Nicaragua - Part 2

The equestrian show in the arena was fabulous.

It's too bad videos can't be uploaded to this blog. They would be  perfect for showing the different dressage movements in which the horse does fancy prancing and "dancing" -- moving sideways and backwards at times -- while the rider sits perfectly still and straight. 

These next photos are "screen shots" from my videos:

Sometimes the rider controls the horse from the ground:

Up, up....

And all the way up!!

Notice how synchronized the horses are as they step to the rhythm of the music:

The horses are regularly brought to a large exercise yard where they can do whatever they want-- run full steam ahead or stop to scratch their nose on a railing. We watched  from a viewing window in the gift shop. 

But the horse show was only half the story of this remarkable place. 

The estate operates a free boarding school for poor kids that teaches them to be jockeys and , if they show promise,horse trainers. Two of these students gave us a carriage ride around the estate. 

The estate owners also sponsor a clinic on the property for treating  poor children who have mental or physical disabilities. Riding, feeding, and grooming a horse can give a handicapped child confidence and a sense of purpose. 

We met one little girl who was born with one leg shorter than the other. The program has already paid for multiple operations and will continue her treatment with physical therapy as long as the family wants to participate.  When she is older she'll be ready for equine therapy. Once a child is admitted to the clinic, there is no time limit for any treatment. 

For instance, we were introduced to Jonathan who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was an infant. He was paralyzed on his right side. He has been coming to the clinic for  six years. Now Jonathan can walk and has learned to use use his right arm when needed. He is as full of vim, vigor, and confidence as any normal seven-year-old. 

It was rewarding to know that  tickets to the equestrian show and the full cost of anything bought in the gift shop goes to support the clinic.  

Holland America was the first cruise line to offer this tour and by the end of the day we felt it was the best "ship tour" that we have ever taken.