The cowboys and cowgirls were out in full force Saturday night as Storybook Farm held its second annual Cowboy Roundup to benefit its ministry of providing equine therapy to disabled and terminally ill children, as well as children who have suffered a tragedy.
The roundup was open to the public.
The farm has 15 horses, a miniature horse and other animals, and the children had the opportunity to walk around the barn and visit with the animals.
Dinner was provided by Longhorn Steakhouse and was included in the entry fee.
In addition to the animals, a puppet show, roping demonstration and a bonfire with s'mores attracted the children.
Photographs were taken in a photo booth.
Coordinated around the father-daughter dances in the area, Lucy Little, development director of Storybook Farm, said the roundup is directed at boys and gives them something to do with their moms while the girls and dads are at the dance.
"The boys love it because it is like being outside on the ranch at night," Little said.
The roundup benefits Storybook's ministry, which is of no cost to riders.
Riding the horses provides psychical therapy by stretching the child's muscles across the horse. It also helps improve posture, balance and self-confidence.
"Children can be very cruel, and if someone looks different or acts differently, they can sometimes be the center of attention, unfortunately," Little said. "So they can come out here, and there is a saying that everyone is equal on the back of a horse, and it's kind of that way."
For children that cannot get on a horse because of physical limitations, Storybook has a miniature horse, Tinkerbell, for them to bond with.
"It's nice to have an animal where they can look directly in their eye, and that's what Tinkerbell is for," Little said.
Storybook Farm uses approximately 1,000 volunteers through IMPACT, and students can also earn class credit by volunteering at the farm.
Brian Lazzari, junior in math education, volunteered last semester for his foundations of education class and now works with the children and horses.
Lazzari said the most rewarding part of his experience at Storybook has been talking to the parents.
"I love the kids," Lazzari said, "(but) knowing that the parents are getting a break from a stressful life with a kid that has special needs, and they are just telling you that they appreciate all that you do and knowing that you are helping the family out even more so than just the kid--that's the best thing. It's awesome."
Founded in 2002 by Dena Little, the director of Storybook Farm, the ministry began in Auburn when she thought there may be two or three children in the area who have a need for horse therapy.
Almost 10 years later, the farm has serves 600 children.
Cowboy Roundup will continue Feb. 11 and 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.
More information can be found at www.story-book-farm.org.
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