MIDDLETOWN — Children of Lake County benefited from a charity trail ride hosted by Wiloth Equine Therapy and Riding Center, in conjunction with “Lake County Cares” Equine Therapy Group on Saturday, May 10. The three-hour ride took guests through the beautiful hillsides of Langtry Farms in Middletown.
Riding center owner Susie Wiloth was more than impressed with Saturday”s amazing turnout. “We quadrupled the numbers we had at our first ride,” Wiloth announced during the barbecue dinner that followed the trail ride. “As all seven Lake County school districts have the opportunity to send children to our program free of charge, we will now be able to not only continue to offer the services at no charge to the districts, but increase their individual allotments as well.”
Riders as young as 7 years were among the 100 participants who enjoyed the three-hour trek through Langtry Farms. Riders agreed the day was perfect filled with beautiful scenery, warm weather and good company. Danielle Bowerman, of Hidden Valley Lake, said the ride provided good bonding time as well. “I learned more about my friend than I ever thought I would,” she said with a laugh, adding that she learned a lot about her horse as well. “It was the first time for my horse to be out on a trail. I learned she hates boulders; she hates birds; she hates rocks!”
Picture opportunities were abundant as the trail took riders through the hillsides of Langtry Farms, across the ridges that overlook the spacious and pristine Guenoc Valley. The ride continued through the valley to the lake nestled between the mountains where a few riders and their horses found relief from the sun in the cool water. Cattle watched curiously as the long parade of horses passed by them and at the top of one ridge, a deer startled by the visitors, made a frantic escape through the brush that decorated the scenery.
Denise Claiche took countless pictures as she continued along the trail. Images captured by Claiche”s camera will be posted on her Web site, www.saddlesoar.wikispaces.com. Information about purchasing raffle tickets for a round pen valued at $1500 is also available through the same Web site. Proceeds from the raffle will be directed to Wiloth Equine Therapy and Riding Center and the Western Regional Bull Riders Association. Claiche will be riding in the Lower Lake Daze Parade; the winner of the raffle will be announced during the festival that follows the parade on Sunday, May 25.
The round-pen was donated by Lower Lake Feed; tickets are available at the feed store as well, priced at $20 apiece or six for $100.
All proceeds from Saturday”s event will be directed toward providing equine therapy for all special education students throughout Lake County”s seven school districts. Services are offered free of charge through the non-profit program. Wiloth reported the program currently serves 105 children per week.
Wiloth Equine Therapy and Riding Center in located on Noble Ranch in Middletown. According to Wiloth, who received this year”s Stars of Lake County Marla Ruzika Humanitarian of the Year Award; Noble Ranch provides a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere that allows the students to fully enjoy nature as well as the horse. A variety of physical and emotional benefits can result from the experience.
“There are published, quantitative scientific studies to validate that this form of therapy not only leads to the improvement of gross motor skills, fine motor skills, long term memory and short term memory, but also improves eye contact, the ability to interact with outside environments, the ability to transition from one activity to another, language formulation/expression, the easing of personal anxieties and the confidence to interact socially with others,” explained Wiloth.
Saturday”s event included a raffle for various horse-related prizes and a barbecue dinner served by Middletown High School Future Farmers of America. The next benefit trail ride is scheduled for Aug. 9 at Shannon Ridge Winery in Clearlake Oaks.
For more information on Wiloth Equine Therapy and Riding Center, call Susan Wiloth at 994-5887 or visit the Web site at www.wilothenterprises.com.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
