AT OUR BEST

Supporters sow Seeds of Hope

Horses help kids learn, do

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Katelynn Zoellner and Jeff Larson (from left), Jake and Marisa Ladue and Shanna Dozier gather at the sixth annual Mini Derby to benefit Equestrian Bridges on May 5 at Parkerman Stables in Fayetteville.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Katelynn Zoellner and Jeff Larson (from left), Jake and Marisa Ladue and Shanna Dozier gather at the sixth annual Mini Derby to benefit Equestrian Bridges on May 5 at Parkerman Stables in Fayetteville.

Healing Gardens of Northwest Arkansas supporters sowed Seeds of Hope at a Garden Party on May 4 at the Barn at the Springs in Springdale.

Proceeds from the event will go toward construction of the garden, planned to be open in 2020 behind the Highlands Oncology Group facility on Horsebarn Road in Rogers, just off the Razorback Greenway. The area will include a labyrinth, waterfall, 2.2 acres of gardens, sculptures, a reflecting pool and a stone-stacking area.

At a Glance

Seeds of Hope Garden Party

Who: Healing Gardens of Northwest Arkansas

What: Proceeds from the event will go toward construction of the garden, planned to be open in 2020 behind the Highlands Oncology Group facility on Horsebarn Road in Rogers, just off the Razorback Greenway.

When: May 4

Where: The Barn at the Springs in Springdale

Information: (479) 366-6944

Mini Derby

Who: Equestrian Bridges

What: Pint-sized ponies took to the track for the Equestrian Bridges Mini Derby on May 5 at Parkerman Stables in Fayetteville.

When: May 5

Where: Parkerman Stables in Fayetteville

Information: (479) 301-2814 or equestrianbridges.og

Those helping Healing Gardens included Corrin and Ron Troutman, Kathy and Arlin Vancuren, Joyce Mendenhall, Gail Pianalto, Rachel and Tony Cox, Abby Foster, Jocelyn Delano, Allison Wise, Dustin Williams and Eileen and Walter Jennings, honorary chairmen.

Pint-sized ponies took to the track for the Equestrian Bridges Mini Derby on May 5 at Parkerman Stables in Fayetteville.

Equestrian Bridges uses standard and miniature horses to provide equine-assisted activities and therapies for children on the autism spectrum, teens considered at risk for behavioral or emotional problems and veterans. The group also serves veterans with its Trail Blazers horsemanship program.

Equine therapy incorporates the expertise of a therapeutic riding instructor, mental health therapist and equine specialist to provide experiences with and on a horse. Benefits of the therapy might include improved gross and fine motor skills, improved attention skills, increased physical activity, building relationships with the horse and volunteers, increased ability to follow instructions, developing sequencing abilities and increased overall confidence.

Those making the Mini Derby included Sandy and Leon Otwell, Andrew LeGrand, Hayley Hunt, Skylar Evans and John Paden, Marisa and Jake Ladue, Katelynn Zoellner, Jeff Larson, Shanna Dozier,

For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.

Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].

NAN Profiles on 05/20/2018

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