Tour provides information on riding center and local 20-30 women's club

The women's Sierra Nevada Active 20-30 Club invites the community to Kids & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the riding center located off Stephanie Way to learn what the riding program is all about.

"This visitation is for the community to see first hand what our donated moneys go to which help special needs children in our community," said 20-30 club president Jessie Wetzel. "This is an amazing program and we're proud to be a part of it."

Kids & Horses is considered a bridge leading to a life of freedom and self-fulfillment for children and adults with physical and/or emotional disabilities. Founded in April 1999, this program offers horsemanship as a means of therapy that improves strength, balance, coordination and self-esteem.

More than a riding program, Kids & Horses is a philosophy that is based on the concept that everyone, regardless of their disabilities, can benefit from an equine relationship.

In spite of such disabilities as blindness, paralysis, amputation, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, autism and other impairments, many students after going through the program can go on to own and care for their own horses.

The program also believes that competition spurs a person to attain greater levels of accomplishment than they would if they did not compete. Many of the students that get involved in the program are encouraged to compete in state, national and international events with other individuals with disabilities.

Lessons are given on a weekly basis, all free of charge. The group also works with various public school programs, as well as students who have applied individually.

While the name, Kids & Horses, implies that they work with children, approximately 20 percent of the students are adults.

The free event is open to anyone interested in finding out more about the Sierra Nevada Active 20-30 Club as well as the Kids & Horses program. The day will include a tour of the facility, a chance to meet the animals that help the cause as well as the opportunity to meet some of the students that benefit from the program. The tour will begin at 2 p.m. at the Kids & Horses facility located at 2869 Esaw Street off Stephanie Way.

Public relations director Shannon Johnson said she also hopes people will discover what the 20-30 club is all about - that it's not a singles club.

"Our hope is to show the community why we do what we do," said Johnson. "We also hope it will help bring in new members to the club. We always need to grow and women between 20 and 39 are encouraged to bring their families."

For additional information, send an e-mail to jacquie2030@hotmail.com or call 691-3982.