Event Details
Jump-start holiday shopping or find a treasure for yourself during the Little Britches Annual Virtual Auction, online October 24 through November 4. All proceeds from the event benefit Little Britches Therapeutic Riding, a Roxbury-based nonprofit that helps kids and adults with special needs discover their strengths through therapeutic horseback riding.
Little Britches is in its 46th year of providing therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities. The program serves more than 100 riders from 32 towns throughout northwestern Connecticut. They have a variety of disabilities, both cognitive and physical. Some are wheelchair-bound and experience independence for the first time on the back of a horse.
The organization relies on grants and donations to keep rider fees affordable. The Virtual Auction is Little Britches’ main fundraising event, helping the program to serve students and maintain the horses and ponies they ride.
This year’s auction features some great getaways, including round-trip air tickets to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, or select destinations in the Caribbean. A two-night stay in the guest house of a lovely Washington, CT, horse farm is up for bid, as is a day of fun at a private lake house with swimming, boating, waterskiing and lunch included.
Other choices include lift tickets for a day of skiing at Mount Southington and vouchers for personal care, such as a massage or skin treatment. Many items would make excellent holiday gifts. There are works by local artists, food and wine baskets, jewelry, gift cards and other items from area restaurants and businesses. The listings can be accessed at 32auctions.com/littlebritchesauction25.
Little Britches runs spring, summer and fall sessions at Tophet Farm in Roxbury, with extended fall and early spring sessions at Shepaug Agriscience Academy. The 2025 extended fall session starts November 3, and volunteers are always needed to assist the riders. For more information go to the group’s website at littlebritchesct.org or call Little Britches at 860-874-9352.