What started as “a desire to learn to ride horses”; has been a long road to Happy Trails for this issue’s featured rider. Aaron McArthur began his journey with a phone call in November 2020. An application was received mid-2021. All the while, Aaron was tenacious in checking how soon he would begin classes. He began Fall session 2021 in a ground class in therapeutic horsemanship. Aaron was born with DiGeorge Syndrome, a genetic disorder where a portion of chromosome 22 is missing. He has also managed arthritis most of his 40 years of age but hasn’t let it slow him down. His list of favorite activities is long – bowling, shopping, baseball and going to the movies at the mall or watching them at home with family and friends. He is also passionate about traveling, particularly when it comes to taking cruises and visiting family in Las Vegas. We all enjoyed the photos he shared of the cruise he took to Mexico in October. His adventures on one of the biggest boats imaginable included water sliding, sightseeing in ports of call and dancing late into the night. This year will be no different as he already has plans to travel to Las Vegas in October and spend five days in New York City late November or December. Aaron grew up in Visalia and has lived and worked here most of his life. However, recent cutbacks at Able Industries has him looking for new employment. He currently lives with others but looks forward to completing an independent living program with a roommate. When Happy Trails instructor Miss Beth asks her riders at the end of each class, “What made you smile today?” Aaron responds, “talking to people and seeing the horses.” When the second half of Spring session begins in a couple of weeks, Aaron will be participating in therapeutic riding where he will finally be realizing his dream of learning to ride a horse.