Nick Higgins:  Rider Extraordinaire!             Nick Higgins is a fourteen year old who attends Divisadero Middle School and St Paul’s School. He is quite the athlete.  Nick plays AYSO and is also on the St. Paul’s soccer team.  He enjoys all his extracurricular activities especially the time he spends at the Happy Trails Riding Academy.             Nick has been riding at the academy for nine years. He began at the tender age of five and has been an avid participant ever since.  Nick loves all animals, but, especially horses.  One of his favorite parts about going to Happy Trails is spending time with his favorite horse, River.  Horses, being so large, can be intimidating, but when asked if he had ever been afraid or scared to get on the horses, Nick replied, shaking his head, “No, never.”  His mother, Karen Higgins, echoed this response saying that, “Right from the beginning, Nick never showed any sins of fear or timidity.”  She went on to say that in the beginning Nick’s attitude toward riding was one of pure excitement and enthusiasm.  Now, coupled with that enthusiasm, he thinks it’s just plain ‘cool’.             Once he has mounted the horse, Nick can’t wait to get out on the track and start riding.  With the helped of the staff, he pushes River or one of the other horses into a trot, his favorite pace. After he has ridden around the track several times, he is ready to take a break and talk with his fellow riders.  He made it quite clear that although he likes hanging out with the friends, his favorite part is riding.             Mrs. Higgins credits the nurturing patience of the highly trained staff and horses for their part in Nick’s success. When asked about the risks involved in riding, she commented that the benefits of this therapeutic riding far surpass any risks.  “Nick has come away with an increased sense of confidence and has had an opportunity to meet and interact with other special needs kids, younger and older.  Many of the older students have acted as positive role models for him.  In addition, it has been wonderful, as a parent, to network with the parents of the other students and provide support for each other.”             There can be no doubt that the Happy Trails Riding Academy has provided many happy moments for Nick and his family.  Contributing authors: Will Bravante Josiah Cortez Jan Vortmann