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Highlands Today

Rotary Club Makes Donation To Heartland Horses

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: May 4, 2008

SEBRING — The stables at the Heartland Horses and Handicapped barn are finally full again.

Gentle Ben, a black and white Tennessee walker saddle horse, has joined the ranks thanks to a $1,400 donation from Highlands Club Rotary.

Heartland Horses and Handicapped provides therapeutic horsemanship for riders with disabilities.

Joy Ongley, stable manager for Heartland Horses and Handicapped, said Gentle Ben makes a great addition to the riding team.

"He is a very good horse, and he needed almost no training," Ongley said. "Just like his name implies, he is very gentle and patient, which is perfect for our riders."

Cindy Baker, a member of the Highlands Club Rotary, said she sees the benefits of horseback riding first hand; both her daughter and mother participate in the program.

Baker said her daughter Kerrie has Down syndrome, and horseback riding has been great for her self-confidence.

"Her riding is something she can be proud of," Baker said. "She has the ability to control a huge animal like that, which is pretty incredible. It's something she takes great pride in."

Baker said her mother, who is blind, loves horses and is one of program's oldest riders.

"The movement of the horse is great for her and very therapeutic," Baker said. "It's done wonders for her. I think this is the most awesome thing that could happen for anyone with disabilities."

Ongley said about 80 riders regularly come to the stables for riding sessions, which are held Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday from September through May.

Participates of all ages are welcome and must have a signed medical release from their physician. Volunteers and donations are also welcome.

Heartland Horses and Handicapped is located at 118 E. College Drive. in Avon Park. For more information, call 452-0006.

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