Special Olympics equestrian competition puts riders’ skills on display

A Special Olympics equestrian event sponsored by Hooves with Heart on Feb. 18 in East County allowed participants to showcase their skills.

“This is a great opportunity for Special Olympic athletes to feel 100% included,” said Megan Bosi, regional director of Special Olympics. 

She said the Hooves with Heart event allowed participants to compete at different levels against those of like abilities.

The event took place at the Manatee County Mounted Posse Arena on Lena Road, which hosted the Area 7 competition for riders from Sarasota, Manatee and Lee counties.

Competitors demonstrated their skill at navigating a horse through a series of obstacles, including platforms and barrels, as well as a mailbox, which participants needed to empty. 

Bosi said participants trained eight to 10 weeks for the event.

"The kids are so excited and have been working hard,” said Hooves with Heart volunteer Erin Greenhalgh.

Danielle Curtis, president of Hooves with Heart, said some some riders were able to manage their way through every obstacle, while for some, simply staying aboard the horse was an accomplishment. 

“Being able to give the directions and just climbing up on a horse gives them this feeling of achievement,” she said. 

“We’re proud of him,” said AJ Kramer, the father of Lakewood Ranch 13-year-old Mason Kramer. “This builds confidence, and it has a social aspect. It’s about getting out and recognizing accomplishments. It’s great to see him get up and do a great job performing.”

Parrish 11-year-old Payton Stape said she enjoyed not only the competition but also the horseback riding in general.

“I love them," she said of the horses. "They’re super tall, and I like that. Everyone gets to see.”

She also complimented her instructors, Susannah Cripe and Melissa Newton. 

“I felt very accomplished and felt very proud," she said. "Susannah and Melissa taught me well. They taught me really well.”

“We definitely could not do it without the support of our facilities, volunteers and judges,” Bosi said.

The Area 7 competition was just the start of a series of events for the Special Olympic athletes. They now can advance to the state and then finally to the national games, Bosi said.