On May 23, 2010 Children's F.E.A.T. held its annual fundraising event "Brunch at the Barn".
Two hundred friends and supporters attended the event to see the beautifully decorated barn with model horses painted by the program participants in combination with floral arrangements donated by Adria Thomas and created by, gave the stable a new face. They enjoyed the excellent food of Chef Eloy Palacios while listening to the music played by DJ Darryl Jackson from Mike Sipes Entertainment.
While adults had the opportunity to get pampered with chair massages from Claudia Martins or had a look into their future through the psychic readings of Lisa Heath and Marcy Heller (Mystical Marcy), the children had the opportunity to engage in arts and crafts with Meagan Teutsch and Miriam Blazova, while making their own music with Music Therapist Meryl Joan Lammers, or getting their faces painted by Rebecca and Courtney. Casa I'taliane and Avenue Pizza supplied the little guests with delicious pizza.
The event program consisted of a live singing performance by Merryl Joan Lammers and the main attraction the "Parade of breeds" a display of the organizations horses, showed off by the little stars of the day, the programs participating children. The visitors were able to meet:
Music with Merryl Joan Lammers
Jenny our miniature horse with our cowboy Matthew
Miniature Horses are the world's smallest breed of horses and remain distinguished from ponies due to their horse-like qualities. They are friendly and interact well with people. Therapeutic Driving, which Matt is demonstrating, improves breathing, creates endurance, and gives great sensory input through its continuous speed helping individuals to become more independent. Jenny has been with the program for 2 years.
Krone our retired trotter with Ethan
Trotters are a breed of horse best known for their ability to race in a harness at a trot instead of under a saddle at a gallop. While they originated in North America, the breed is now recognized worldwide for its harness racing ability. They are solid, well-built horses with good dispositions that are also used under saddle for a variety of equestrian activities. They are especially valuable for therapeutic horseback riding as a result of their energetic walk that stimulates the muscles and increases vocal intensity. After having 8 babies, Krones maternal instincts make her the perfect therapy horse. Krone is 23 years old and has been with the foundation since its inception in 2004.
Lucy our Bavarian Haflinger with Andrew
Haflinger horses, originating in Austria, are relatively small, and are always chestnut in color. Haflingers have many uses, including light draft and harness work as well as various under saddle disciplines such as endurance riding, dressage, equestrian vaulting and in therapeutic riding programs. They have a distinctive trot described as energetic but smooth which makes it easy to steer them while trotting. Teaching the child trotting and steering helps to foster independence and self esteem. Lucy has been with the program for 1 year. Andrew will demonstrate the sitting trot.
Mariah our Arabian with Brianna or Taylor our Egyptian princess
Arabians are one of the oldest horse breeds. Throughout history, Arabian horses have been spread around the world due to both war and trade. They are used to improve other breeds by adding speed, refinement, endurance, and strong bones. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horse. Mariah’s therapeutic value for the program is her sensitivity to the emotions and needs of the children. Mariah has been with the program for over 2 years.
Pinky our Connemara Pony with Melissa
The Connemara pony is a pony breed originating in Ireland. They are known for their athleticism, versatility and good disposition. The breed makes excellent show ponies. Pinky is the newest edition to our program but she has immediately bonded with the children and made a welcomed new edition to our family. Melissa, our show rider will demonstrate a posting trot.
Glen Rock a.k.a. Buddy our Thoroughbred with Kim
Originating in England, thoroughbreds are considered a "hot-blooded" horse, known for their agility, speed, spirit and racing ability. Buddy is currently in training with our volunteer, Kim, who is presenting him. He has great stable manners and is wonderful horse for children to bond with and groom in our social skills training groups.
Kaya and Whitey the Quarter Horses with our cowboys Vinzenso and Alex
The Quarter Horse, originating in America, gets its name from its outstanding speed while sprinting a quarter mile. The horses have been clocked at speeds of up to 55 mph. The American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the United States today and is most popular for cowboys, working with cattle. Thanks to Carol and Mona for bringing these beautiful horse to our parade.
Double Platinum our life-sized painted pony...
was painted by local Delray artist Josh Goldstein (don't worry, the paint will not hurt the horse in any way!)
After the show program and a touching speech by Ronni Sommer, the raffle prices were called out and the silent auction items were distributed. Everybody had a great time for a good cause:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."– George Carlin
Children's Foundation for Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc. started as a small grassroots program in 2005 working with an 11 year old boy diagnosed with Autism. His mother noticed soon the dramatic changes in her child's behavior, speech and cognitive understanding. Through her word of mouth, many additional children with special needs started to participate and are dramatically benefiting from this innovative equine assisted communication program which has helped these children to increase balance, mobility, speech and social and cognitive skills while fostering self-esteem, emotional growth, confidence and trust.
The program allows children with special needs to leave the standard clinical setting and enjoy a sense of independence. While on a horse, these children experience a feeling of "normalcy" and are able to leave the bonds of their disabilities and interact with their environment in a meaningful way.
The milestones that the children are achieving are truly amazing and extremely gratifying to witness. YOUR support plays and ongoing role in the growth of and success of these children.
Thank you to:
Mr. David Crupi from Isles Casino Racing Pompano Park
Mr. John Wilder from Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation
Congressman Ted Deutch for his continued support of the program.
Thank you to the volunteer committee who organized this event:
Anke Ebener
Mona Fisher
Elizabeth Ossip
Ronni Sommer
Carol Tannen
Adria Thomas
Jeannie Yermes
Front: L-R: Elizabeth Ossip, Bandit
Back: L-R: Ronni Sommer, Anke Ebener, Carol Tannen, Mona Fisher, Jeannie Yermes, Adria Thomas
And to the volunteers who helped us to make our dream a reality:
Kim Ebener
Eve Jacobs
Claudia Martins
Diana Moore
David Sommer
Children's Foundation for Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc. would like to thank the following individuals for their generous donations and support of our program:
Alpha Search Advisory Partners, LLC
Ann and Norm Jacobson
Avenue Pizza, Delray
Barbara and Jonathan Sommer
Bedazzled by Susan Levine
Betty and William Scaggs
Brennan Family
Casa L'Italien, Boca Raton
City Fish Market, Boca Raton
Delgardo Family
Congressman Ted Deutch
Cross Fit Kids
Dominics I Turnpike, Boca Raton
Doris' Italian Market, Boca Raton
Chef Eloy Palacios
Delray Boat Club, Alex Warner
Eppy Financial Group
From Rohem with Love
Goldengate Stables
Grifs Western, Parkland
Juliet Salon, Delray Beach
HealthQuest Fitness & Therapy Center, Boca Raton
Maria and Antonio Lopez
Massage by Karin
The Meeting Place West, Boca Raton
Mike Sipe Entertainment
O'Salon, Boca Raton
Palm Beach Bagles, Boca Raton
Pretty Girl Beauty Salon
Renzo's, West Boca Raton
Rustico Italiano, Lake Worth
Scott & Co., Delray Beach
Skin Apeel, Boca Raton
Solitude Mountain Direct, Gene Hanfling
Southern Wine & Spirits
Spatique
Spectrum Saddle Shop, Parkland
Srdan Saric
Steve Guttenberg
Sunshine Meadows Equestrian Village
Tan Line Stable
Sally Teutsch
Villa Rosano, Boca Raton
V.I.P. Catering, Boca Raton
Yoga Sol, Delray Beach