Horses, riders put through paces
SUMMIT TWP — Horses and riders got put through their paces Saturday at the annual horse show at Elliott Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, 168 Headland Road.
Nineteen riders competed in three categories during the event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Because the riders have various physical, intellectual and emotional issues, they were accompanied by volunteers who led the horse or were side walkers.
Deb Campbell, an instructor at the therapeutic riding academy, said the contestants competed in the pleasure class and the equitation class, which measured how well they rode and an obstacle course.
Trophies and ribbons were handed out at the end of each competition.
Judge Karen Hinderliter looked for riders that showed their skills and abilities in the show ring.
Campbell said the contestants rode on horses that they had used in their weekly sessions.
The center uses six donated horses of a certain age. “It takes time to get horses quiet enough and calm enough. We look for ones that have been seasoned,” said Campbell.
Bridgett Sabich, of Karns City, watched her four-year-old daughter LeLynn Sabich ride on her usual mount, Cooper, a Shetland pony.
“She's been coming since she's been two every Saturday,” said Sabich. “She loves it here. It's her favorite thing. She's been practicing for the show. She's a horse rider and a gymnast.”
After her competition, LeLynn demonstrated her gymnastic skills with a cartwheel.
“It helps her socialize, but she just loves to ride,” said Sabich.
LeLynn's aunt, Brittani Sabich, of Karns City, said, “Physically, it gets her out and she gets to socialize and be around the animals. She loves the animals.”
Susie Spence, of Sarver, was helping her son, Solomon Ebersole, 7, adjust his riding helmet before his turn in the ring.
She said Solomon, who has cerebral palsy, has been riding at Elliott Acres once a week since he was two.
“He's been practicing for weeks. He likes the horses. He likes to trot,” she said.
Riding a horse has physical and mental benefits for Solomon, she said.
“It helps with his muscles, helps with his therapy, and it's keeping him excited,” said Spencer.
Spencer added she usually walks with Solomon when he's on horseback because the center is short on volunteers.
One of the volunteers Saturday, Lyeric Cousins of East Butler, said she's been helping out for four years.
Cousins said every rider has a specific horse so the horse and human can get used to one another's habits.
“I keep the horse in control. I'm just a backup. I help the horse behave and stand still.”
Cousins said the number of helpers depends on the rider and the rider's experience.
“Some don't need any,” she said.
“But we are always looking for volunteers,” she added.
In addition to the competition, the day also featured food, basket and 50/50 raffles and a riding demonstration.
