Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding to Host 2nd Annual Derby Party in Support of Therapeutic Riding for Individuals with Disabilities

Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding (CATR) will host their second annual Derby Party on Saturday, May 6th. The event benefits their Student Scholarship Program. 

CATR empowers children and adults with disabilities to enjoy more active and fulfilling lives through therapeutic horsemanship. This local nonprofit holds events throughout the year to spread the word about their mission while raising money to provide exceptional therapeutic opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.

CATR’s Derby Party will transport guests to Churchill Downs at the Cigar Factory’s beautiful Cedar Room on Saturday, May 6th from 4:30 pm to 8 pm. The Derby Party includes premium viewing of the big race, classic Southern fare, betting raffles, a silent auction featuring rare Kentucky bourbons and exotic trips, a live auction, and more.

CATR has been providing quality Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) since 1991. CATR offers therapeutic riding, interactive vaulting, and unmounted learning. CATR’s programs are tailored to the unique needs of each of their students. Their programs range from the Public School Program designed for students in special education classrooms to the Veterans Program which provides EAA to disabled military veterans in the community.

“I never saw Blessings smile until she got on Pride for the first time,” said special education teacher, Ms. Ellen Hart, after watching one of her students, Blessings, evolve before her eyes while riding Pride. “She never hugged anyone until she hugged a volunteer at CATR,”

Therapeutic riding helps individuals with a wide range of disabilities by providing physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits. The horse’s steady gait combined with the empowering nature of riding and interacting with a 1000-pound animal helps students build confidence, gain strength, and experience independence at the barn and beyond.

Local journalist, news personality, animal advocate, and long-time rider Hanna Powers was named as this year’s Derby Party ambassador. Participating in the silent auction are many local businesses including: Rheos Nautical Eyewear, Hall’s Chophouse, Kiawah Island, AmFund Trip Collection, and more. 

Support this local nonprofit in their vision to create a world where people thrive through inspiring partnerships with horses. Learn more about the CATR’s programs and events and donate here. 

Click here to purchase your tickets to this year’s Derby Party.

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