Striker, W.S.U.'s therapy horse, voted "Equine of the Year!"

So maybe you're asking, "Robin, why is the Music Director of Northwest Public Radio blogging about a therapy horse affiliated with Washington State University's PATH program? Well, for over 12 years I was involved with the PATH program, first as a volunteer then as a certified NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) instructor. To this day, it ranks as one of the most rewarding parts of my life on the Palouse.

This year, Striker, PATH's 27 year old gelding was named NARHA'S Equine of the Year at their national conference. I've worked with Striker since he first joined the PATH program and saw firsthand how many riders and volunteers lives he's touched. In a therapeutic riding program such as PATH having calm, patient horses, what we sometimes call "bomb-proof," is key. Striker exemplifies that kind of horse. Wind storm? No problem. Wiggly rider? Not an issue. Extremely excited and vocal rider? Bring it on!



PATH's palomino mare, Fancy Blue, a favorite with many younger riders. Blonds do have more fun!






Check out the link above or read the article about Striker in the latest online issue of WSU Today to hear one story of how Striker, and the PATH program, make a big difference.

Amazing Animals!

A listener and friend in Yakima sent me this video and I just have to share it with you!



Can your pet say anything? Let me know!

This video is so beautiful it makes me cry. It's like a ballet between the man and the horse. They are truly partners in this dance. They make it look easy but I can tell you that a lot of time, patience and trust goes into this relationship.



This is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished through Natural Horsemanship.

This spring Washington State University hosted Dr. Robert Miller, a leader in the field of Horse Behavior and Natural Horsemanship.

Dr. Miller's visit was a benefit for the PATH program, a part of W.S.U.'s People Pet Partnership. PATH provides recreational horseback riding lessons for adults and children with various kinds of challenges. I am a Certified NARHA instructor for PATH and I find it very fulfilling.

Listen to Kyle MacLachlan and John Corigliano

John Corigliano, one of the finest and most widely recognized American composers, visited Washington State University as the guest composer at W.S.U.'s Festival of Contemporary Art Music, February 8-10th. He took the time to sit in the studio with me for an hour and talk about his music and his life. John has won about every kind of prize imaginable including Grammy Awards, the Academy Award for his score to "The Red Violin" and a Pulitzer Prize for his Second Symphony.

It was a privilege to speak with him and I found him to be thoughtful, thought-provoking and fun to hang out with! His insights into composition were especially thought provoking.


Feel free to sit in our conversation!

March brought actor Kyle MachLachlan to Yakima. It was a lot of fun speaking with him on the air via phone from Yakima. He is a very nice man with a great sense of humor.



Get Kyle here...well, not literally!