Ride For The Blind – A Dream Come True For Kids
by John Weckerle
Yesterday saw a new event in Edgewood – the first annual Ride for the Blind fundraiser at the Equestrian Park subdivision on NM-344. This year’s fundraiser, organized by Russ and Phyllis Hayes of Prudential Sandia InterMountain Real Estate of Edgewood, provided an opportunity for young blind people to ride horses and take carriage rides throughout the subdivision. This year’s event benefitted Walkin N Circles Ranch, an Edgewood horse rescue charity.
Having watched the young people riding that day, Mr. Hayes commented on how rewarding it was to watch the participants ride: “The kids are excited and a little scared when they mount up, but by the time they make the first trip around the corral, they’re grinning from ear to ear.”
Yesterday’s event included music by Jimbo, who did a great job performing songs that lent a festive air to the activities. Shorty’s Barbecue of Moriarty was on hand with its traditional offerings; Walkin N Circles was selling ice cream; and Prudential Sandia InterMountain Real Estate had water and cookies on hand. The program started at about 10 a.m., and riding opportunities continued to about 2 p.m.
Mr. Hayes indicated that the day’s revenues would be used to start a new charity, Ride for the Blind, that would hold two half-day events a month at Walkin N Circles Ranch. These events would give blind participants the opportunity to ride horses and be involved with many aspects of horse care. Prudential Sandia InterMountain Real Estate is currently the effort’s only official sponsor, but Mr. Hayes envisions greater support for the effort once the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is granted. Local web design firm WeckTech (your editor’s company) has offered to provide the charity with a web site once it is established.
2 Responses “Ride For The Blind – A Dream Come True For Kids”
Wonderful. I used to teach riding and volunteered with a therapeutic riding program. Recently, I met a local rider with with therapeutic riding certification. I’ll pass this on to her in hopes she’d be interested in volunteering.
Great article and it is always great to see good people doing great things.
That’s what I like about the West Mountains and the Estancia Valley.