GIVE A BUCK RIDING HIGH BY GIVING BACK

GAB presents $10k check to Good Hope Equestrian Center in Homestead
GAB presents $10k check to Good Hope Equestrian Center in Homestead

Give a Buck for Special Equestrians, a Wellington-based all volunteer charity, proudly celebrated their third anniversary by doing what they do best – sharing the joy of horses and horsemanship with those in the community facing difficult physical and emotional life challenges.

GAB co-founder Dr. Heather Kuhl presents donation to Dr. Peggy Bass Executive Director of Good Hope Equestrian Center
GAB co-founder Dr. Heather Kuhl presents donation to Dr. Peggy Bass Executive Director of Good Hope Equestrian Center

Give a Buck for Special Equestrians volunteers participated in a series of hands on events May, 14, June 4 and June 12 where they assisted special needs riders aboard their trusted mounts while also doling out much needed donations to their charity partners including Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast in Vero Beach, Good Hope Equestrian Center in Homestead and Stable Place in Davie, Florida.

GAB co-founder Isabel Ernst and GAB Young Ambassador Sophia North present check to Special Equestrians of The Treasure Coast
GAB co-founder Isabel Ernst and GAB Young Ambassador Sophia North present check to Special Equestrians of The Treasure Coast

Riding high on the heels of their recent successful winter and spring fundraisers, the Pony Derby Classic at the Winter Equestrian Festival and Neverland Gala, and Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach, and thanks to its generous sponsors, Give A Buck, was proudly able to raise over $40,000 for its therapeutic barn partners spanning Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and New York.

GAB co-founder Isabel Ernst and GAB Young Ambassador Sophia North present check to Special Equestrians of The Treasure Coast with volunteers
GAB co-founder Isabel Ernst and GAB Young Ambassador Sophia North present check to Special Equestrians of The Treasure Coast with volunteers

In Vero Beach, Give a Buck for Special Equestrians Co-Founder Isabel Ernst presented Vickie Penly program director of Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast with a check for $10,000 earmarked towards scholarships for deserving special needs riders. Ernst also led the Young Ambassadors, a support group she founded, in a day of hands-on experience assisting the horse enthusiasts.

“It’s always so rewarding to spend the day giving back. The staff at Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast were blindsided by the donation and just thrilled to accept the gift. It was especially heartwarming to see their priceless reactions,” said Ernst, a 9th-grade student and competitive young equestrian who also serves as President of the charity’s Young Ambassadors program. The Young Ambassador program for children ages 7-17 engages young horse lovers who wish to pay forward the joys of horses and horsemanship with those in the community who suffer from physical and emotional disabilities.

GAB co-founder Isabel Ernst leads a young rider through his paces
GAB co-founder Isabel Ernst leads a young rider through his paces

Co-founder Dr. Heather Kuhl presented checks to Dr. Peggy Bass, Executive Director at Good Hope Equestrian Center and Valerie Judd, Executive Director at Stable Place to support their mission of changing lives, lifting spirits and making a difference in the lives of children and veterans facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.

“For children and adults with a physical, developmental or emotional disability, life looks a lot brighter aside or on horseback,” says Kuhl. “The power and warmth of a horse strengthens and tones muscles, improves balance, head control and coordination, builds patience and self-esteem and offers a sense of freedom and equality. It gives us enormous satisfaction to share our love and passion for horses with those who can really benefit from the therapy.”

“This was a great year for Give a Buck in terms of fundraising and raising awareness for equine therapy. Thanks to our partnership with the Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach and our annual fundraiser, the Pony Derby Classic and Neverland Gala, we are so pleased to be able to put this money back to work where it is needed most in order to provide free and low cost therapy sessions for deserving special needs riders,” said Sissy DeMaria, co-founder of Give a Buck for Special Equestrians.

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