The 121st Fort Worth Stock Show offers fun and entertainment for lots of fans. However for more than 200 horseback riders with special needs the real fun happened before the show officially began. These young riders are competing in the Chisholm Challenge.

For participants the Chavez family, day to day life isn’t always easy.

“Autism can be isolating,” said mother Page Chavez. “This allows him to communicate with people. It’s helped his physical strength and balance.”

Page is talking about her 11-year-old son, Jacob.

Jacob has been riding for seven years now, and was showing off  his horsemanship skills on Tuesday afternoon.

The competition is now in its’ 14th year. The show is mostly run by 13 therapeutic horseback organizations from the North Texas with help from stock show staff at the John Justin Arena.

For more information on the challenge, including how to help or participate, visit chisholmchallenge.com.

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