McMinnville Special Games will do some “Horsin’ Around” Saturday morning.
Special Games Co-Founder and President Holly McBride said the event lets people with special needs try equine therapy. McBride said equine therapy has been scientifically proven to improve motor skills, and it’s great for people with autism.
“We started the recitational therapy on just kind of a trial basis,” McBride said. “And we actually had a non-verbal child speak on a horse, and of course, I was hooked.”
McBride said both special needs children and adults are welcome to join Horsin’ Around. McBride said special needs families should also get involved.
“It’s a life that can be very isolating,” McBride said. “But McMinnville Special Games gives them a community just to be themselves, and for their children to be themselves.”
McBride the event is both beneficial and fun.
“If they don’t want to ride, they can come out and, you know, pet the horses,” McBride said. “Or brush the horses, and just be with their community.”
McBride said McMinnville Special Games has grown from one monthly event to 16, and the program has some 130 participants.
The Horsin’ Around Farm is located at 1680 Harrison Ferry Road in McMinnville, with rides starting at 9am.
