What does having horses do for you?

I haven't been on here in ages - winter is my downtime but I'll keep in touch better =) Currently, I have a small group of absolutely incredible athletes with a passion for horses that blows my mind! We share a dream of making what we have into what we've dreamed of and as much as it may seem that I help them, everything we do is a mutual share of respect and resources. They instill a renewed sense of hope, direction and purpose. Most of my riders have a mild to moderate mental retardation. What riding does for them is so much more than enhancing physical skills. While riding, they are allowed to be graceful and bossy and exhibit characteristics not acceptable elsewhere in society; in essence, those beautiful horses we all adore so much are the perfect platform for anyone to be proud of what we have while humbled by what we are not. Balance - what an excellent word to sum up what horses have to offer. Both literally and figuratively. What does having horses do for you?