To the Editor:

Join Victoria Acres Equine Facility Board of Directors, volunteers, and friends on Saturday, June 6, at 5 p.m. at the Dutch barn on the Altamont fairgrounds for a barn dance fundraiser!  It promises to be a great time and supports a great cause.

Live Bluegrass music will be performed by Joe and Kit.  Richie Phillips of WGNA will DJ the event.  Channel 13’s Elaine Houston and Dan Bazile will share MC roles.  Wagon Train BBQ will provide dinner. There will be silent and live auctions, drawings, and dancing. Parent testimonials and a military program dedication to Adan Olid, a former Marine who passed away before the Horses for Heroes program was able to be started, will round out the night.

Throughout the centuries, the horse has worked in partnership with people, providing transportation, tilling fertile fields, and serving as brave-hearted mounts on battlefields.  The horse as healer in equine therapy has proven to be an intuitive teacher.

Military veterans struggling with mental well-being create new trusting relationships through interaction with horses in equine related activities.  Parents, teachers and health-care providers see individuals with emotional, physical, and intellectual challenges develop core body strength, improved physical balance, and expand their verbal and social skills creating positive social interactions.

Victoria Acres Equine Facility is a 501(c)3 organization located in Altamont. Its mission is to empower children and adults with or without physical and developmental challenges through the use of Equine Assisted Activities.  Victoria Acres programs include Horse Sense, Horses for Heroes supporting our military veterans and their families, and Path International Therapeutic Riding sessions.  

Proceeds from the dance will go directly towards the purchase of a mounting ramp and equine assisted programs and activities.  A mounting ramp will enable Victoria Acres to expand its programs to individuals who cannot safely be mounted on a horse from a wheelchair.

We hope you can join us to learn more about our valuable community resource, the benefits of equine assisted programs, and meet the dedicated individuals who make these programs possible.

To purchase tickets and learn more about Victoria Acres visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/barn-dance-fundraiser-tickets-16571169815?aff=efbevent; we’re on Facebook at Victoria Acres Equine Facility or call me at 861-6587. The deadline for ticket purchase is Saturday, May 30.

Deborah Katz

Altamont