APHA Hosted Second Annual Freedom Challenge For Therapeutic Riding Clubs

FORT WORTH, Texas–The American Paint Horse Foundation’s second annual Freedom Challenge took place Saturday, July 3, 2010, the final day of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Summer World Championship show. The Freedom Challenge illustrated how children and adults can rehabilitate from serious injuries, disabilities, and illness through equine therapy. Therapeutic riding provides the rider many benefits including improved balance, flexibility and muscle tone.

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The Freedom Challenge was a great success. The smiles on the faces of each exhibitor were heartwarming. Photo Courtsey APHA.

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Exhibitors were overjoyed after receiving a trophy for participation in the Western Horsemanship class. Photo Courtsey APHA.

 “I think this is an amazing event,” said Cheryl Newman, president of the APHA Foundation. “Participating in the Freedom Challenge is both mentally and physically rewarding for these riders. It illustrates how the relationships formed with the horse heal the body and mind.”

This year’s Freedom Challenge featured 17 riders from throughout Texas representing five therapeutic riding centers. Participants competed in Western Pleasure and Horsemanship classes.

Anna Grace Harrell from Stable Strides Therapy won first place in Western Pleasure. Taking home reserve for the class was Zack Carter from Rocky Top Therapy Center. Carter claimed that winning reserve was the “Best day of my life!”

Winning the Western Horsemanship class was Ben Splain from Riding Unlimited. Courtney Miller from Stable Strides won reserve.

Riders were not only rewarded with a great sense of accomplishment, but also some great prizes. Gist Silversmith belt buckles, sponsored by Tommy and Judy Ford and Ford Farms of Whitesboro, Texas, were given to the top two riders in each class. Trophies, ribbons and APHA calendars were presented to all riders.

“The riders were all elated, you could see it in their faces as they accepted their awards,” said Newman. “This was their special day and it was very rewarding to see them so excited and appreciative.”

Participating riding centers were All Star Equestrian of Mansfield, Texas; Riding Unlimited of Ponder, Texas; Rocky Top Therapy Center of Keller, Texas; Stable Strides Therapy of Flower Mound, Texas and Therapeutic Riding of Texas (TROT) from Cedar Hill, Texas.

The American Paint Horse Foundation awarded each of the participating centers a $500 grant to use to continue advancing their therapeutic riding programs.