Kids & Horses dream realized

When Kids & Horses founder, Sam Waldman, realized his dream of opening a therapeutic riding center at his Double W Ranch in 1999, Katie Fried and her twin sister Molly were two of the first students Waldman worked with. Waldman never got to see his dream fully realized. He died in October of 2000, just four years after his purchase of the Double W Ranch.

Now in its eighth year of operation, Kids & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center, located at the end of Esaw Road off Stephanie Way near Minden in Carson Valley, has become the only center of its kind in Nevada to be fully accredited by North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and provides riding therapy for more than 40 students.

The girls, both born with cerebral palsy, were around 9 years old when their mother Pat Fried brought them to the center. Katie, less affected than Molly, quickly took to the horses and the riding, becoming completely at home on the back of a horse. It didn't take her long to become an independent rider, even jumping. Molly too, learned how to ride independently.

"Its been really neat to see Katie come full circle in the program," said certified instructor Lisa Fletcher.

Katie now volunteers her time as a side walker and helper at the center. She understands, first hand, the importance of the job she is now doing, walking beside the horse and rider to insure the safety of the student rider. There was a time in her learning where she needed a side walker too.

"I started as a horse handler and a side walker," Fletcher said.

Soon she received her certification to be an instructor and has dedicated herself to helping students succeed in the program.

Katie still likes to ride but, typical to a lot of young girls her age, school and other activities take a lot of her time.

Now a poised and confident young lady, Katie, 17, will be a senior at Douglas High School this year and plans to attend college after graduation.

"I am trying to get my drivers license. I like English and math the most at school. I want to go to WNCC, oh, I guess they don't call it that anymore - WNC," she corrected herself, "I want to be a masseuse after I graduate."

"Sam would be very proud of her," Fletcher said.

In truth, Waldman would have been proud of how his vision has unfolded. Kids & Horses is one of only four NARHA-accredited centers in the entire nation that does not charge for its services, relying solely on volunteer help, donations and fundraisers to keep its doors open to those who need the services they provide. Waldman had applied for accreditation for the center but his death delayed the process until October 2002 and is now up for renewal. The inspiration of Kids & Horses is the Waldman legacy that has lived on through the enthusiasm of his ideas which has continued through an energetic group of volunteers, most of whom have been with the program since its early beginnings. Fletcher was one of the first to volunteer her time at the ranch, actually before it ever opened. A retired school teacher, she said volunteering for Kids & Horses keeps her involved with children and teaching.

Financial support is key to the survival of the center but it wouldn't mean a thing without the dedication of the volunteers who make this program possible. The center is always looking for more volunteers and the fresh ideas and skills to aid the students.

The 8th annual Kids & Horses Barbecue Fundraiser, which was held in Reno for the past seven years, is 5-9 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Crystal Bay Club. Roger and Elise Norman, the new owners of the remodeled Crystal Bay Club, are donating the use of the Crown Room and the outside patio for the event.

Brimm's A Catering Company and Austin's Restaurant will again be donating the dinner. The evening includes a Western-style barbecue, entertainment, raffle prizes, silent and live auction including, new to the annual event, a Star Search competition. Individual tickets or multiple tables are available. Corporate sponsors are always welcomed, which includes advertising opportunities for contributors.

Tickets for the barbecue may be purchased at Bowl Incline, Austin's Restaurant in Reno and Incline, Century 21 McGregor Realty, Ponderosa Property Maintenance, Double W Ranch or at the door.

For more information about Kids & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center, fundraising efforts or volunteering at the center, visit their Web site at www.kidsandhorses.org or call 267-1775.