Animal therapy group launches fundraiser

ROXBURY — Little Britches Virtual Silent Auction will be held online from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4. All proceeds benefit Little Britches Therapeutic Riding, a local nonprofit that helps kids and adults with special needs are strengthened through horseback riding.

“The virtual auction is our only fundraiser this year and will help our program continue to serve the community,” said Little Britches president Janie Larson. Based in Roxbury,

Little Britches draws students from towns throughout northwestern Connecticut. It relies on grants, donations, and fundraising to keep rider fees affordable, she said.

This year’s auction features items ranging from fine art to fun experiences. Two Florida getaways — golfing in St. Augustine or poolside relaxation on Pine Island – are among the offerings. Bidders can also choose seats on a charter flight to Nantucket or another vacation destination; or choose a fun day of recreation at a lake house in Charlton, Mass., or an excursion on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat.

The full listing, linked online at littlebritchesct.org, includes much more, such as works by local artists, food and wine baskets, jewelry, private yoga and fitness training sessions, gift cards and a range of other items and services from area businesses. Little Britches’ regular fall session is underway at the organization’s home facility, Tophet Farm in Roxbury. When that session ends on Nov. 5, the program will continue with a sixweek late fall session in the beautiful indoor arena at Shepaug Agriscience Academy in Washington. For more information go to littlebritchesct.org, or call Little Britches at 860-874-9352.

Founded in 1979 by Peg Sweeney and Betty Lou McColgin, Little Britches aims to enrich the lives of people with disabilities using the movement of the horse. Riders have a variety of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, Downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, oppositional defiance, visual impairment and auditory impairment. Some riders are wheelchair bound and experience independence for the first time on the backs of the horses.