The beaming smile on Orion Township resident John Paczkowski’s face was truly priceless as he interacted with his favorite horse, Malabar, at the Banbury Cross Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Metamora Township Saturday evening.

John, the son of Leonard and Joyce Paczkowski, was honored as one of Banbury’s Star Student Riders at the center’s 27th Annual Derby Day Celebration, a local fund-raiser held in conjunction with the 143rd Annual Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

“We were shocked,” Joyce said. “We weren’t expecting this.”

“It just shows he’s had an impact on them just like they’ve had an impact on him. It goes both ways,” Leonard said.

The other Star Student Rider was Joan Baldiga, of Addison Township. She was profiled in an April 12 article in the Leader, which can be read at www.oxfordleader.com.

A total of 250 stylishly-dressed ladies and dapperly-attired gentlemen came to watch the Derby on a big screen, enjoy dinner and drinks, and raise more than $125,000 for Banbury Cross.

Founded in 1991, Banbury Cross is well-known and respected for using horseback riding to help students with physical and cognitive disabilities grow emotionally and socially while improving things such as strength, balance and movement.

John, a Scripps Middle School sixth-grader who will turn 12 in June, has been visiting Banbury Cross for weekly sessions for more than two years now. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), riding horses helps him overcome his challenges.

John’s CP caused a weakness of the muscles on his left side and diminished core strength. He also has a mild case of scoliosis.

Fortunately, John’s strength and posture has improved because of his regular rides. “When he sits in the horse, he sits real tall,” Joyce said.

She’s noticed a positive change in the way he conducts himself as well.

“Since he’s been bonding with the horses, his behavior has improved,” Joyce said. “He’s had no behavioral issues here. He follows directions.”

Joyce likes the fact that the Banbury Cross experience – from his interactions with the horses to his excellent relationship with the volunteers – is making John “very independent.”

“He has to be responsible here and stay focused,” she said. “Our whole goal is for John to be the best person that he can be.”

“I didn’t realize how much he would get out of (coming to Banbury Cross),” Joyce noted.

Jessica Moore, executive director of Banbury Cross, has also noticed some big changes in John over the years.

“When John began riding with us, he rode with the assistance of a leader and two assistants sidewalking with him,” she said. “Those volunteers were there to help control his horses, as well as to remind John to stay on task and offer occasional physical support.

“John demonstrated an immediate love for the horses and riding,” Moore continued. “He developed that love into much more independent riding. He is now on one of our more challenging horses, and rides without the assistance of sidewalkers. Many times, John can be found riding independently, without a leader for his horses.”

“John’s love for horses and his progress in riding played a part in his family’s decision to move from Royal Oak to Orion, a much closer drive to the farm,” Moore noted. “We look forward to seeing John continue to progress.”

Joyce and Leonard couldn’t say enough good things about Banbury.

“The volunteers do such an amazing job here,” Joyce said. “They always have smiles on their faces. They always have time to talk to you, no matter how busy they are.”

“They make you feel welcome,” Leonard said. “It’s probably the most underrated place around.”

Joyce was especially touched by the surprise scholarship Banbury Cross bestowed upon her family because of the financial difficulties they’ve been experiencing since Leonard began his battle with cancer in June 2016.

“We didn’t even ask. They just offered it to us,” Joyce said. “That just shows me how much they care about us.”

“If I had the money, I’d have (John) coming here twice a week,” she added.