Photograph courtesy of OPAF and The First Clinics.
McKeever’s First Ride, a therapeutic horseback riding program, was held April 23, 2011 in Chastain Horse Park, Atlanta, Georgia. More than 30 physically challenged children and adults attended the event, according to OPAF and The First Clinics. Now in its third year, the event was hosted by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia, and was supported by area businesses, industry professionals, and volunteers.
“It was all too amazing to take in!” Deenie McKeever, program founder and mistress of ceremonies, said. “We saw kids and adults nervously mount horses-and dismount with huge smiles and renewed courage to face whatever’s next.”
“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta was thrilled to collaborate with Deenie and the Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund to host this year’s event,” Janet Lombardo, manager of the Orthotics & Prosthetics Program at Children’s, said. “The McKeever’s First Ride participants enthusiastically tried horseback riding, horse grooming, cow roping, and equine-assisted learning activities designed to promote physical strength and balance, and to provide opportunities to overcome challenges…. It was very empowering to see kids with prosthetic legs climb confidently into the saddle and to witness one adult who was missing both hands figure out a way to successfully manipulate the reins.”
McKeever’s First Ride is named to honor Dan McKeever, founder of SPS, Alpharetta, Georgia. “SPS was honored to be a small part of this event,” said SPS President Ron May. “[It is] rewarding to everyone involved, the children, their parents, and siblings, as well to all the caregivers, volunteers and supporters….”
For more information, e-mail Robin Burton at rlb@opfund.org
