HARVEY -- For more than a decade now, Willow Farm in Harvey has offered a unique horseback riding program for area youngsters. 

Five-year-old Kaleb has cerebral palsy, but tonight, he's propped atop his pony, Angel.

"Our lessons this evening focus on kids who have balance and core muscle development challenges," explains Linda Mallon, Executive Director of Willow Farm Therapeutic Riding.

Mallon is an occupational therapist who specializes in pediatrics and loves horses.  She says that the motion of the horse creates a feeling of normal walking, a feeling that Kaleb can take home and practice. 

"Why horses?  Well, horses have a gait that is very similar to the normal walking gait that you and I have.  And so what we do is put the kids on the horse's back and give the kids the opportunity to neurologically understand what a normal gait feels like," says Mallon.

So with volunteer helpers surrounding horse and rider, off they trot, as they share a smile.

"I think it's just good for the companionship and also for being able to follow directions and be patient," says volunteer, Christine Heidtman.

Thanks to Mallon and her loyal crew of volunteers, a program exists to provide that bond between child and horse.  "I'm just kind of passionate about the combination of the two," she says with a smile.

For much more on Willow Farm Therapeutic Riding, click here.