In the Bay Area, California, a day at the rodeo for children with developmental challenges leaves everyone in tears at some point, either from joy or compassion.

Hosted by a cowboy whose son was born with Down Syndrome, Little ‘Pardners’ Rodeo treats 40 children aged 4 to 17 to an all-day event of cowboy/cowgirl activities.

Organized by the Exceptional Needs Network in Livermore, the children can ride ponies, practice their lassoing skills, and test their balance on the mechanical bull.

“It’s hard to find things that they can do and can do safely and have fun,” says Donnie Perry, the 10-gallon hat (and brain) behind Little Pardners. “Everybody wants to be a cowboy/cowgirl at some point in their lives, this is a way we can make that dream come true.”

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