The benefits of therapeutic riding are well-proven, LaValley said.

"Unfortunately, the medical field hasn't supported it in the way of reimbursement, in the hopes that everybody had "¦ But it's coming."

Adirondack Stable offers traditional lessons, too, and, among its therapeutic clientele, three times monthly, are riders with disabilities from the Advocacy Resource Center (ARC).

"When the ARC comes, (the clients) are scared to death to get on the horses because their feet are off the ground, and they are petrified," LaValley said. "But once they are up there, they're grinning from ear to ear."

There's a big demand for therapeutic lessons, she said.

"I get phone calls every day. I am trying to fit them all in as fast as I can."

And she'll find a way to do so, she said. "I will lay back on the able-bodied (riders) if I have to."

To do this, she's is looking for volunteers to help with the chores on the 32-acre spread that she and her husband, Ron, got running last summer. That would give her more time working with children.

Another key aspect to therapeutic riding is that it fosters independence, LaValley said.

Often, children with handicaps rely on others to do things for them.

"When they are on the horse, they are doing it, they are in control," she said. "They have the reins in their hands, and they are going. They are doing it.

"You should see their smiles."

LaValley finds deep satisfaction in her work.

"I am happy doing what I am doing. There is nothing more heartwarming than making a difference in somebody's life. Even if it is a slight difference. The little differences add up to big differences.

"It is a great career, and I am grateful."