On, Aug. 13, two Army families from Joint Base Lewis-McChord were invited to High Point Equestrian Center in Tacoma to take a tour of the ranch and saddle up some horses for a leisurely ride. The families were chosen because each has a child enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program within the Madigan Healthcare System and Support America's Armed Forces (SAAF), a locally run nonprofit focused on helping Servicemembers here and downrange, coordinated the special day.

"That horse is awesome!" said a very excited Andrew Michael, age 11.

Andrew was one of the guests of honor and spent the morning riding, brushing and leading horses while his mom, sister and dad looked on. Coincidentally, the Michael family just relocated to JBLM three weeks ago when CW2 Barry Michael joined the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and as he said, "this was a great way to be welcomed at a new post."

April Williams, wife to Staff Sgt. Bill Williams of the 702nd BSB, brought her 8-year-old daughter Rogue to High Point and was happy to see her back up on the horse, literally. In conjunction with her multiple spinal surgeries, Rogue has ridden before, during her hippotherapy sessions, but she always takes a while to warm up to the activity. Luckily, by the end of the morning, Rogue was all smiles as she controlled her horse and covered lots of ground.

This event also signified a burgeoning partnership between SAAF and the EFMP program.

"We have a lot to give and they are perfect recipients," said SAAF founder Vicky Mohler. "We look forward to doing lots more with them."

During the SAAF-sponsored lunch, the kids were surprised with gift certificates entitling them each to 10 future private lessons. The certificates were funded by the Employee Recycling Program, which is a 37-year-old Washington state nonprofit that literally recycles for profit and then in turn provides financial assistance for equipment and uniforms to people with disabilities for sports training.

High Point, which is owned by retired Naval commander Jeff Kuhlman and his wife Vanessa, houses 50 rescued horses, indoor pens, a 160 x 220 outdoor arena and has access to more than 160 acres of trails nearby. The owners are also already making outreach efforts with the local military population, from renting fully furnished apartments at reasonable rates to incoming Servicemembers to a potential deal with the Warrior Transition Battalion to provide therapy horses.

For more information on High Point, 4517 96th Street East, visit www.HighPointEquestrianCenter.com or call (253) 691-9301.

Photo caption: This sizeable group showed up at the High Point Equestrian Center on Aug.13, so that the two youngest could try out riding. Both Andrew and Rogue (seated atop the horses) are members of the Exceptional Family Member Program with Madigan Healthcare System and were given this chance, as well as 10 free future lessons, courtesy of SAAF and the Employee Recycle Program.