Annual Night at the Derby Fundraiser

Press release

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Hospital for Special Care’s Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center at this year’s Night at the Derby fundraiser

Join us for big brims & fancy trims as we come together for Hospital for Special Care's Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center's Annual Night at the Derby fundraiser! Sip, savor and bid in the grandeur and elegance of the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate while we raise funds to rebuild lives through the power of the horse and human bond.

Night at the Derby takes place on Thursday, September 26 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown. The event includes delicious reception-style fare, complimentary drink offerings, participant stories of strength and healing and our signature silent auction that will have you joining us in a run for the roses.

This year, we are celebrating 25 years of rebuilding lives through the horse and human bond! In 1999, Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center’s founder, Jerri Massi, along with her husband Dr. James Massi and daughter Joanne Humen, had a dream to create a program that offers equine-facilitated therapeutic activities for individuals impacted by autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, stroke or traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and more. The program originated at the Massi farm in Kensington, Connecticut with 12 participants and 3 horses. In 2002, Manes & Motions became part of Hospital for Special Care’s community of care and continued to evolve by growing and moving to Daniel’s Farm in Middletown, CT.

Today, Manes & Motions offers year-round programming with the addition of a state-of-the-art indoor arena, has over 100 participants and a herd of 12 therapeutic equine partners. Our Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International certified instructors and volunteers work with individuals ages four and above in a positive and safe environment to develop independence, confidence and life skill that reach beyond the barn.

Premier Kentucky Derby sponsor this year:

How your gift supports Manes & Motions:Proceeds from the Night at the Derby fundraiser support the operations of Manes & Motions. Instructors, volunteers and therapy horses contribute positively to the well-being of children and adults living with cognitive, physical, behavioral, and psychological challenges through the benefits of equine-assisted activities. Our participants achieve remarkable outcomes through therapeutic horseback riding lessons and unmounted horsemanship classes that reach beyond the barn.

Your sponsorship will help us sustain Manes & Motions’ mission to rebuild lives through the horse and human connection and continue to build good health outcomes throughout the state.

About Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center was founded in 1999 and is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center. Indoor and outdoor equine assistive activities are conducted by certified therapeutic riding instructors and supported by over 150 trained volunteers.

Located in Middletown, CT, Manes & Motions is a part of the Hospital for Special Care community, and operates on a not-for-profit basis. For information visit on line at: https://hfsc.org/sports-and-fitness/manes-and-motions/.

About Hospital for Special Care

Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) is the fourth largest, free-standing long-term acute care hospital in the U.S. and one of only two in the nation serving adults and children. HFSC is recognized for advanced care and rehabilitation in pulmonary care, acquired brain injury, medically-complex pediatrics, neuromuscular disorders including ALS research, spinal cord injury, comprehensive heart failure and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Located in New Britain and Hartford, CT, HFSC operates inpatient and outpatient facilities serving Southern New England and the Tri-State area on a not-for-profit basis. For the latest news and information, please visit www.hfsc.org, and follow us on Facebook @HospitalforSpecialCare and Twitter @HospSpecialCare.