Proceeds Benefit James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program For Children with Special Needs
San Francisco, Calif. — September 1, 2010 — Horses in California, Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to uniting San Francisco through horses and horse-related events is proud to announce their annual Polo in the Park, the Bay Area’s premier charity polo event benefiting the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program (JBTRP). This year’s event will take place Sunday, September 26th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Bercut Equitation Field in Golden Gate Park.
“The James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program has brought over 400 mentally or physically challenged children the opportunity to gain a love and respect for animals, better self-confidence, improved social skills, increased joint mobility and enhanced neural development,” said Melba Meakin, Founder of Horses in California, Inc. “San Francisco has a long and prestigious equestrian history that has become critically endangered of disappearing over the past ten years. Horses in California is dedicated to keeping this tradition alive with our annual Polo in the Park event benefiting the JBTRP.”
Now in its 26th year, Polo in the Park brings together local polo players to vie for the Eric Pedley Perpetual Trophy. Polo in the Park will feature an arena polo tournament. Arena polo is similar to field polo but played in an enclosed field with a softer ball and allows spectators to get even closer to all the action.
In addition to polo, many activities will take place throughout the day for the whole family to enjoy. These events will include:
- English High-Tea Service: Enjoy scrumptious tea sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and English teas sponsored by Tal-y-Tara Tea and Polo Shoppe.
- Raffle Drawings
- Fashion Show By Wee Scotty: Featuring fashions for the holidays for girls ages 2 to 16, including prom wear.
- Live Musical Performances
- Wine Tasting: Exquisite wines from California are available for tasting.
- Horse Shows and Exhibition Show Jumping
“The emotional and spiritual benefits of horseback riding are profound and become self-evident when you witness a child experiencing the joy of horses for the very first time,” said Sarah Meakin, Executive Director of the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program.
Tickets for Polo in the Park are $100 per person or $700 for a table of eight. Children ages 12 and under free. All proceeds benefit the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program. For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://www.sfpolointhepark.com
About Horses in California, Inc.
Founded in the 1980’s, by long-term San Francisco residents Hugh and Melba Meakin, Horses in California, Inc, is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing equestrian-related arts, events, and physical wellness to disadvantaged and special needs children throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. It operates the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program and hosts the annual Polo in the Park charity event.
About the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program
The James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program for children with autism and other special needs is the main beneficiary of Polo in the Park, and provides children in the San Francisco Bay Area with horsemanship and horseback riding lessons as a physical or social therapy alternative. The “Brady Program” has helped over 400 mentally or physically challenged children under the direction of personnel who have been certified and insured by the Equine Associated Growth and Learning Association. The organization uses specially trained Norwegian Fiord therapy horses at weekly lessons in Bercut Equitation Field, Golden Gate Park San Francisco.
The “Brady Program” has received a Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly and Award of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco.
For More Information Contact:
Michelle Reingold
Cell: (650) 281-5866
Email: mbreingold@gmail.com
