'Horses Healing Lives' Benefit At Sagaponack Golf Club: Photos

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Sometimes the most therapeutic healing can come come with a little help from four-footed friends.

A crowd turned out Thursday for the sold out Center for Theraputic Riding of the East End benefit at the Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton; those in attendance at the "Horses Healing Lives" event enjoyed cocktails, silent and live auctions, and live music by Hopefully Forgiven.

CTREE is a riding program based at Wolffer Estate Stables in Sagaponack serving children, adults and veterans with special needs and the fundraiser raises half of its annual budget, organizers said.

Karen Bocksel serves as the executive director of CTREE and Tami Maines and Michelle Farmer chaired the event; both the committee and board worked to orchestrate the event.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by animals my whole life and sometimes take for granted their therapeutic powers," Honorary Chair Georgina Bloomberg said. "I’ve had the chance to volunteer and see that transformative power they have especially for children with disabilities."

One parent spoke from the heart about what the program has meant for her child.

“This summer has been most impactful for my son. He formed a special relationship with Rocket. He calls him 'My Boy'. He has been riding for the first time independently of the lead line and it has given him so much pride and confidence. He has a huge sense of accomplishment, and for me that is the best feeling in the world," the parent said.

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.