Hut, which sponsors a golf tournament each year in June. TREC’ s biggest annual fundraiser, Urban Cowboy, raised more than $ 10,000 and entertained 500 + people last year. This year’ s fundraiser is Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Bourbon Barrel on the corner of 12th and State streets.
Racine is confident in the safety and reliability of the TREC school horses.“ Each prospective horse comes to our facility on a 30 to 60 day trial basis where trained equine experts observe the horse in every aspect of behavior and temperament. Any horse we accept must be gentle, dead-broke, patient and steady around noise, ramps, wheel chairs and horse toys,” she explains. And all 11 of TREC’ s current horses have passed this test.
A new program this year coordinated by and funded through the Autism Society involves older teens and younger adults and is an extension of the elementary school program called“ Framework for Independent Living.”
“ Riders are given tasks,” Rositer explains,“ and we monitor and observe to check for improvement on those tasks, as well as eye contact, ability to answer questions and socialization.”
Another new program,“ Beyond the Saddle,” uses groundwork rather than riding to develop the human / horse connection by teaching skills like moving the horse without a lead rope or halter by just using body language.“ Instructors Stephanie Sawtelle and Danielle Clark understand how horses have the ability to interact with humans on a meaningful level,” explains Rositer.
In addition, TREC provides a Saturday morning riding opportunity for all veterans from 10 a. m. to noon at no charge. For more info about the Vet program, email kimberly @ trecerie. org.
Volunteers at TREC experience a strong sense of community, commitment and friendship, and Danylko encourages people to volunteer.
“ We’ re a family, you’ re outside, but under a roof. You get to work with horses, and the exercise is fantastic.”
Looking for a place to help youth and adults? Contact TREC at 814.474.5276 or visit trecerie. org, or stop by 8342 Platz Road in Fairview. n
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