Jacobs' Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center hosts horse show

The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·2 min read

Apr. 19—HAHIRA — On Saturday, April 13, a horse show was held at Jacobs' Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center. Each April, the riders who wish to participate are celebrated for their accomplishments.

"This year there were 22 riders who attended," the facility said in a press release. "They ranged in age from 6 years to 58 years old. Some were new to our riding program, and a few have ridden with us for years. Their abilities ranged from beginners to high intermediates."

The beginner riders have assistants who may help lead their horses or walk beside them to help if needed. The intermediate riders are more independent and some of them rode completely unassisted. The oldest rider is a veteran in the center's Equine Services for Heroes program. The Greater Valdosta United Way sponsors riders in this program, as well as many other riders in the therapeutic riding program.

Each rider competed in three classes: Trail, Equitation, and Showmanship, and all were awarded three ribbons for their efforts. Tim Hall, from Ray City, served as judge. The Trail Class was a series of obstacles to walk, trot or canter over and through. The Equitation Class was a shorter class that represented the skills of the rider and their horse. The Showmanship Class was a class that took the riders out of the saddle and put them in a leadership position with their horse. This class really concentrated on the horse and rider team, Jacobs' Ladder said.

"There were eight leveled classes for the riders, with the higher skilled riders beginning the day and the younger, less experienced riders continuing until we were done," the release said. "There were many happy faces and squeals of delight from the participants when they received their ribbons."

Now that the yearly show is over, the focus shifts to summer camps and the Lowell Hammock Memorial Bowling Tournament and Silent Auction, to benefit Jacobs' Ladder, at Jac's Lanes on June 8.

For more information on the riding program, Equine Services for Heroes, summer camps or the bowling fundraiser, please contact Leslie at (229) 794-1188.