Volunteering for Sunrise has been a very rewarding experience for the last 6  years. I have been able to see the difference it has made in many lives. A young male rodeo performer has gained tremendous confidence in himself in addition to strengthening his muscles and in turn has given so much back to the program.  A teen who lost much of her brain became an independent rider; a terribly depressed young woman also sees hope by becoming an independent rider. A young girl lacking speech and control of her muscles has the brightest eyes when she is atop a huge horse and can say walk and whoa. Another young girl runs her walker through the soft dirt floor of the arena can't wait to get on her horse so she can guide him in figure eights. They all gain more than stronger muscles by being around the horses, there is so much improvement in the mental attitude as well. The horses are amazing as well-they are the gentle giants and seem to know the fragility of their riders. One horse figured he would be especially helpful during a "freeze (whoa) exercise" as he would stop on his own when the music stopped. For the volunteers it is hard work but there are many tears (of both sadness and happiness) and many laughs.