The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Therapeutic riding program to hold 5K fundraiser
BRIDGEWATER » Little Britches, a local nonprofit that has provided equine assisted therapy to children and adults with disabilities for 38 years, will hold its fifth annual Little Britches 5K run/walk on Sunday. The event begins at the Bridgewater Pavilion, 100 Main St. South, and winds through the back roads of Bridgewater.
This race will be run in honor of Betty Lou McColgin, co-founder of Little Britches and Peg Sweeney, who passed away this spring. Sweeney became a therapeutic riding instructor in the late 1970s when therapeutic riding was dawning in the United States. Recognizing the emotional and physical benefits that horses had on her own life, she reached out to McColgin, and together they formed Little Britches in 1979. The program gives children with special needs the opportunity to ride on horseback, providing physical and mental benefits.
New this year is the Pint Size Steeplechase, a fun run with obstacles designed specifically for kids, which will honor Sweeney. The course is approximately 1 mile long and has between 5-7 challenging and fun obstacles. The obstacles are designed for kids 12 and under, and at least 42 inches tall. Each child participant must be accompanied by an adult on the course.
In addition to the kids’ fun run, New Milford Home Depot is bringing their kids’ workshop.
The 5k race begins at 9:30 a.m., with registration opening at 8 a.m. Advance registration is $25 at http:// register.fasttracktiming.com ; race-day registration is $30. The Pint Size Steeplechase starts at 11 a.m.; the fee is $15. Advance registration for this event can be found at http://register. fasttracktiming.com .
In a statement, Little Britches members thanked its sponsors and supporters: the Zanelli Family Foundation, Apella Capital, RRR Maintenance, New Morning Market, Meltblown Technologies, Thomaston Savings Bank, Woodbridge Running Company, Dunbarton Equine, Pustola and Associates, Engineers/Constructors, L.L.C., Constantine’s Restaurant, RoadID, Pattiebakes, L.L.C., Charles Heaven & Co., the Town of Bridgewater, and the Bridgewater Fire Department.
All proceeds will benefit the not-for-profit Little Britches Therapeutic Riding program.