Special methods equine center to hold open house

DARIEN - SMILES (Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills, Inc.) will host an open house and ‘Superstar Student Show” at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23 at N2666 County Road K.  

This special event, is an opportunity for the clients of SMILES to showcase their accomplishments and to encourage visitors who are considering involvement in the organization. 

Student participants have earned pledges toward the SMILES Ridership Fund to earn a place in the show. These participants will show in several classes, highlighting the gains that they have made through Therapeutic Riding.

The “Superstar” experience includes judging and the awarding of trophies and ribbons. Guest judge for this year’s event is accomplished horsewoman, Katey McClymont.

The SMILES facility will also be on display on this date including the Suzanne T. Daniels-Shadel Sensory Garden, the Mariann Kidd Sensory Trail, the hay barn, and machine shed. The newest facility addition, a SureHands lift system, a gift of the Stauber Family Foundation, will also be on view.

Admission to the event is free, and the event is open to the public.

Anyone considering volunteering at SMILES is especially encouraged to attend. Many special SMILES volunteers will be active during the day assisting the clients and horses, and making this opportunity a possibility for the special riders.

SMILES transcends traditional therapeutic methods by offering  individuals with special needs the joy of participating in an equine assisted program which provides social, emotional, physical and personal rewards. Lives, and living skills, are improved through the classes and programs at SMILES.

 For more information on the SMILES program visit their website at www.smilestherapeuticriding.org, or call (262) 882-3470.