Devon, PA (August 24, 2011) – 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the selection of Thorncroft Therapeutic Riding Inc. as the beneficiary of Dressage at Devon. Since 1991, Thorncroft has received more than $1,000,000 from Dressage at Devon. These funds have been used to support students with disabilities who have shown a dedication to the sport and the horses.
Steven Reed (left) is one such student. In 2004, when Steven Reed was 8 years old, his mom Linda, wanted to find an activity for her son that would help him grow and reach his goals. Knowing that Steven was an animal lover, Linda thought riding might appeal to him. Steven was hooked after just one visit.
For the next several years, Steven took weekly, then twice weekly lessons – first on a pony (Blossom), working his way up to the horses he rides (and jumps!) today. Steven’s dedication to the sport and the animals continues to grow. He volunteers in the barn in exchange for one of his lessons, a job he took on at age 13. Sundays, Steve can often be found cleaning stalls and doing other necessary barn work.
“Thorncroft is an amazing place. From the moment he started riding, Steven has not only learned horsemanship but has made many friends,” said Linda Reed.
Steven received his first scholarship just one year after he began riding. And, among other honors, this year Steven was the recipient of the Grace Levin Scholarship Award. His weekly lessons include individual training as well as practice sessions with the Thorncroft Mainstreamers.