Special-education pupils horse around

Canterbury Trails Equestrian Center and Riding Stables in Grovetown was the site for A Day in the Country.

The event was held by the Columbia County Advocates for Special Education for the county's special-education pupils.

"Most special-education students can't participate in regular school events like dances, or try out for the baseball team," said Rose Mary Bradley, Parent Teacher Organization president for the advocates' group.

"We hold around three events like this a year so the special-ed students can still feel involved and a part of the community."

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The family event included hayrides, food and an opportunity for the pupils to see and even feed some of horses stabled at Canterbury Trails.

"They all love horses because they're not afraid of them," said Bradley, whose son Michael is a special-education pupil at Evans Middle School.

"Horses can sense when people are afraid and react negatively. They're wonderful with these children because they can sense the joy they have toward them."