Dan’s Papers September 2, 2011 danshamptons.com Page 108
Riders with Disabilities Get Competitive The Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities is proud to return to the Hampton Classic Horse Show to celebrate its 6th anniversary at the event. The classes for people with special needs, to be held on Monday, August 29, are open to all riders with a documented disability and include three divisions – one for riders requiring the assistance of a leader, one for riders requiring a spotter at the beginner independent level and one for more advanced independent riders. The series, founded by Katie McGowan of HorseAbility, Inc., was created to provide riders with disabilities the same competitive experience that other equestrians enjoy. Riders are judged on equitation, as well as demonstration and knowledge of riding skills. The LIHSSRD competition at the Hampton Classic is the culmination of the organization’s eight-show series that started in 2006 and has continued since. Therapeutic riding students are able to experience physical, emotional and mental rewards through HorseAbility’s motto, “Riding is for Everyone.” At last year’s event, Brittany Bocchino of Nesconset, New York, was named Champion of the Equitation Beginner Spotter/Independent Division, Tara Smilowitz was Champion of the Equitation Advanced Division and Alexandria Economou was Champion of the With Aides Division. When asked about her victory, Bocchino said, “I love riding so much; it makes me so happy that I smile all day.” Her parents, Michele and
Vincent, also noted that “This program has done wonders for Brittany,” said Michele Bocchino. “I highly recommend it for any parents who have children with disabilities.” “It’s truly exciting to have the Riders with Disabilities Finals at the Hampton Classic,” said Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen. “It’s such a worthwhile program. Now in its sixth year, this has become a fixture at the Hampton Classic, and is something I am most proud of….” McGowan adds, “After debuting in 2006, the program has grown through the years, which is terrific. We want to spread the word that there is an equal opportunity for all riders out there.” HorseAbility’s mission is to offer a wide range of horse-related programs to children, adults and families with special needs to promote the physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of its participants. The personal attention that each participant receives from HorseAbility’s wonderful staff and volunteers is unparalleled. Consultation with participants, their families and staff takes place on a regular basis to ensure that the appropriate level of service and programs are being utilized to optimize the impact of their programs. HorseAbility is proud to be the only North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) Premier Accredited Center on Long Island. This prestigious title is awarded to centers that demonstrate excellence in providing quality, professional equineassisted activities.
Hurricane
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and I read what was written in it, which went down to the pressroom at midnight. I know the drill. I used to work there. The words leap out. “Fear. Ferocious. Howling winds. Hammering rains.” That was at midnight. SUNDAY AFTERNOON My son David, having driven through the storm, arrives from Southampton. He wants to post some hurricane videos on danshamptons. com and his Internet is down. Also he has no electricity. The generator on the side of his apartment building on Leland Avenue exploded he says. “It’s pretty bad out there,” he says. And so we go for a ride. The truth is that in front of my house there may not have been much of a hurricane, but the rest of the Hamptons has downed trees everywhere, damage to homes, people without electricity. On the radio in my car WLNG says that nearly 450,000 people on Long Island are without power, and it could take four or five days to get it back on. The East Hampton Main Beach pavilion is completely undermined by the ocean surge and it is too dangerous even to go down there. Mill Hill Lane is impassable from falling trees. The world is a mess. It wasn’t much of a storm, but it went on and on and on and things gave way just as Mr. G had said they would. I am astonished. My wife and I were just lucky to be holed up in this little dream on Three Mile Harbor Road where almost nothing happened for all this time.
A Reminder from Jane Ubell-Meyer: Reserve Your Complimentary Madison & Mulholland “End of Summer” Gift Bag www.HamptongGiftBags.com Pick Up Gift Bags in NYC
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