Trainer Meredith Donaldson leads Miriam around the arena for silent laps, which allows Miriam to work on her impulse control. If Miriam talks during the silent laps, the laps restart.

Miriam gives her trainer, Meredith, a thumbs-up before the start of her riding therapy session. Miriam can often be seen smiling, giving a thumbs up or saying “okey dokey, artichokey.”

17-year-old Miriam Cox and her therapy horse Fiona look at each other as Miriam grooms her for their tri-weekly riding lesson.

Miriam stands on one side of her therapy horse, Fiona, to spray her with bug repellant. Due to her scoliosis, Miriam’s legs are not able to fully extend.

Volunteer Nikki Entrup holds up Fiona’s leg as Miriam uses a hoof pick and brush to clean out dirt and debris.

A tack box sits on the side of the arena along with Miriam’s riding helmet and her saddle pads.

As Miriam’s trainer instructs her about their silent laps, Miriam interrupts to ask if she can tell a joke.

Miriam laughs at one of her classmates dancing to the song “Baby Shark” after finishing their lesson before lunch.

Meredith Donaldson helps put on Miriam’s helmet to make sure it’s secure.

Miriam leads her horse Fiona around the ring during silent laps. During silent laps Miriam has to make it the entire time without talking, if she talks she has to repeat the laps.

Miriam counts to the seventh hole of her saddle pad buckle before she secures it in place. The exercise allows Miriam to work on her focus and strength.

Volunteer Cyndi Sandusky watches as Miriam shoots a basketball while riding her horse Fiona. This exercise allows Miriam to engage her core muscles and improve her balance.

Miriam takes a break from brushing to say hi to her horse, Fiona, during a riding therapy session.

For the last five minutes of her riding lesson, Miriam opts to color on her horse, Fiona. While spelling out F-I-O-N-A on her back, Miriam talks with her trainer.

Volunteer Nikki Entrup watches as Miriam gives her trainer, Meredith, a high-five after successfully getting on Fiona with little help.

After finishing her homework for the day, 17-year-old Miriam smiles as she puts on her unicorn headband while relaxing in her room at home.