FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2014 35
W
hile most 6 year olds would
request new toys for their
birthdays, Aidan Hauser
wanted nothing more than for
his friends and family to make a donation
to Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center
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Carolina, the center had become a major
source of joy for Aidan, who visited each
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Seven years later, Aidan still enjoys his visits
to the center, where he has advanced from
trotting around the ring to demonstrating his
skills at a community showcase event.
Like the other riders at ATRC, Aidan
utilizes horseback riding to conquer the
challenges associated with his disabilities,
while bonding with the animals and making
friends with his fellow riders.
Recognizing the importance of
empowering riders with a sense of pride,
accomplishment and independence, ATRC
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with the help of the local community. Just
this year, the center received the generous
support of Bright’s Creek, a family mountain
golf and equestrian community located in
Mill Spring, North Carolina. Bright’s Creek
was purchased in 2013 by Alianza Trinity
Holdings, a development team comprised
of passionate horsemen who desired to
give back to the community, and has begun
fundraising efforts for ATRC in partnership
with Give a Buck for Special Equestrians.
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chapters throughout Florida, Give a Buck
raises funds and awareness for therapeutic
riding programs for adults and children with
disabilities. Inspired by horsepower that
heals, Give a Buck asks horse owners to
give — as little as a buck or as much as
they can — with each month’s stable board
to pay forward all of the joys horses have
brought to their lives. Give a Buck also
provides funding through apparel sales at
tack stores and at equestrian events.
To raise money for ATRC, Bright’s Creek
hosted a Denim and Diamonds Gala at the
Bright’s Creek Equestrian Center amidst
20 acres of lush pasture and 15 miles
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evening of dining and dancing took place
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beam barn providing the perfect backdrop
for guests to meet the horses, enjoy jumping
demonstrations and participate in a silent
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chapter.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support the
good work of Appalachian Therapeutic
