Longmont, CO - Living alongside the majestic horses at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is Carmella, the 4 year-old miniature horse. Although Carmella is too small to be ridden by CTRC's riders, she has found a way to be just as beneficial.

Carmella is in the process of becoming a Pet Partner with the Delta Society, as well as being trained in the Parelli Savvy Systems. When she completes her certification process, Carmella will be able to take CTRC's mission - to promote the physical, psychological, and social well being of persons with special needs through equine assisted therapeutic activities - into the community. Not only will Carmella and her team (consisting of volunteer horse handlers) be able to reach individuals in the community who may otherwise not be able to participate in such therapeutic activities (such as those in long-term care and assisted living facilities, hospice programs, day and residential treatment centers, and special education programs within schools), they will also have the opportunity to educate the community about the benefits of the human-animal connection, as well as the needs of the populations they serve.