Ride On says ‘right on’ to supporters

By Michael Picarella Acorn Staff Writer

LISA ADAMS/T.O. Acorn VIVA VENTURA FARMS-During the third annual gala fundraising event for the Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship organization hosted by Dole CEO David Murdock at his Lake Sherwood Ventura Farm, Ride On's Newbury Park-based drill team of disabled riders performed for a crowd of 200.

Ride On, the therapeutic horsemanship nonprofit group that teaches horseback riding to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities, presented a fundraising event over the weekend that, according to Ride On of the Conejo Valley executive director Bryan McQueeny, was the most successful event in terms of turnout and in terms of fundraising for Ride On of the Conejo Valley club yet.

Ride On of the Conejo Valley has been here for three years. Ride On in Chatsworth, however, has been around since 1994. Both groups are very successful because of their participants, according to Ventura Farms operations manager Joyce Schroeder.

"I think this (fundraising) event is important because of the people that it serves," Schroeder said. "I think a lot of times, children with disabilities don’t really fit in anywhere. At school, they have difficulties. If you have a child that, let’s say, is trying to play soccer, it doesn’t always work because of their disability."

Ride On gives those with physical and mental disabilities a place to go where they compete with themselves and not others, Schroeder said.

Ride On therapeutic riding is a unique combination of sport, therapy, recreation and education. The group uses the physical aspect of riding as therapy.

Participants at Ride On learn about safety while riding on or being around horses. They also learn riding skills, they play games and they gain strength and self-esteem during the activities, according to the group.

The annual fundraising event last Saturday took place at Ventura Farms, a private facility and group that breeds and shows Arabian horses.

"The owner of Ventura Farms is the one who underwrites the cost of the event every year and allows it to be held at his property," Schroeder said. "Horses and kids go really well together and that’s where we’re coming from."

The Ride On fundraiser was a Spanish style fiesta and entertainment extravaganza that included the Ventura Farms Parade of Champions and Ride On’s riding demonstrations.

"We did a presentation with the riders, which of course is always the most important thing so that you can see how it benefits the riders with disabilities," Schroeder said.

Live and silent auctions were a big success at the event, Schroeder said. Last year, Ride On supported about 140 riders, she said, and the funds from last weekend will be helpful for this year, as the group grows even larger.

Nonprofit organizations in this area are having tough times right now, McQueeny said, and the Ride On event at Ventura Farms over the weekend provided a huge boost for the organization.

Aside from the annual fundraiser, McQueeny said Ride On relies on grants for support. The majority of Ride On’s income, he said, is from donations. Ride On also relies a lot on volunteerism.

Ride On currently seeks volunteers aged 14 and older to help during lessons—grooming and tacking horses, walking beside riders with poor balance or leading horses.

Many riders need the help of volunteers. Training is provided. Other volunteer jobs are also available. Lessons are held in Newbury Park and in Chatsworth Tuesdays through Saturdays.

For more information, call the volunteer coordinator at (805) 375-9078 for Newbury Park or (818) 700-2971 in Chatsworth.

For more general information about Ride On, log onto the Internet and go to www.rideon.org.