Enjoying a boot stompin’ good time were (top l-r) Cerritos Councilmember Carol Chen, Planning Commissioner Dianna Needham, former Cerritos Mayor Barry Rabbitt and (bottom l-r) former Mayor Alex Beanum and Hedy Harrison-Anduha.
By Larry Caballero
Bob and Mary Buell have owned B & B Stables in Cerritos for 47 years and hosted the 6th Annual National Day of the American Cowboy on Saturday, July 24 at the B & B Stables to raise funds for scholarships for families who cannot afford the cost of its Ride Your Horse Therapeutic Program. Last year the funds were used for a horse trailer that can cost up to $10,000. With the trailer, it was possible to transport horses to state shows and the Special Olympics.
In 2006, Instructor Darlene Harman started the therapeutic riding program to provide quality equine-assisted activities to persons with disabilities and encourage self-growth through physical, cognitive, social, emotional and educational benefits. The Alex Beanum Arena for Therapeutic Riding was dedicated in 2008.
The countrywide celebration honoring our cowboy and western heritage included pony and horse rides, vendors, crafts, and artist booths, a kids corral, photos with horses, breakfast and lunch, a raffle and door prizes.
Riding Demonstrations have included in the past the Long Beach Mounted Police, Dressage, Therapeutic Riding, Natural Horsemanship and Horse Wiser Training as well as Blacksmith and Wood Branding, Barrels, Reining, and Roping, Jumping, Parade of Breeds, and a US Territorial Marshals “Old West Reenactment.”
The fun continued for the adults who were invited to join the Ride Your Horse 3rd Annual TRP Birdcage Saloon and Casino Night starting at 6 p.m. The evening was advertised as “a night filled with boot stompin’, hat flying excitement for everyone.” Guests were welcome to “kick up their heels and wash down the dust.” Tickets were $100 per person who enjoyed live music by Jeff Severson and the Singing Safety Band, dancing, casino tables, dinner and a silent auction. Guests were ridden to the Casino entrance by a horse and wagon, and once registered, more than 200 guests could purchase drink tickets that were good at the bar for water, soda or alcohol, and a 100 dollar chip for gambling at the craps, blackjack or poker tables. Before eating a fantastic dinner, they ate delicious appetizers and had the opportunity to bid on numerous items in the silent auction.
A Texas Hold-em’ tournament was offered to the more savvy gambler, and winners from the gambling tables were given raffle tickets good for wonderful items including gift baskets, dinner and movie tickets, baseball tickets and expensive jewelry.
After dinner, guests listened to the live country band and couldn’t help “kickin’ up their heels” on the dirt dance floor. It was a night full of fun and amusement for all who attended.
Instructors in the Ride Your Horse Program are NARHA-Certified (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). More than 100 volunteers and interns participate. Many high school students choose to spend their 40 hours of community service requirement working in the program.
Cal-State Long Beach student Pam Poindexter enjoys her time as an intern. “This has been the most incredible experience I could ever be involved with. It’s been a dream come true. I cannot imagine not being involved with this program in some capacity in future years.”
Harman works with more than 40 students ages 3 to 76 in 7 week sessions in the year round program. She works closely with the outpatient program at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Hospital in Downey. The Therapeutic Riding Program’s motto is “Let the warmth of a horse carry you to your dreams.”
It offers activities to persons with a wide range of disabilities such as autism, ADD, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Rhetts Syndrome, visual and hearing impairments, and social, emotional and behavioral disorders. Group lessons, private lessons, seasonal clinics and educational workshops are provided.
Harman does not want to offer a program with more than 100-150 riders because she fears that the personal connection with the instructor and rider will be lost. “They need to make new friends and not feel overwhelmed with a lot of people at one time. I know this is where I was meant to be. If I weren’t here, I would feel like I was letting a lot of people down.”
None of the volunteers are paid, and all of the money received goes back into the program. “There’s rarely enough money for all of the needs we have which include special food for the older horses, veterinarian bills and materials and supplies,” said Harman.
The horse has been known for centuries as a powerful therapeutic tool. Caring for horses and riding them can assist muscles to strengthen and stretch, enhance circulation and offer the opportunity to be in control of one’s own mobility.
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