Organization celebrates 21 years of healing with horses
SUMMIT TWP — Riders got to show off their skills and a horse farm that provides therapeutic riding raised a few bucks while celebrating 21 years of helping those in need.
Elliott Acres Therapy Riding, on Headland Road, held its annual Horse Show and Fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 10, where those who participate in therapeutic riding at the farm got to demonstrate their skills.
The public also got the chance to have some fun while meeting the horses, learning about equine assisted therapy, and watching riders compete.
Founder Deb (Elliott) Campbell has loved horses all her life, so she decided to combine that love with her desire to help others by forming Elliott Acres Therapy Riding.
“I started in 2003 and I’ve been doing it since then at different locations,” said Campbell, who moved to the Summit Township location six years ago.
The organization uses horses as therapy by showing participants how to ride or help care for the horses, the stables and the surrounding grounds. The therapy helps people with physical, mental or emotional needs, including those on the autism spectrum and more recently, veterans who may need some support.
Therapeutic riding helps participants physically as well as with mental skills like concentration, confidence and self-esteem.
Volunteer and current Miss Pennsylvania for America Strong Aaryn Hunt was on hand to greet the public and promote the good work being done at Elliott Acres.
Hunt, whose platform for the pageant is mental health awareness, got to see firsthand how much therapeutic riding has benefited the children who take part.
“Just seeing how, when they get on the horse, they immediately relax, they’re happy, they’re excited to be here, it’s just wonderful to see,” said Hunt. “What Deb and the team do here is amazing.”
Kendall Gray, 9, of Butler, participated in the first skill display of the day aboard her four-legged friend, Jasper.
“She loves it,” said her mom, Kati Gray. “She’s been riding since she was two. She’ll giggle when she is on the horse.”
Kendall has Rett Syndrome, a genetic disorder in the autism spectrum that her mother describes as a “brain-body disconnect.”
“She was born with it. It’s not a cognitive disorder, it’s a physical one,” Gray said. “Her brain tells her body to do something, but her body likes to be lazy and doesn’t listen.”
Jordan Gray, Kendall’s father, feels the riding is helping her physically as well as mentally.
“It helps with her core strength,” said Jordan, “so it helps her sit up straight.”
The Grays are very thankful for the program and specifically for Campbell.
“Deb has been wonderful,” said Kati. “She’s always praying for Kendall when she needs a little extra, and the riding has been so helpful. It’s just so nice that she gets this activity that’s just for her.”
Later in the day some of the veterans got their chance to show off their riding skills.
Bill Schoenecker, volunteer riding instructor and Marine Corps veteran, pitched the idea to Campbell of including veterans in the program.
“We talked about it and got a veteran program started last year,” said Schoenecker.
“We [accommodate] 45 riders or so on two days, with the veterans on Wednesdays,” said Campbell. “We’ve probably got 12 to 15 veterans that are on the list.”
Navy veteran Nicholas Hughes, who came across the Elliott Acres program while searching for an equine venue where his wife could volunteer, watched his triplet daughters, Bella, Hope and Rose, participate in the day’s events.
“Horse riding has been an incredible blessing for my family. After retiring (from the military), it became essential to find a meaningful way for us to bond and reconnect,” said Hughes. “I’m truly grateful to Elliott Acres and all the dedicated volunteers who provide this wonderful program for veterans and their loved ones.”
Kelly Smith, an Air Force veteran and Elliott Acres Therapeutic Riding Center board member, has been volunteering at the center since 2018. She enjoys the chance to be around other veterans who volunteer or participate in therapeutic riding there.
“It’s lovely. We have a lot more Air Force represented, (but) we also have Army, Marines, and Navy. Now we need a Coast Guard representative,” said Smith, with a laugh.
Jordan Somma, volunteer coordinator and social media manager, came to Elliott Acres for riding therapy, but found a career.
At his brother’s encouragement, Jordan, who has Asperger syndrome, became interested in horses at the center. Although he didn’t feel he needed riding therapy, he stayed.
“I ended up just becoming a volunteer and riding with Deb on the side, then I just worked my way up to the board and being the volunteer coordinator,” said Somma.
Jordan’s mother, Karen, said she is thrilled at how things turned out and the friends he’s made.
“When you have Asperger’s, you don’t socialize, and people basically ignore you. That’s what hurts, as a parent,” said Karen. “But he’s into this. He loves it.”
For more information on the program, how to volunteer, or to donate, visit www.elliottacrestherapyriding.org.
An additional fundraiser for Kendall Gray and other Western Pennsylvanians suffering from Rett Syndrome will be held on Sept. 7 in Winfield Township. Information on that event can be found at www.pittsburgh.strollathon.org.
