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Horses have birthdays too

| 15 Mar 2016 | 07:22
    From left: GAIT advisory board member Elizabeth Erickson-Kameen, Esq., and her Liz; GAIT Executive Director and Founder Martha Dubensky; Connor Gaughan and Advisory Board member Kelly Gaughan, Esq.; and Pennsylvania State Representative Rosemary Brown and her daughter Reagan. (Photo provided)
    From left: GAIT advisory board member Elizabeth Erickson-Kameen, Esq., and her Liz; GAIT Executive Director and Founder Martha Dubensky; Connor Gaughan and Advisory Board member Kelly Gaughan, Esq.; and Pennsylvania State Representative Rosemary Brown and her daughter Reagan. (Photo provided)

MILFORD — GAIT Therapeutic Riding Center recently held its annual “Horses’ Birthday Party” at its stables on Foster Hill Road in Milford.

The event celebrates the specially trained therapy horses at GAIT and provides a safe social environment for GAIT’s riders.

“Unfortunately, children with special needs are not often invited to events such as birthday parties because they are not the ideal situation for them,” said Martha Dubensky, executive director and founder of GAIT Therapeutic Riding Center. "But the horses’ birthday party at GAIT is designed for everyone with a safe, accommodating environment for children of all abilities."

This year’s festivities included an obstacle course; a riding demonstration by Melissa Bachetti, which showcased the three gaits of a horse; and a craft — making cinnamon rolled apple slices for the birthday horses to enjoy.

Many riders and volunteers attended, including the following GAIT board members: the treasurer, Missy Strub; secretary, Vera Remes; and member, Paul Stefany. Advisory board members who attended were Elizabeth Erickson-Kameen and Kelly Gaughan. The guest of honor was Pennsylvania State Representative Rosemary Brown.

“Thank you for all you do for our community, including assisting veterans," Brown said.

GAIT TRC is recruiting veterans to participate in Equine Services for Heroes, part of the Wounded Warrior Project.

To learn more about GAIT and all of its programs, call 570-409-1140 or visit gaitpa.com.