Sleigh bells will ring at fundraiser
The Exceptional Equestrians Program at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center will open the stable doors Saturday for its annual “Christmas with the Horses” fundraiser.
The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Parents and children can ride horses, take a picture with Santa or go on a wagon ride around the campus to see the Christmas displays.
Kids can dress up in jockey silks and ride the program’s miniature racing horses.
Dottie Reed, director of the Exceptional Equestrians Program, said each activity is $5. For $20, visitors can participate in five events.
All of the proceeds will go toward feeding and taking care of the horses in the program, she said.
There also will be equipment and horses for sale, including a 2-year-old Paint and a 3-year-old Tennessee Walker.
The horses in the program are used for therapy for patients who are in a wheelchair or have trouble walking, she said.
“It’s like magic with these horses,” said Reed.
She said when patients get on the horse, they can finally look down at people and have the freedom of four legs and be in control.
“You just know by the smile on their face they feel good physically and emotionally,” Reed said.
They also learn about horses, how to care for them and how to groom them.
Most of the horses and equipment are donated, she said. Some are older horses that families wanted to make sure went to a good home.
The staff try to match the animals’ personalities with their riders.
Reed said the staff works with the horses they get before the patients do so they can get to know the animal’s temperament. Shy horses get shy riders, and riders who are more bold and boisterous get horses who will work well with them.
Reed said it’s amazing to see the change in a horse from a staff rider to a patient rider.
“Horses will drop their heads and walk like they’re on eggshells,” she said.
For more information on “Christmas with the Horses,” call 828-433-2291.
By Heather Sanders
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