According to Jennifer Rummel, the horse show held by Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC), an organization that provides equine-assisted therapeutic activities to individuals with special needs, is mainly about inclusivity. "It's a community event, and we encourage people to come (join us)," said Rummel. "Parents of children with special needs will tell you their children are excluded from a lot of things, but this is their event, and it's wonderful when the community comes out and cheers them on."

The GMTRC horse show will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, beginning at 9 a.m. at GMTRC, 1063 Hartman Station Road, Lancaster. Titled "Eventing Extravaganza - an Equestrian Triathlon," the show will include students demonstrating their achievements, a skilled horsemanship demonstration around noon, and food available by donation. There is no admission fee to attend, and on-street parking is available in the adjacent neighborhood. Plenty of parking is available for buggies as well.

The event, which has been held for more than a decade, offers about 35 participants an opportunity to showcase their skills and receive a ribbon. "There's a proficiency element," explained Rummel. "Classes are based on ability." Rummel noted that students with limited core strength need help sitting on the horse and guiding the horse, but others are able to trot independently, so categories are arranged accordingly. In addition to performing for an audience, students spend time with other students at the event. "Most (lessons) are individual because (each student's) needs are so unique," Rummel explained. "So, (the show is) an opportunity for students to spend time with each other." The skilled performance will include a rider demonstrating dressage and jumping.

The event will include a fundraiser tied to fall-themed planters located around the arena and the entrance. Rummel explained that a GMTRC board member obtains the planters. "She decorates, and it looks beautiful," said Rummel. "Each one has a tag in it, and people can take the tag and buy the planter and then take it home," said Rummel, who noted that in 2022, the planter fundraiser brought in more than $1,500. Food that will be available by donation includes hot dogs, pizza, baked goods, and beverages.

GMTRC stables 10 therapeutic horses with two more in training and offers classes to both children and adults with special needs or in other at-risk populations. A Silver Saddles program is also available for active seniors. Rummel is excited about a new program that will start in October. Heroes and Horses is a no-cost, unmounted equine-assisted intervention for frontline workers and first responders who have experienced mental health issues following COVID-19.

Rummel noted that the program is constantly looking for more instructors. "The demand is high, but our ability to meet that demand is (not as high) due to a lack of instructors," she noted. More than 90% of participants receive some kind of financial assistance with lessons, and Rummel hopes the fundraiser will raise at least $25,000 to help alleviate costs.

More information about GMTRC may be found at http://www.greystonemanortrc.org.