Special Olympics this year had an amazing turn out. It was a wonderful event to watch and participate in. It was filled with laughter and smiles, as many wonderful young and old people watched and rode the horses. It was the sixth annual equestrian competition held in Skowhegan, on October 4.

Special Olympics was designed for disabled individuals to show their skills and techniques on horse back. Special Olympics began six years ago, with only 36 athletes and 6 stables from across Maine attending. October 4, there was an outstanding attendance of 104 riders, and fourteen stables. Hours of work went into helping the Olympians reach their goal of showing in the 2003 Special Olympics. Grooms, parents and coaches made it possible for the equestrians to do what they love. Both English and western style riding were welcomed to join in on the fun.

They had a fun and exciting parade in the morning before the show began. After the parade there were three different classes; Showmanship Class, Equitation Class, and working Trail Class. Each class was exiting, although some of the horses at the show were a little uneasy at the cheering crowd and excitement in their new environment, when afternoon came, a rain shower began and wouldn’t stop but this inconvenience would not stop the riders and horses from showing and having fun. In late afternoon an award ceremony was held, all of the riders grooms and coaches joined in the ring to cheer on the riders receiving ribbons after there day of hard work.

After the award ceremony the horses were loaded into their trailers and taken home to their comfortable stalls and pastures to rest, which I am sure they enjoyed.

Special thanks to Poland Springs Academy riding instructor and head of the entire equestrian program Jeanne Kaulback for getting one of our young riders Robbie Keene involved in the show, you did a great job Robbie! Keep up the good work.