Oct 01, 2015
Program director, Maria Naslund and Andy riding Duffy.
To celebrate this milestone, M.A.R.E. will be hosting a 25th anniversary celebration, Diamonds to Denim, on Saturday, October 24 at its arena, 18200 Johnson Road. The event will begin with an equestrian show featuring top-level professional riders and M.A.R.E.’s own, Andy, who will perform a dressage musical freestyle. Dinner, dancing, and a live and silent auction will follow the performance. Gates open at 4:30 p.m and the show begins at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $100 and sponsorships are still available. This fundraising event helps M.A.R.E. care for the horses and provide scholarships for its riders.
When Diane Hopkins, Mary Literilla, and Dorothy Evans started M.A.R.E. they wanted to give “hope on horseback” so these children and adults could have the opportunity to experience freedom of movement and spirit.
Hopkins started with her horse, Tana, who had been a therapeutic riding horse when they lived in Texas, She had seen first-hand how much her horse could help people and she saw a need for it in Bakersfield. “I have a love for the kids and a love for the horses,” she says. “They are a perfect match and make a beautiful connection.”
Accredited by PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), M.A.R.E. adheres to PATH International therapeutic riding center accreditation safety standards and employs PATH International therapeutic riding instructors. At M.A.R.E., the equestrians participate in weekly equine-assisted activities that are designed to provide improvement in performing daily living activities and enrich their social and recreational experiences.
As the featured rider for the Diamonds to Denim event, Andy has been working hard with M.A.R.E.’s program director, Maria Naslund, who comes from a professional horse training background and is now a certified PATH Inthernational therapeutic riding instructor. “This is not a pony ride,” she says. “These kids are learning how to ride a horse. But, they are also learning teamwork, work ethic, love, and sportsmanship.”
When equestrians with disabilities are on the horse it’s a great “equalizer.” “They might not be able to run or play sports, but on the horse, they can be a better rider,” she says.
Andy knows this better than anyone. With a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, doctors told his mother Leticia that her son might never walk. She began looking for ways to help him. Through programs like M.A.R.E., League of Dreams’ sports events, and water and physical therapies, this 11-year old sixth-grader is active and running around the arena. He was also named M.A.R.E.’s Rider of the Year in 2011 and has competed in horse shows at CALNET (California Network for Equine Therapy) at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, where he has brought back many awards. Leticia says after starting M.A.R.E. she noticed that he gained a lot of strength in his hips and his gait improved. She makes his equine therapy a priority in their lives because she knows how much it not only benefits him but also how much he loves it. “I feel really happy to see him riding,” she says. “I am proud of him.” Andy has gained such a love of horses that he hopes to become a professional rider and trainer for his future career. “It’s so fun to get close up to the horses and know about them,” he says. “I like horses and can really relax around them.”
Deborah Durkan, Executive Director, has seen this kind of passion evoked in many people throughout her 25 years working for M.A.R.E. “Every rider and volunteer has their own story. I don't think I can really speak for them, but how I hope M.A.R.E. changed their lives is that they found a sport that equalized the playing field, that every time they came to M.A.R.E. their day was made a little brighter and that they were able to experience a bit of the same sense of freedom that I was able to experience as a child riding horses,” she says. “It’s a unique, healing place for kids and adults that provides, hope, excitement, adventure, acceptance, encouragement, and freedom on one of nature's most powerful and beautiful creatures: the horse.”
She says over the years they were told many times that M.A.R.E. would not work because of the financial commitment needed to sustain it. But, here they are, 25 years later, and thanks to many generous people and the community at large, they are still giving the kids experience and benefits of riding horses. M.A.R.E. raises funds by hosting two special events per year: one in the fall and one in the spring. The students and the Board of Directors also raise funds through a Ride A Thon event that collects pledges for laps ridden. They have also developed some long-term relationships with corporate sponsors like Chevron and service clubs such as the Active 20/30 club. In addition to monetary donations, M.A.R.E. has its staying power because of a tremendous volunteer force that help care for the horses and assist its participants. Volunteer training is usually held twice a month. No horse experience is required, and there are other ways to help such as volunteering for fund raising events, auction committees, or to be a member of the M.A.R.E. Board of Directors.
The services offered at M.A.R.E. include sport riding classes, hippotherapy, and adaptive equestrian vaulting for children and adults with special needs. They also offer an introduction to horsemanship package for neuro typical individuals during summer months and extended vacation times. Prices vary depending on the activity. Some scholarship funding is available and entails a short application process to qualify.
For more information about M.A.R.E.’s services and volunteering opportunities, and to buy your tickets to its 25th anniversary event, Diamonds to Denim, please visit www.mareridingcenter.com.
