Seven-year-old Morgan Dunnigan, who takes therapy at Tackfully Teamed, spoke at the Charity League of Martinsville's June meeting in hopes of getting some new volunteers for the therapeutic riding program. Below is the speech she read. She did a terrific job.

If anyone in the Martinsville/ Henry County area is interested in volunteering, please contact Susan Warren at tackfullyteamed@aol.com.

Hi, my name is Morgan Dunnigan and I am 7 years old. When I was 6 years old I had a spinal cord injury. My life changed a lot.

I was not able to move anything below my neck for several weeks after my surgery, but slowly my body is waking up and starting to move like it used to.

Before I was injured I played soccer and took ballet and tap. I'm not able to do things those things right now, but I have new hobby - horseback riding. I had only ridden a horse once before I began riding at Tackfully Teamed last June.

When I started riding with Susan last summer I need three volunteers to help me ride. I needed two side walkers, one on each side of the horse to make sure I did not fall off, and one person to lead the horse. I have worked very hard over the last year and am able to lead the horse all by myself. I still have one side walker because my mom is a worrier and it makes her feel better if someone is nearby when I'm up on the horse.

The best part of riding is that I get to be around horses and I am having fun while getting my body stronger. Susan said one day we will make my mom get up on the horse so that she understands how hard it really is.

I am really glad that there is a riding academy for people like me who have special needs. Just like everyone else, we want to have a hobby or sport we love … and I love horseback riding. I know that we need people who are willing to volunteer their time so I hope some of you might be willing to come out to Henry (it's not really that far) and get trained so you can help me and all my friends become stronger, happier people. Thank you.