Happiness & Horses

She’s young. She’s sweet. She’s witty. Meet Lexi and her mom, Kym.

While it’s not very evident in these gorgeous pictures at the Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach, Lexi is a child with many special needs. This requires extra patience, love, and will for her mom to give her the best life possible.

This was my first time visiting the riding center, but it’s one of Lexi’s favorite places. Through the therapy of learning to ride horses, Lexi does things that her family was told would never be possible, like walking. This sweet tween has Dandy Walker Syndrome. This means she’s missing the cerebellum in her brain, which is the piece that coordinates your movement. Because of this, she makes unique noises and various movements (such as hand flapping or swinging her head). In addition to Dandy Walker Syndrome, Lexi also faces ADHD, epilepsy, is legally blind, and has mild hearing loss.

What you and I may not be able to imagine, Lexi battles on a daily basis. In my opinion, you would never know what this little lady deals with by looking at these pictures. This kid does an amazing job of being happy and joyful (if you ask her mom, she may also say bratty, hehe).

Unfortunately, it’s not only medical issues that Lexi endures. She also suffers from behavioral issues, being bullied,  and the inability to be alone due to the potential of self-harm. These are the harsh realities of children with special needs.

I’ve known Lexi since she was born (I remember going to meet the seriously cutest newborn while Kym was still in the hospital). In those first moments, Kym didn’t know what she would face. Truth be told, Lexi would not live as well and as functional as she does, if it weren’t for her extraordinarily hard working mama.

Now that you know about this disease, what can you do to make the world a better place for people living with disabilities? That’s simple, be more patient and compassionate towards kids with special needs. No one chooses this life, and sometimes people forget that. While you may not know what to say or do when you meet a child with special needs, simply be kind and say hello. It’s easy! :)

I loved doing these pictures in Lexi’s happy place. They are perfect and tell a story of a sweet girl who continues on the daily, to overcome some serious battles. May we all aspire! {I can’t wait to meet YOU, and hear YOUR story. Contact me to chat about making your world come to life through pictures!}