INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — It has been said that when you teach someone to ride, you give them wings. The Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast has been giving wings to people with special physical and emotional needs in Indian River County for 20 years.
Saturday night, about 150 people gathered at Atlantic Crossing, a movie-set-gorgeous stable owned by Heather Callahan for an evening of casual country frivolity and fun. The evening’s attire was “western,” which was easy for most, since, in addition to the golfers, tennis players, sailors, there’s another class in Vero – horse people.
Recognized by their perfect posture and their tendency to wear their riding britches to the Publix, they are a fun, relaxed, and generous group. The Special Equestrians hold a special place in the heart of area equestrians, who understand the exhilaration of being on a horse. Their Therapeutic Riding Center is an accredited center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc.
Following drinks and passed nibbles, in the courtyard of the stables, which had been lavishly decorated with plants donated by Rock City Gardens, guests were corralled to the riding rings for an exhibition, put on by several students in the program.
Lindsay, 8, angelic with a radiant grin and incredible poise, a lavender helmet and picture perfect posture, was riding Greta Garbo, an older, gentle horse, assisted by her teachers, who had to remind her to hold the reins, because she was clapping with the crowd, who was applauding her. After a few tricks in the ring, Lindsay wowed everyone with her colors and counting skills, which she learned through riding.
Dar Dennis, a certified therapeutic riding instructor, who began as a volunteer with the organization, talked emphatically about the successes that seem like miracles because of the program.
“We had a little girl who didn’t speak when she came to us. Eventually she began to talk, but her first word was ‘whoa,’” said Dennis, smiling. “That’s a wonderful achievement.”
As guests watched the setting sun, sipping cocktails, enjoying the show, the next student to show off his skills was Noah, 6, with charisma, sporting a navy helmet and a confident smile. With his horse, Moon, he dazzled the audience with moves in the ring and then led the grownups in a round of ABC.
Auctioneer and County Commissioner Wesley Davis, fresh from a stint auctioning off steers at the Firefighters Fair last week, was excited about the merchandise on the block, particularly the custom made McLelland saddles and portraits of the purchaser and his horse.
