Published: November 02, 2009 02:56 pm      

Special Kids’ Rodeo a major success

STEPHENVILLE — Tarleton State University’s Equine Assisted Therapy (TREAT) hosted its bi-annual rodeo for children with special needs recently at the Tarleton Equine Center.

The event was a huge success for ‘contestants’ and volunteers.

Schools from around the area came to participate. Between 300 and 400 children experienced horseback riding, mock rodeo events, a farm animal petting zoo and free concessions. Participants were also able to paint pumpkins and received one-on-one instruction from members of Tarleton’s national champion rodeo team and its coach, Mark Eakin.

Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio and Chancellor Mike McKinney of the Texas A&M University System also stopped by to experience the rodeo and its events.

TREAT is a therapeutic riding program that allows people with special needs to challenge themselves both physically and emotionally. The program also provides training and volunteer opportunities for Tarleton students.

“Those who get to see what therapeutic riding does for those with special needs leave with a completely new outlook on life,” said Dr. David Snyder, TREAT director.

Children and volunteers received a free T-shirt provided by sponsors.

Corporate sponsors include: Texas Bank, Erath County United Way, Dodge Rodeo and Bruner Motors, Inc., Wal-Mart Super Center and Summer Sky Chemical Abuse Center.

Gold sponsors are Stephenville Lions Club, Stephenville Optimist Club, United Cooperative Services, Knights of Columbus, U.S. Team Roping Championship and Morris and Beverly Gifford.

Silver sponsors include: Kurt and Vicki Averhoff, Rebecca Chaisson, Hard Eight BBQ, Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Hughes, FMC Technologies, Animal Health and Medical Center, Jim and Brenda Gartrell, Erath County Farm Bureau, American Legion Auxiliary, Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, Kincannon State Farm Insurance, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Howard, Coopers Country Store and Cactus Ropes.

Food and Drink donations came from Dublin Dr. Pepper, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Mr. Jim’s Pizza, Taco Casa, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Tri-County Agribusiness and Erath County 4-H Horse Club.

For more information about TREAT, contact Snyder at (254) 968-9656, or via e-mail at snyder@tarleton.edu or tarletontreat@gmail.com.