Children born with chronic disabilities often grow up as passive subjects, con-fined to hospitals, "special" classes and other restrictive situations. As they grow and mature, they want to become doers, not just observers; they dream of participating and contributing. Ironstone Farm is a working farm founded in 1960 to raise and train horses. In the '70s and '80s, "hippotherapy" (the use of horses for physical therapy) gained followers -- because, for example, sitting on a walking horse can have many of the same benefits for the rider as normal walking: increasing strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and determination. Ironstone accordingly evolved into an increasingly professional therapeutic center, today with 20 full-time and 15 part-time staff serving 450 clients weekly. The "Challenge Unlimited" and "Ironstone Therapy" programs at Ironstone Farm offer just that opportunity. Many clients are given responsibilities and put to work, expected to do the best they can, which they do, enthusiastically assuming responsibility, inspired to put extra effort into their own therapy. Ironstone has sent 7 riders to the Inter-national Special Olympics; it trains 200 volunteers annually, has trained 70 special riding instructors, and over 100 at-risk students as staff workers. It is currently fundraising for a large indoor arena so that programs may be held inside during stormy weather and particularly in the winter months. If you think you might be interested in helping them, please give them or us a call.