Any horseback rider can attest to the strong connection between rider and horse. For developmentally disabled children, the experience of being on a horse can lead to remarkable therapeutic progress. Tara’s Chance Equine Therapy was created to provide this opportunity for children with disabilities. During their fundraising gala on October 5th, they successfully raised funds to support their mission. Operations Manager Katherine Cazares reported that over 400 people attended this year’s “Riding With the Stars” gala, marking a record year for fundraising efforts.

Whellchair-bound Bella was one of the first Tara’s Chance riders. She’s on Maggie, one of their first horses.
Photo courtesy Tara’s Chance

At the Gala, the Tara’s Chance team showcased their equine therapy through videos and a live demonstration. This year, they featured a rider named Bella, who was their very first rider 12 years ago. Bella conducted a demonstration ride on a palomino horse named Maggie, one of the original horses at Tara’s Chance.

Tara’s Chance’s unique therapy involves walking a child on a trained horse around an arena. The horse’s gently rocking gait and various riding positions help the child improve their balance, coordination, and control.

Because children perceive it as play, this powerful form of therapy often proves more effective than traditional indoor therapy. Additionally, interacting with a horse that weighs over 1,000 pounds can encourage kids to come out of their shells and enhance their cognitive skills and social well-being.

Tara’s Chance serves approximately 100 riders each week, with annual expenses totaling around $700,000. These expenses cover feeding, housing, and caring for about a dozen horses, ponies, and burros. The organization employs a small full-time staff responsible for therapeutic duties, accounting, organizing events, and managing the horses. Additionally, around 45 volunteers contribute by assisting as safety spotters and performing various other tasks.

Parents contribute a small portion of the costs, but the majority of Tara’s budget must come from fundraising and grants. The “Riding with the Stars” event is one of three fundraising events that Tara’s Chance holds each year.

Katherine Cazares added, “We want to express our gratitude and appreciation for all of our sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and families that made this event possible.”

You can find information about Tara’s Chance at taraschance.org.

The Gala-presenting sponsor US Bank team shows they can ‘Cowboy Down’. Photo courtesy Tara’s Chance

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