The women's Sierra Nevada Active 20-30 Club spent a day with the children and staff at Kids & Horses therapeutic riding program and presented them with a check for $500 in early March.
Kids and Horses is a bridge leading to a life of freedom and self-fulfillment for children and adults with physical and emotional disabilities. Founded in April 1999, the 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 can benefit from an equine relationship.
In spite of disabilities such as blindness, paralysis, amputation, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism, many of the Kids & Horses students can go on to own and care for their own horses.
"All it takes is an interest in horses and a willingness to stretch in body, mind and spirit," said Michael Lashkoff, director of the Kids & Horses program.
"This is what our club is all about," said Leslie Batistich, vice president of the women's 20-30 club. "We come here to see how the money we raise works for the kids that need it most."
To become a volunteer for the Kids & Horses program, call 267-1775. The 20-30 club is also looking for interested volunteers. Information, sierranv2030.org.
