"Riding has greatly improved my son's hand-eye coordination and balance. Because of this, he is now able to ride a bike and play video games, things that every little boy his age should be able to do."
"I like riding fast!"
"I like riding Elsie because we get along so well together."
"Riding has opened me up and I'm not as scared. It has helped my balance a lot, and I am more positive about myself."
"I love horseback riding. These big, gentle animals are my friends. They know my scent and they know my voice when I call their names. Riding on Ice, Poco and Tia makes me happy. I like to brush them and give them treats like peppermints. I have been riding since I was 12. I hope I can ride for a long, long time."
"Horseback riding so much fun. Good day. I like to trot-trot-trot and go fast."
"I like trot-trot because it's fast and I like up-downs!"
"I like trotting and Tia the horse is my favorite."
"I like to trot-trot because it's bouncy and it makes me happy!"
"Riding has helped strengthen the trunk. She's like a jack-in-the-box, she now has the strength to sit up and stay up under her own power, which she could not do before. She really enjoys riding too."
"I like trotting and going fast, it's exhilarating. The people at Horsefeathers are loving and caring souls."
"I love all the horses."
"I like cantering because I'm getting really good at it and stronger. I like circling around corners, it is much fun, and I sometimes like to do it at the trot"
“Riding is number 1, not number 2.”
"I like trotting - bouncy trot and up down trot"
"My favorite thing to do is trot, because it's fast!"
Special Olympics
The Illinois Special Olympics is the event our riders wait for all year. It’s a chance for all the riders to show off and celebrate their achievements. We could not be more proud of all the riders.
Special Olympics 2010
- Details
- Parent Category: Events
- Category: Special Olympics
At the Special Olympics Illinois 2010 Outdoor Sports Festival, September 11, 2010 was a very good day. Sixteen riders from Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding, NFP, came home with seven gold medals, eight silver medals, and one well-earned bronze
Horsefeathers horses, Scatman, Big Red, Ice, Calvin, Poco, and Harley, traveled in style in the Airstream trailer of Brookwood Farms, kindness of Rush and Caroline Weeden The riders, who traveled down to Decatur with their parents and familes for the big event, were Jennifer, Carly, Mackenzie, Eion, Amanda, Becca, Kelly, Stephanie, Vidya, Amanda, Leah, Angel, Melissa, Laura, Martha, and Lucy.
The whole weekend was truly a magical experience for all the riders, families, and volunteers. Friday evening began with a pool party at the hotel with lots of fun and splashing to be had by all. Saturday morning started early with all the hustle of horses getting groomed, braided, and tacked up for the show. Riders hurried around, nervous and excited for their chance to ride and show everyone how far they have come, and justify all their hard work leading up to that day. After a hard day, everyone got to relax for a bit before the opening ceremony in Central Park, located in downtown Decatur. The ceremony included lighting of the torch carried by our very own Stephanie Padilla. The streets were full during the Parade of Athletes to the Civic Center for a dinner served by the Decatur Knights of Columbus, with the dance following right after. It was an extraordinary weekend of lasting memories – accomplishments to savor, excitement, friendships, and the delightful thought of “next year.”
Special thanks to…
Rush and Caroline Weeden of Brookwood Farms, who delivered the horses in the fanciest trailer our horses have ever seen
Our Riders and their families for all their hard work.
Our Volunteers, without whom it would not have been possible for our success
Sundh family for keeping us well fed and happy with wonderful snacks
The Jiongco family for supplying the horses with all the show essentials
Lastly, everyone who helped by supporting us by donating to support us at the 1st Horsefeathers Yard Sale – which raised funds to help offset the expenses of Special Olympics.
