The power of ponies

There is no doubt of the great lasting impact horses have had on my own life and the influence that shows up in my art. I started riding when I was 6 years old and moved my way through the ranks paying for my own lessons with days spent working in the barn and managing a stable for a while.

That is why I was really honored and excited when I was contacted by someone from Mitey Riders (http://www.miteyriders.org/) at Mist Meadows to be one of the artists participating the auction to raise money for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (http://www.narha.org/) to facilitate therapeutic riding programs and Special Olympics athletes.

Misty Meadows Mitey Riders ( www.miteyriders.org) is a non-profit organization offering therapeutic riding to special needs children at no cost to their families, located just outside of Charlotte, NC.

Mitey Riders is also a NARHA Premier Accredited Center for therapeutic riding – with NARHA ( www.narha.org) as our "parent" organization, and the industry leader for all equine assisted activities in the world. Each year, NARHA hosts an educational conference to expand the reach of information and inspiration to all involved in the equine assisted activities industry. This year, Mitey Riders has been asked to host the 2011 NARHA Region 3 Conference. This is a huge honor for us, not only as an organization, but as a community. The event will host 300 professionals in the education, health and equine therapy industries including instructors, directors, PTs, OTs, parents, volunteers and teachers from NC, SC, WV, VA and beyond.

So that's pretty rad. Horses have an amazing therapeutic power emotionally and physically especially for those who need a boost.

Keep up the good work guys!