PITTSBURGH -- It’s a mix of hooves and feet with a higher purpose to inspire, soothe and treat.

The movements of a horse are now being used as a form of riding therapy for special needs children with varying conditions.

Pam Vennare, owner and trainer at Horse ‘N Soul Riding Academy in Houston, Washington County, has had her horse farm for two years, but she first turned to the animals decades ago as shelter from a bad home life.

“Horses were healing for me,” Vennare said. “They gave me peace and it was a place I could find safety, love and no judgment.”

Volunteer Janice Herber also describes the animals as being non-judgmental.

“They respond to the directive they’re given. When they receive positive reinforcement from an instructor, they feel good about themselves,” Herber said.

Children with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome and spinal cord injuries are all discovering the wonders these four-footed therapists can work.

Meredith Ambrose is considered a high-functioning autistic.

She rode when she is younger and is happy to be back.

“It’s fun. It’s energetic,” Ambrose said.

For Annie and Joel Davis, it’s a family affair.

Their daughter, Jamie Lynn, is a special needs child.

“She loves to come out here and play and it makes her really dirty -- she loves it,” Joel Davis said.

Annie Davis is currently getting her state certification and also teaches at Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania in Allison Park where the waiting list is several years.

“He [God] created us and these animals. We are made to use each other in harmony," Annie Davis said.

Michael Dodura’s physical therapist recommended therapeutic riding to him months ago.

Dodura lacks an enzyme that breaks down sugar in the body.

It builds up in his joints, making it hard to move.

“He rode for the first time for half an hour and we were worried that he would be sore or stiff and there were no problems whatsoever,” said Michael’s father, Mike Dodura.

The rewards for the volunteers are immeasurable as well.

“I had a little autistic boy who was scared to get on the horse and by the end of the lesson he was holding on and saying, ‘Can I come back this week? Can I do this again?’” Di Zuri said.

It is a whole new world, not just for the kids, but for the horses. At 30-years-old, Bella was going to be put down until Vennare rescued her. She treated her Cushing’s disease and gave her a new reason to live.

“The kids can crawl all over her. They get so much therapy from that, so they rescue each other,” Vennare said. “When you help a horse to heal, it is healing for one's self.”