Special Olympics at Windrush Farm
Windrush Farm hosted the Massachusetts Special Olympics Fall Equestrian State Finals for the 23rd year in a row on Saturday, October 4th. More than 35 athletes from the northeast qualified for the games.
Classes began at 9:30am with “welcoming ceremonies” at noon officially opening the games. After the color presentation the Special Olympics athletes recited the Special Olympics Oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Athletes in the northeast part of the state qualify to compete and are mounted on Windrush horses led by the farm’s volunteers.
More than 40 Windrush volunteers make this day possible, acting as leaders, side-walkers, barn help and event management staff.
This is Linda Strovink’s 3rd year as a Special Olympics Volunteer. “Volunteering at Windrush has given me the opportunity to combine many interests, including love of horses, working with special needs people, volunteering & being outdoors,” shares Linda. “To help a special needs rider — who might be limited in so many other activities — grow & learn to ride a horse is the most inspirational work I can imagine! The staff, riders, volunteers &, of course, the horses are all so amazing — I look forward to each class & try to help out whenever I can. ”
Competitors are judged first on the trail class. This includes an obstacle course with challenges, such as walking over poles and weaving through cones. One of the harder exercises is circling a barrel, picking up a ring, and then carrying it to a barrel on the opposite side of the arena.
Then they move to the equitation class where athletes are judged on their control of the horse and position in the walk and trot, including the canter for the more independent.
Equine assisted activities have been proven to improve balance and coordination as well as increase self-confidence and self-image.
“This event is so special to us at the farm,” said Program Director Jenna Turcotte. “Watching how the athletes conduct themselves, how well they ride, and just the pure joy and excitement in their faces makes this such a memorable day.”