TO THE BLUE RIDGE
MEG MULLERY
SPROUT:
SPROUT Gala 2022 This year’s gala is on Saturday, September 17, beginning at 5:30 pm at the barn. For more information, contact tim.mooney@sproutcenter. org. For information on lessons, programs, events, contact info@sproutcenter.org or visit Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center on Facebook. Sprout is located at 40685 John Mosby Highway in Aldie, Virginia. Telephone: (571) 367-4555 sproutcenter.org
To Grow, Spring Up, Come Forth On a beautiful autumn evening last September, Sprout Therapeutic Riding & Education Center in Aldie, Virginia, hosted a gala celebrating Sprout’s Tenth Anniversary. While these kinds of formal events are not unusual in the D.C. area, this one was far from your typical black-tie soiree. Guests entered the event, which took place in Sprout’s riding facility, through a line of stalls that housed a welcoming committee of very excited ponies and horses with heads sticking out hoping for pats or treats. This led to the large indoor riding ring magically transformed into an elegant venue with chandeliers, loads of twinkle lights, large potted palms, dining tables, a dance floor and live music. After cocktails and dinner, the time came to introduce the guest of honor. A Sprout staffer wearing a stunning gown led a large horse named Duke into the event to a standing ovation. Duke was recognized for his many years of patient lesson service and continuing to prove there is a transformative connection between human and horse. Duke is just one of the 18 uniquely trained horses that give hope and confidence to students at Sprout. And then it was time to dance. And dance they did. Party-goers of all abilities crowded
26 August 2022
Photo courtesy of SPROUT
Operations Manager Anna Escorting Horse of Year Duke onto the floor. If one were to create a tableau that captured the spirit and vision of Sprout, the gala would serve as the model. Sprout encourages and embraces friendship, fun, and community. Each week, Sprout serves nearly 185 individuals ranging in age from a one-year-old diagnosed with spinal muscle atrophy,
to a thirty-year-old survivor of a traumatic brain injury, to an eighty-year-old with advancing physical and mental deterioration. Since Sprout began operations in 2011 its programs have expanded to include adaptive riding/ driving; equine supported therapies; community lessons; equine assisted learning; competition; and clubs to ensure riders are supported both in and out of the barn. These programs and therapies-created with the goal of providing hope, healing, empowerment and recovery through the bonds of partnership with equines--have changed the lives of thousands over the years. My friend Nancy L is back in the saddle at the age of 60-something after being diagnosed with MS years ago. A mechanical lift takes her from wheelchair to her therapy horse Dancer with the help of the amazing instructor Nancy D and a team of volunteers. Nancy L and Dancer engage in a lesson involving the walk, trot gaits combined with TO THE BLUERIDGE > PAGE 43
Old Town Crier
