Mahwah's Pony Power Therapies Raises $145K at Fall Benefit Horse Show & Family Fair

Mahwah’s Pony Power Therapies held its second annual Fall Benefit Horse Show & Family Fair on Oct. 26, bringing together more than 200 supporters of the organization’s mission.

As part of this special day of entertainment and fundraising, $145,000 – approximately $35,000 more than in 2013 – was raised to not only help Pony Power continue to enrich and improve the lives of individuals with special needs through horse-assisted activities, but help care for its hard-working, equine team. The event, which took place at Three Sisters Farm in Mahwah, featured demonstrations by Pony Power riders, performances by celebrated horse professionals and more.

“We’re thrilled that so many Pony Power families, friends and other supporters were able to join us in celebrating our exceptional riders and horses,” said Dana Spett, Founder and Executive Director of Pony Power Therapies. “For nearly 15 years, we grappled with how best to showcase our program, and this is it – seeing our participants, horses, volunteers and instructors in action. Our second annual Horse Show was a huge success, and we’re incredibly grateful to all of those that helped to make it possible.”

Attendees had the opportunity to watch three classes of Pony Power participants – children, juniors and adults – demonstrate basic riding skills according to individual ability, such as steering, trotting and halting. As part of these demonstrations and brand-new this year, the event featured a debut performance by Pony Power’s first-ever Drill Team. These four adult riders were brought together in an effort to offer long-time participants new and exciting experiences. The men participate in fun, choreographed activities during their weekly riding lessons, giving them an opportunity to tackle new exercises and develop new skills and were excited to perform for event goers to the tunes of “Come Together” and “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles.

Guests were also treated to two very special performances by professional riders and trainers throughout the day, including a sidesaddle demonstration by Susan Stegmeyer, U.S. Dressage Federation Bronze Medalist, and a jumping demonstration by 2013 Washington National Horse Show Finalist Michelle Grayson.

In addition to these performances, guests participated in a Live Auction, during which contributions were made to the nutrition and well-being of our hard-working horses and ponies through feed sponsorships. This year’s auction raised more than $50,000, doubling monies raised during the organization’s 2013 inaugural event.

Other highlights include rider award presentations, fall-themed children’s activities and a speech by a two-year Pony Power participant, which helped provide guests with a personal glimpse of the impact and importance of their support.

The 2014 Fall Benefit Horse Show & Family Fair was held with support from leading sponsors Bank of America, Createch Marketing, CS Technology, TD Bank, The Dinallo Family and Resource Furniture, as well as dozens of other corporate and individual sponsors.

Founded in 2000, Pony Power Therapies gives special needs and at-risk children and adults a unique opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses. Its riding and non-riding activities enhance individuals’ physical, social and emotional well-being in a safe, nurturing farm environment. Pony Power offers recreational activities that help riders gain greater flexibility, balance and muscle strength as well as explore and develop unique relationships with the horse which can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem and foster feelings of independence and pride. Pony Power instructors are either certified or in training to be certified by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International. Pony Power Therapies is recognized as a Premier Accredited Center (PAC) through PATH International. For more information, visit www.ponypowernj.org.