For the next two weeks kids are training for the Special Olympics at SPURS which stands for Special People Using Riding Skills. They are riding horses and will be competing in events like trail and barrel jumping.

Joann Moffenbier is training for the Special Olympics. She starts by brushing down her horse and soon it's time to mount.

"Scoot yourself up, sit nice and tall," says Lori Simon, a riding instructor.

Everyone at SPURS enjoys working with those preparing to compete but just being around the horses has proved to benefit the children.

"This was a younger rider child that would be totally nonverbal and they move to a point where they will speak to the horse."

Those type of personal developments are a source of pride for Executive Director, Richard Hickman.

"Seeing wheelchair bound individuals gaining enough balance and lower back strength to sit themselves independently on a horse and ride around the arena."

The experience brings satisfaction to the riding instructors and lots of smiles to those eager to trot around the ring.

The South Dakota Special Olympics will be held in Huron on July 13th and 14th.