John and Jack

A Moment In The Creek

Rhoda not only got the pleasure of Jack twirling her hair, but also got the opportunity to be peed on!




















Playing near horses is just about as calming as riding them.

After his first horse hug, Jack slept for about four hours...and still slept all night!

At times, Jack shared his saddle with Mommy.

Texas Amiga

Texas Amigo

...

By day two, Jack was very comfortable riding Hope. Rhoda accompanies him in the saddle, providing an excellent backrest. Jenny is at the lead.















When all attempts at food fail...

there is always watermelon!
















When we arrived, Jack had to do a lot of exploring (this continued over the next few days).

















Big trampolines are especially fun with cowboy boots on!













They had the carport set up as a make-shift horse corral...One of Jack's favorite spots to be "alone" (with the exception of Hope and Clue).

A Life-Changing Experience!!!

Jack enjoyed riding with mommy...
And Jack enjoyed riding alone.




He gave lots of hugs while riding bareback on Hope and Clue.














Angie took a special liking to Jack too...

Dear sweet Angie would spend hours in the freezing creek with Jack...

or jumping on the trampoline...

or running down the road...

or RIDING HORSES!

(More pictures and info. will follow - stay tuned!)

Zenyatta thinks of Jack on her birthday

(You will find him mentioned at the end of the article.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/sports/09zenyatta.html

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZENYATTA!

Message from Jacks Dad

Zenyatta the majestic horse made a magical connection with Jack. This has begun an epic journey for Jack that is continuing. Thank you so much for all your kind words and thoughts about my boy. He is as sweet and kind as the pictures indicate and a blessing to be around. We appreciate the contributions for his trip to Texas. We are thrilled that Jack will be attending " The Horse Boy " camp in Hays county Texas next month. We hope to include visits to the Ranger Hall of Fame and Comanche History Museum as well. Jacks great great great Grandfather was the famed Texas Ranger Capt Jack Hays who has been mirrored in Hollywood productions such as Lonesome Dove , The Lone Ranger etc. John Coffee Hays was the real thing and close to Chief Buffalo Hump of the Comanche Tribe. They had a deep mutual respect for each other as warriors. Capt Jack learned all his horse riding techniques and battle tactics from observing Comanche warriors thus becoming the best horse rider of the Texas Rangers and perhaps greatest leader. My sons and I are the last descendants of Jack Hays and it is a miracle that Jack has connected with horses like his Grandpa did over a century and a half ago. This journey is for the great cause which is Autism.

Thank You

Grant Hays

www.horseboyfoundation.org

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/56104/autistic-boy-connects-with-zenyatta


http://www.examiner.com/x-40217-Lansing-Horses-Examiner~y2010m4d6-Can-horses-help-treat-children-with-autism-The-answer-may-surprise-you