firsthand how these gentle giants inspire disabled children, building their confidence as they complete rides.
But it is not just us who benefit. Horses need companionship too. Mango, one of my favorite horses, relaxes during massages, sometimes nearly falling asleep. It's moments like these that shows the bond between a horse and a rider: trust, care, and mutual healing.
By learning how to nurture them, how to love them, we forge a relationship that is as much about giving as it is receiving.