Every sport has those exceptional individuals who stand out and achieve a high level of success at what they do. Sometimes we call them “heroes” and recognize them with special awards, like the “Hall of Fame”, etc. True heroes, though, are those individuals who excel at their chosen sport or profession, and then also take the time to give something back to their field. Richie Greenberg - the NRHA Hall of Fame Reiner and owner of Hollywood Jac - is one of those true heroes. He volunteers at Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program, in Bristol, WI, spending time sharing his expertise with the special riders there.

The following story is about just one of the many lives he’s touched - by Cindy Flynn

Nicole was born with bilateral cataracts, which were removed along with her lenses shortly after birth. This has left her visually impaired, with almost no distance vision. Along with this she has some health issues that attribute to her lack of balance, fine and gross motor delays, and overall coordination. She had always been a toe walker and walked with a sway back stride. She started with all kinds of therapy from the time she was six months old.

One day in May of 1999 we were at the hospital and Nicole was having her "OT" when I saw a brochure pinned on the bulletin board from Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program. I called that next day and made the arrangements for Nicole to be evaluated. When I told Nicole about taking riding lessons, she was so excited she couldn’t wait for the day to come. That was three years ago and with the exception of one summer, Nicole has gone to her weekly riding lesson ever since.

Nicole has performed twice at the "Midwest Horse Fair" and once at a fundraiser down in Illinois, but this last September was probably the most exciting day she had ever had.

She’d had a horrible week at school and had a major let down with one of the athletic programs at school. When we reached the stable that Saturday afternoon Stephanie Kubarth (program director) said she had someone she wanted Nicole to meet. Nicole was introduced to Richie, and of course - Nicole being the gracious person that she is - shook his hand and started telling Richie all she knew about riding. She was not too impressed with who he was at this point. Richie started asking me questions about Nicole and her disabilities. One thing led to another and Nicole completely took over the conversation.

Then Stephanie explained that Richie was a famous horseman, and even in the Reiner Hall of Fame. Nicole was so excited that she had met someone so famous and that he was actually there in the flesh. Richie asked Nicole if she would mind if he helped with her lesson that day and of course she could hardly speak with excitement. As he observed and coached Nicole for her lesson that day she was on top of the world. After the lesson he gave her an autographed souvenir and told her to keep up the work, and that she truly was an exceptional rider.

That night and for weekends to come, all we heard about was Richie Greenberg. She called family and friends and told them about her lessons with him, and added that he is "famous". As the weekends passed and Nicole and Richie became closer and closer. It was almost like they shared a common bond, one that they would not let anyone in on. They talked riding and he was there by her side for many weekends after that day, coaching her along every step of the way. I remember him calling me at work one day with some ideas he had about how to help Nicole with her riding. There they were the next weekend, jogging down the driveway to loosen her up. Do you think I could ever get her to jog? No way! But he could. She listened to every word he said and tried new and different things—things I never thought she would do.

Then came time for the next fundraiser at Judy Friedman’s Venture Ranch in Illinois. There they were, she and Richie, listening to the voice layover that we had recorded earlier in the year for the "Midwest Horse Fair". Richie and Nicole laid out a game plan about what type of performance she would do. Now I can’t say for sure, but I heard he was also asked to perform at the fundraiser and his comment was "No way, I need to be with Nicole."

A few weeks before the show Richie asked what Nicole would be wearing and I told him all about her outfit. He handed her a beautiful belt buckle that he had won a few years back and asked if she would like to wear it. Nicole couldn’t believe her eyes and told him it would be an honor.

They were truly something to see, always talking and arm in arm, as they laid out their routine. They practiced week after week, and at the show they were a big hit; Nicole was walking around right at Richie’s side as she proudly introduced him to her family and friends. At the end of their performance with Richie at the lead and both of them smiling from ear to ear, Nicole dismounted and as Richie helped her off her horse, he put a medallion around her neck that he had won the week before at Congress. Nicole reached her arms up and started to cry with excitement. She threw her arms around Richie’s neck and gave him a big hug. As they walked hand in hand out of the outdoor arena, both of their faces were filled with happiness. They were both so proud of each other, and they talked to people in the crowd and offered to give autographs.

Richie has been out of town this winter. They have talked on the phone, and it’s been a long winter for Nicole—she misses Richie so much and can’t wait to see him again. Every weekend she asks will Richie be there. I keep telling her soon…

Richie Greenberg - the NRHA Hall of Fame Reiner and owner of Hollywood Jac - is one of those true heroes. He volunteers at Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program, in Bristol, WI, spending time sharing his expertise with the special riders there.