Special needs kids, teacher learn from each other at equine academy

Angela Piazza

Equine Therapy

Equine Children's Academy owner Connie Burns leading therapy student Mollie Ushinski, 3, on Jake, an American Quarter Horse, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 in Gilbert, Ariz.[Angela Piazza/ Special to Tribune]

Angela Piazza

Equine Therapy

Equine Children's Academy owner Connie Burns leading therapy student Mollie Ushinski, 3, on Jake, an American Quarter Horse, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 in Gilbert, Ariz.[Angela Piazza/ Special to Tribune]

Angela Piazza

Equine Therapy

Equine Children's Academy owner Connie Burns and her American Quarter Horse, Jake, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 in Gilbert, Ariz.[Angela Piazza/ Special to Tribune]

Angela Piazza

Equine Therapy

Equine Therapy student Mollie Ushinski, 3, riding Jake, an American Quarter Horse, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Equine Children's Academy in Gilbert, Ariz.[Angela Piazza/ Special to Tribune]

Angela Piazza

Equine Therapy

Equine Therapy student Delaney Ushinski, 5, riding Whiskey, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Equine Children's Academy in Gilbert, Ariz.[Angela Piazza/ Special to Tribune]

Angela Piazza

Equine Therapy

Equine Therapy student Mollie Ushinski, 3, leading Whiskey, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Equine Children's Academy in Gilbert, Ariz.[Angela Piazza/ Special to Tribune]

Angela Piazza

Equine Therapy

Equine Children's Academy volunteer Carrigan Partrige leading therapy student Delaney Ushinski, 5, on Whiskey, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 in Gilbert, Ariz.[Angela Piazza/ Special to Tribune]

Mike Sakal

Mike Sakal’s column runs on Fridays. Contact him at (480) 898-6533 or msakal@evtrib.com, or write to Mike Sakal, East Valley Tribune, 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282