Victory Gallop

Gala attendees support Thorncroft — a noted nonprofit in thought, word and ‘steed’

PHILADELPHIA » Thorncroft isn’t just “one” thing. It is a multitude of them.

It’s opportunities, investments, experiences, proficiencies, practices and occurrences that have been perfected over the course of “neigh” on 50 years and still growing.

Founded and nurtured in this area by gentleman farmer Saunders Dixon in the Malvern countryside, Thorncroft’s specialty is in meeting horseback riders, of all ages and stages, where they are at in their physical, emotional and psychological phases of life.

Dixon was an early proponent of hippo therapy, recognizing its healing properties long before it became a popular phenomenon in the equine world. According to this nonagenarian (who truly knows all there is to know about the practice), it is the steed that “cures” the rider, not the other way around. The equation obviously works, as more than 320 students perfect their skills and strategies each week at the stables.

While the annual fundraising done by guests at the Victory Gallop, held at the Bellevue Hotel in early April, is the nonprofit’s “mane” way of providing lessons for the less fortunate, the farm’s staff, including his wife, Sallie, does a yeoman’s job, as well, to keep stalls clean, steeds exercised, fields hazard free and riders safe.

Thorncroft’s riders will next exhibit their skills at the Therapeutic Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show. The newly named event will have riders competing on Saturday, May 28, at the farm to take home the Hope Montgomery Scott Grand Champion Award after riding in the Dixon Oval on Sunday the 29th.

Interested in taking lessons, giving them as a gift to someone who loves equines, helping maintain the barns or taking part in the farm’s annual Lobster Fest? Motor on over to 190 Line Road, Malvern, or call 610-6449342. It’s well worth the “ride.”

Malvern residents George Rubin, his wife, Lorraine, and Stephanie Bennett offer congratulations to Thorncroft’s proprietors, Saunders and Sallie Dixon, on another successful Victory Gallop.

Overbrook School for the Blind staff members Krystal and Ken Johnson are on hand to learn more about Thorncroft’s programs.

Malvern residents Pat and Anne Ward raise a toast to the 33rd annual Victory Gallop for Thorncroft.

Stewart Rose, of Media, and Lucinda Loose, of Glen Mills, find some “liquid” items to consider bidding on.

Thorncroft riders and event volunteers Kathleen and Jacqueline Kelly are interested in some of the vacation items on the silent auction tables.

Malvern denizens Jess Miller and Tim Zupko get to know more about Thorncroft volunteers Tiffany Meyer and Ginger Fries, both of West Chester.

Thorncroft supporters Valerie D’Amico and the Johnsons, Melissa and Trevor, of Malvern, roam the silent action tables with Adair McCune, of Glenside.

Popup artist Nicholas D’amico attracts the attention of Nick and Brooke Henningson, Sean and Teresa Sablosky, along with Kelli Bergiven and Mike Mills, all of Glenside.

Ed Brown, of Glenside, and his wife, Barbara, heed the call to dinner.

The McHue family of Malvern, Morgan, Lance, Victoria and Leigh, are longtime supporters and neighbors of Thorncroft.

Haverford resident Bruce Leto and his wife, Anita, spend time with the Stitzers of Greenwich, Conn., Lucy and Mark.

Jackson Geraght, of Malvern, and Matthew McGeever, of Bryn Mawr, check out the ice sculpture of a horse.

Thorncroft volunteer, rider and instructor Sharon Bennett, of Paoli, is escorted to the Victory Gallop by Joe Lorini.