As someone who has struggled with health issues, as well as one who loves kids and horses, therapeutic riding is a cause that I support. My horse,
Indy, and my kids' pony,
Sugarfoot, were loaned out for use as therapy horses years ago, and while I am no longer involved with therapeutic riding, I firmly believe that it is beneficial.
My friend, Peggy, has a granddaughter with spina bifida who participates in therapeutic riding. Peggy invited me to join her at the annual
Reins of Grace Therapeutic Riding Center gala and fundraiser last night. I was absolutely all in and looked forward to the event.
(I, too, have a form of spina bifida - I have
spina bifida occult.)
Peggy and me at the Reins of Grace gala.
Reins of Grace is about a two hour drive from my home and I had never been there before.
The grounds were beautiful - this is the sensory garden for the kids.
The horses had all been brought up to the indoor arena and you could visit with them while you socialized before the fundraiser.
A Gypsy Vanner!
Sadie is thirty years old and came from a prior home where her tack did not fit her well. As a result, she has two white patches just below her withers.
All the horses were quiet and very, very gentle.
Heat lamps had been placed around the arena and despite the chilly fall evening, I was very comfortable without my coat.
Tables with food and drinks were placed around the building.
Peggy and her husband had sponsored a table. The decorations were lovely.
The arena itself had sensory items everywhere. I was told that the kids loved to ride under this particular hanging and touch the items.
I was impressed with the variety of tools available to help the kids in their therapy.
Dolls and puppets.
Numbering activities.
I expected that I would be bidding on items like tickets to a football game or a vacation somewhere. Instead, it was for donations of feed, vet and farrier care, bedding, and adaptive equipment for each horse. (You could also sponsor a rider.) The hostess would say, "Who would like to donate $200 for food for Beamer?" Those who did would raise their paddles and she would thank each person by paddle number and then ask, "Who would like to donate $100 for food for Beamer?" This continued on, through all the categories and amounts for each horse.
At your table was a form with each horse's name on it with the categories and amounts, and you circled anything that you raised your paddle for. When you were finished for the evening, you took your paper to the Checkout station and gave them your money, check, or credit card.
I loved how this worked and the fact that everyone could contribute, not just those who won an auction for something.
After the fundraiser wrapped up, I walked over to look at the adaptive equipment before before heading home.
There was quite a range of tack, all designed to help individual children.
This was such a beautiful saddle that had been modified for use.
Another view of it.
No stirrups on this piece of equipment, but there's a bar for the rider's hands. I am still puzzling over how this would look in use.
My guess on this one is that it is for a rider with weak abdominal muscles who tends to fall forward. Perhaps the assistants who walk on each side keep the child from tipping backward?
I am no longer directly involved in therapeutic riding like I was when Indy and Sugarfoot were being borrowed, but it sure was nice to be able to support a cause which I strongly believe in.
I told Peggy to be sure to invite me next year.
