A Saddle, a Horse and a Path to Confidence

VOORHEESVILLE, N.Y. -- Andy Hooley cowered from the corral, refusing to ride the horse.
"Come on, Andy," said Eddie O'Hearn, encouraging the young man with Down syndrome to saddle up. "This is what it's all about. This is your job."
Stepping reluctantly inside the enclosure, Hooley stood on the mounting block and petted the chestnut horse named Oscar, whose Rocky Mountain breed is known for its gentleness. Suddenly Hooley burst with confidence and shouted, "I'm going to do it!"