Starry, Starry Night Gala: September 21, 2013
August 21, 2013 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Stable Pathways, a program that provides horse-assisted activities for people living with cognitive and physical challenges, is hosting a benefit gala for fundraising. BGS’ Legal Administrative Assistant Sarah Thies is on the Board of Directors and helped organize the event. Barna, Guzy & Steffen is also a sponsor of the event.
The fundraiser will take place Saturday, September 21st, 2013 beginning at 6:30 with Cocktails. Food, a program demonstration, and dancing with live music will follow. This is a western themed event so the suggested dress is Cowboy Casual – Rhinestones Optional! Tickets to the event are $35 with proceeds going to promote Stable Pathways’ missions.
Stable Pathways is located at Bunker Park Stables in Coon Rapids. It provides equine-assisted activities for people living with physical and cognitive challenges under the careful direction of either a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Certified Instructor or a Minnesota licensed Occupational Therapist.
Sarah says that therapeutic horseback riding helps riders “organize” body and brain. The horse’s gait is most similar to a human gait so riding provides a connection to a natural rhythmic movement from the horse that stimulated the rider’s body and brain.
Riders at Stable Pathways have experienced positive changes in a variety of ways such as steadier balance, improved core strength, increased trunk control through side to side and front to back movement, and strengthening legs through stretching and balance. Sarah indicated that riding provides physical and mental organizing benefits; social skill practice and interaction as well as learning independence and practicing decision-making skills and developing empathy.
Group classes are held on Mondays for 12 weeks in the spring and again in the fall. Stable Pathways is a 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about Stable Pathways and the Starry, Starry Night Gala, visit stablepathways.org