Oct. 26 Heroes, Horses, Hope Dinner & Auction

On October 26, 5 p.m. at Emerald Downs, Rainier Therapeutic Riding will host their 2nd Annual Dinner and Auction.

The event will help provide therapeutic riding for our wounded service members. Rainier Therapeutic Riding is located in Yelm, Washington. They are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization who provide the riding as a natural treatment for military personnel and veterans with medical disabilities.

There are numerous veterans in the area with traumatic brain injuries and physical disabilities. Just like the veterans of previous conflicts, these veterans also have to work through post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Sadly, those that served in Iraq and Afghanistan are twice as likely to commit suicide as the general public.

The therapy program lasts eight weeks with the disabled veteran learning basic horsemanship skills while exercising themselves physically and mentally. This therapy improves gross and fine motor skills, helps core strengthening, improves balance and promotes cognitive activity among other health benefits.

Each of the disabled veterans is assigned a horse that is suited to that vets specific medical conditions and needs. There are 11 beautiful trained horses that are gentle and very comfortable around persons with disabilities.

Accompanying the veteran is a riding instructor as well as a volunteer who assists them with following the instructor’s direction. There is also a large selection of tack and saddles to accommodate the various sized riders during the therapy session.

This program was conceived in 2008 out of a desire to perform public service by utilizing personal talents and resources. Debbi Fisher, Program Director and Founder, has over 40 years of experience in horsemanship, 7 years in horsemanship instruction and owns 8 horses. her late husband of 30 years was a Marine pilot and COlonel in the Air Force. She has one son who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine and a daughter who service it he Air Force.