by Meg Porter
9/22/2012

The therapeutic riding program was founded and is directed by Donna Kramer (below).



All volunteer hands were on deck to welcome the many guests. Shown below is Brian Kramer, Donnas son, Holliston resident and volunteer firefighter for Holliston.



After a hearty meal put on by Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q, the first event was a dog agility course. This event was sponsored by ALPHA DOG K 9 TRAINING.



See above, Daisy who is in training to become a service dog. ALPHA DOG K 9 Training is owned by Christina Rossetti a retired police officer from Medway. Please check out their web site www.AlphaDogK9.com to learn more.

Next the line started for Pony rides.



This young boy from Waltham was scared to death getting on his first pony. But it was all smiles as he walked around the riding ring supported by a trained instructor.



Inside the Barn there was more action and more volunteers. Shown here is Ferrier Eric John out of Grafton, MA.  Who knew that horses need to have their shoes replaced every 6-8 weeks?

The stalls were filled with beautiful horses. Many are owned by the Kramer family for use in their therapeutic riding program.  Others are owned and boarded by folks who find a happy healthy home for their equine family members.

The therapeutic riding program at Breezy Hill Farm provides the benefits, enjoyment and access to therapeutic riding and equine therapies. This program fosters  ”whole body wellness” to those of all ages with special needs. Students are celebrated for their unique and special needs. The result is nurtured growth, increased confidence, improved core strength and acceptance of their individualism. The instructors include those who are licensed therapeutic riding instructors and licensed therapists.

Breezy Hill has broadened their circle of therapeutic tools by introducing therapy dogs to their program. One of the groups that they work with is NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services) NEADS is a non-profit organization that offers a wide spectrum of assistance dog services. They also work with and encourage breeders to donate puppies to area prisons. The prisoners train the dogs to be service dogs during the week. The dogs are then cared for and exposed to social situations on the weekends. Learn more www.NEADS.org



Seen above are Bill Suarez, Donna Kramer’s brother, and Norma with Striker the dog who is in training. Norma is a weekend puppy raiser. Many of these dogs, after training, are matched with veterans as companion dogs.

Vendors like Diane Lulek of OM Honey were also on hand to sell their local goods.



This is an important annual event for the whole family to support and enjoy. The local band, Fat Lotta Good sounded great while the kids rode ponies and made their own wooden sculptures. The food was yummy and the cause brings awareness to and supports the scholarship program at Breezy Hill Farm. Please go onto its website to learn more www.breezyhill.org. Enjoy and mark your calendar for next year's event.