Comstock's magazine 0919 - September 2019 | Page 103

CAPITAL REGION CARES
A ll A bout E quine
A nimal R escue, I nc.
P roject R .I.D.E.
T
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
o celebrate 40 years of serving
people with special needs, Project
R.I.D.E.’s therapeutic horseback
riding program is upgrading its
facilities and expanding programs.
A covered outdoor riding arena
and upgraded sensory trail will
complement existing indoor facilities. A specialized
simulator brings more people the joy of riding, and new
programs in development will reach a greater audience.
“In 2020, we are poised to expand our capacity to its
greatest level ever,” says Executive Director Tina Calanchini.
“But volunteer support is key.”
Three trained volunteers accompany each rider, helping
develop academic and social skills, while the horse offers
the physical challenge of maintaining balance on a moving
animal.
“If you don’t show, they don’t go,” Community Outreach
Manager Marisa DeSalles tells new volunteers in monthly
training sessions. “Without volunteer support, we must
cancel lessons.” The need for volunteer support is constant
and ongoing.
“From high schoolers to retirees, we depend on
community members giving their precious time,” says
Calanchini. “With a little bit of yours, we can go on
harnessing the magic for years to come.”
H
orses have served humans
for centuries. Striving to
serve them, All About Equine
Animal Rescue, Inc. (AAE) rescues,
rehabilitates and rehomes horses.
Established in 2009 as a small,
heartfelt endeavor on a family ranch, this now-thriving
community-based organization needs a larger home.
“We’ve served more than 285 horses, and in
collaboration with organizations, AAE added equine-
based programs that help veterans, at-risk youth, disabled
individuals, foster children and more,” says Wendy Digiorno,
executive director. “We’ve purchased 61 acres in Pilot Hill
and now invite the community to partner with AAE to build
the facility we desperately need to continue serving horses
and humans.”
AAE will utilize the new facility to continue rescuing
horses, facilitate training and education, and become a
center that unites the community. With strong financial
management, AAE is rated as a Platinum level nonprofit on
GuideStar. Please help AAE continue to serve horses and
people in need.
profiles generously sponsored by
PROJECTRIDE.ORG
ALLABOUTEQUINE.ORG
September 2019 | comstocksmag.com
103