My eyes are still red...

[tallyho8]

I have been putting on horse shows for many years now, but by request we put on a benefit show for the Pointe Celeste Therapeutic Riding Center today. The riding center offers free therapeutic riding to children and adults with disabilities. Many of these people will remain in wheelchairs the rest of their lives and know nothing of the simple pleasures in life like going for a hike, riding a bike or participating in any of the games that we all grew up with and took for granted.

It is amazing to see a child with a paralyzed face riding on a horse for the first time and a slight crack of a smile starting to come across her face. Many people in wheelchairs are hoisted into the saddle and for the first time they can look down on people instead of being looked down on. The benefits that therapeutic riding give a person with disabilities are countless.

Pointe Celeste Riding Center was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and sadly missed for the last two years by the hundreds of people it has helped so much. Through generous contributions by so many it has just about been rebuilt and is almost ready to start its rehabilitation program again.

During our show today, they pushed a young girl in a wheelchair up to the announcers stand and asked if she could say a few words about the center. We gave her the microphone and she told us how she has been in a wheelchair her whole life and how her greatest joy was to be able to ride a horse at the riding center and how much she appreciated what we were all doing to get it reopened again. She broke into tears and couldn't finish her speech.

Everyone else was in tears also, so there was total silence for what seemed like an eternity. I said a silent prayer thanking God for all he has given me and for allowing me to help those less fortunate. My wife had to drive home tonight before my vision is impaired by the constantly flowing tears. I could write a lot more but I am having trouble seeing the keyboard right now. No matter how bad our misfortune, there are so many with so much worse.......

Pointe Celeste Therapeutic Riding Center]

 

[MossRoad]

Nice job!

 

[RobertN]

That is an amazing an wonderful group to support.

In our area, is a program called "Ride and Shine". The program has been happening around here for years.We have a friend who had that program at thier property for a couple years. We also have a nieghbor who is a recipient in the program. They are not in a wheelchair, but have other issues.

Riding those horses does so much good for those kids. It is amazing to see them ride, the enjoyment they get out of it, and the exercise. Riding those horses helps them stretch and utilze muscles they would not use in a wheel chair, walker, or even in regular walking.

Seeing kids before they ride, the excitement build as they get ready, then the ride and how it affects them, makes them excited, calms some down, helps some be more open and social; the list could be huge. But see it, is, well, amazing to say the least.

It isa very nobel and gernerous program to support.

 

[jbrumberg]

I appreciate your eloquence and concern for those less fortunate . We take so much in life for granted. For some reason animals bring out both the best and the worst in people . Jay

 

[jinman]

Dudley, you got me goin' too. I had polio when I was 3 yr old and I feel so lucky to not have any ill effects. It's too bad that all kids can't be as lucky as I was. Thanks for your volunteer work for such a great cause.

 

[riptides]

... by request we put on a benefit show for the Pointe Celeste Therapeutic Riding Center today....

Wow, GOOD for you. It is always special to share with those in need. Horses are a lot of work, and your time is most valuable. I am glad you got to see the joy your time and effort can bring.

My daughter volunteers at a therapeutic riding center. Good for her. I swear she is part horse.

Thanks for sharing this.
-Mike Z.

 

[creekbend]

Our son has Down's Syndrome and 20 years ago when we lived on the west coast of Florida, he attended Easter Seals. There was a center like you are describing in Sarasota that offered those same services. My son is not physically challenged but they let him ride too. I remember with distinct pleasure the happiness in his and his friends faces and the thrill they experienced. My hat is OFF to YOU. Happy Tractoring. :tractor::tractor:

 

[Lloyd_E]

Wish there were more in the world like you!

lloyd

 

[tallyho8]

I was surprised to see this old thread being replied to again.

An update: Pointe Celeste Riding Center was rebuilt and reopened a couple years after Katrina in 2007 but then Hurricane Ike destroyed it again in late 2008. It has not reopened.