July 19, 2007

Riding for a cause

One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding hosts first poker run fund-raiser

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

The scene was Calero County Park where One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding’s first annual poker run and barbecue was taking place and the riders were a bevy of equestrians eager to support a good cause.

This is a lot of fun,” said OSC poker rider Margaret Dodson. Pictured from left, Stacey Bolder and Dodson. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“It’s a gorgeous day out here,” said One Step Closer Program Director Landa Keirstead at the July 14 event. “We’ve had a lot of great community support. And it will be a lot of fun.”

One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding [OSC] opened its stable doors earlier this year to help individuals with physical or emotional disabilities and youth-at-risk at Calero Ranch Stables.

OSC is an equestrian nonprofit organization using the human-horse relationship to help participants reach their full potential. Whether on horseback or playing ground games, the activities assist healing and physical development, stimulate learning, and are aimed at building confidence and self-esteem. And the special bond that is created between horse and human is an added incentive.

OSC nurtures the horse-human relationship blending natural horsemanship methodologies with the therapeutic benefits of the program. Disabilities and challenges addressed at OSC include ADD, autism, amputations, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, emotional disorders, spinal cord and brain injuries and youth-at-risk. Besides lessons, OSC also provides grooming and horse care, ground lessons, equine psychology and behavioral instruction and natural horsemanship training.

The Super Lions Club of Almaden hosted the OSC barbecue for volunteers, riders and the public. Photo by Dan Martin

Since opening in February, OSC has received a 501c tax-exempt status and is run by a volunteer staff of
experienced teachers logging in approximately 400 hours per month. Almaden resident Evelyn Brown has joined as volunteer coordinator. Joe Gonzalez, owner of Calero Ranch Stables where OSC is located, has approved construction of a wheelchair ramp as well as donating the cost of materials.

The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association launched a program called Horses for Heroes aimed at serving wounded and disabled veterans. OSC is a center member and will participate as soon as the wheelchair ramp is completed.

The Fleet Reserve Association, a veterans’ group, donated a generous financial contribution. Donations were also received from the Lutheran Community Foundation, Chris’ Stitches Embroidery, Bay Area Savvy Players and numerous individuals. Thrivent Financial approved matching funds for the poker ride event. Monies raised will assist with the OSC scholarship fund and to further develop the therapeutic riding program.

Yee-ha! Geared-up equestrians ride through Calero County Park for One Step Closer’s first poker run. Photo by Dan Martin

The Super Lions Club of Almaden assigned liaison Jim Hunt to work with OSC for long-term support and also hosted the event at the poker ride barbecue. Many of the participant riders and poker players supporting the event are members of Calero Ranch Stables, Santa Clara County Horseman’s Association, the Bay Area Savvy Players and other local equestrian centers.

“But most important, we see incredible progress with the children,” said OSC volunteer Mark Keirstead. “A young lady with cerebral palsy that could not hold herself upright without volunteers’ support can now ride for 45 minutes with almost no support…a child with Tourette syndrome has no symptoms when he is with his horse. A child with a brain tumor shows physical improvement each week…autistic children with very short attention spans stay focused.”

OCS kids attended the first annual poker run to see the horses and have a good time. From left are Makenna Webster and her father, Charlie Webster. Photo by Dan Martin

Parent Dan Martin has seen the results personally with his son Gabe, who has Down syndrome. “Gabe’s learning to trot and remains very excited about his rides with Reba,” said Martin. “It’s pretty great stuff to see how he’s taken to it and his progress.”

But for now it’s all about the poker ride. The Keirsteads are pleased with everyone, reporting a great time and meeting OSC’s financial objectives. All the riders in the first annual poker ride won at least one award.

Saratoga resident Lisa Devlin had the best poker hand and won the grand prize of a two round-trip tickets on United Airlines. Almaden resident Chris Bullock received a special gift for the largest rider sponsorship. After their poker ride, hungry participants and volunteers enjoyed a tri-tip and chicken barbeque. And quite a few OSC kids attended, thrilled to see their horses as always.

For more information, visit www.OSCTR.org or call (408) 997-7264.