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Horseback therapy inspires special needs riders
Published 2007 GMT (0407 HKT) November 29, 2016
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Top 10 CNN Hero for 2016 Harry Swimmer founded Mitey Riders, an organization that provides free, certified equine-assisted therapy to young people with a range of disabilities, including muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome and autism. KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
After Swimmer retired from the insurance industry, he and his wife turned their lucrative for-profit horse farm into a nonprofit oasis for children with special needs. KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
Swimmer talks with Alex, 13, before his riding class at Misty Meadows Farm in Weddington, North Carolina. KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
The idea to start Mitey Riders came from Swimmer's chance encounter with a girl with cerebral palsy in a grocery store parking lot more than 20 years ago. KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
Harry Swimmer helps place John, 13, on his horse for a group riding class, with help from his mother, Joy Simon and Jenny Tsering. KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
Since 2004, Swimmer's organization has hosted more than 800 children on his North Carolina farm. KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
"Horses are very special animals," Swimmer, said. "(They) are attuned to these children." KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
Recognizing how expensive raising a child with disabilities can be, Swimmer says Mitey Riders "never will charge for what we do as long as I'm able to run this program." KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
Swimmer, now age 87, says he intends to continue his work with Mitey Riders for many years to come. KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
Swimmer stands on the farm with some of his volunteers and staff. Mitey Riders has the assistance of about 200 volunteers who help out on the farm each week. KRISANNE JOHNSON for CNN
