Benefits With Friends

Equestrian Bridges on track for therapy

May 3, 2018 at 1:00 a.m.

by Carin Schoppmeyer

NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE Madison Machen leads Fibber, a miniature horse who works as a therapy horse for Equestrian Bridges at Parkerman Stables, during a training session for new volunteers at the stables in Fayetteville. The organization provides therapy for children on the autism spectrum. The sixth annual Mini Derby benefit Saturday will help support programs at the noprofit organization.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE Madison Machen leads Fibber, a miniature horse who works as a therapy horse for Equestrian Bridges at Parkerman Stables, during a training session for new volunteers at the stables in Fayetteville. The organization provides therapy for children on the autism spectrum. The sixth annual Mini Derby benefit Saturday will help support programs at the noprofit organization.

Big hats and bow ties will abound at the sixth annual Mini Derby to benefit Equestrian Bridges on Saturday at Parkerman Stables in Fayetteville.

Proceeds from the Kentucky Derby watch party will help the group fulfill its mission "to build bridges for children and their families, helping them to improve the quality of their lives and increase their opportunities for success."

Mini Derby

Who: Equestrian Bridges

What: Kentucky Derby watch party, miniature horse racing, big hat and bow tie contests, beer, wine, mint juleps, food trucks, Backroad Anthem

When: 3 to 7 p.m.

Where: Parkerman Stables in Fayetteville

Tickets: $35

Attire: Derby inspired

Information: 301-2814, equestrianbridges.o…

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.

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.

The afternoon will include miniature horse racing, live music from Backroad Anthem, live and silent auctions, beer and wine, food from local food trucks, mint juleps, pony rides and big hat and bow tie contests.

-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER

[email protected]

NAN Our Town on 05/03/2018

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