Category Archives: Equestrian Assistance

VTRC Receives Quality of Life Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

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The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center used the Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to purchase Cinderella.

Loxahatchee, FL – October, 27, 2009 – Each year the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations that provide services to individuals living with paralysis. This year the Foundation is proud to announce Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Horses for Heroes Program as one of the 145 recipients, receiving $5,000 in aid.

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will use the grant to help those living with paralysis become active members in everyday life. Cinderella is an elegant seven-year-old Quarter Horse, and she was purchased for the VTRC programs though a grant provided by the Christopher Reeve Foundation.

“After receiving the grant we looked high and low for the perfect horse and finally the proverbial glass “horse” shoe fit,” noted VTRC Founder and Executive Director Ruth Menor. “Cinderella (we call her Cinder for short) stepped on to VTRC property with inquisitive yet accepting eyes, and quickly made friends with her new equine family. At 14.2 hands, she is the perfect size for both kids and many adults and is currently being used for a handful of lead line and independent lessons.” Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=8674

Florida Governor Signs Youth Equestrian Helmet Law

Florida Governor Charlie Crist has signed a bill that mandates the use of protective helmets by young equestrians when riding on public property or roads.

The law applies to children age 16 and younger who are:

  • Riding on a public roadway or right-of-way;
  • Riding on a public equestrian trail, public equestrian trail, public park, public preserve, or public school site:
  • Riding on any other publicly owned or controlled property.

Helmets must meet the current standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)DSCF0015 for protective headgear. 

It does not apply to children under age 16 who are riding while:

  • Practicing for, riding to or from, or competing or performing in, shows or events such as rodeos and parades where helmets are not historically a part of the or event;
  • Riding on privately owned land even if the land is occasionally separated by a public road or right-of-way that must be crossed;
  • Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit.

The legislation, known as Nicole’s Law, is named after Nicole Hornstein, a 12 year-old girl from Loxahatchee who died in 2006 after falling from a horse.  Nicole’s parents and two sisters attended yesterday’s bill signing ceremony at Hamlin Park in Loxahatchee. 

 FYI now in stock TIPPERARY Equestrian Helmets at Two Time Tack & Feed (these are the best! TR)
Alma Height
7420 Rosco Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-262-7574
twoxtack@aol.com