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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