The Discovery Riders annual fundraiser Saturday brought in more than $40,000 to help support the non-profit’s equine-assisted activities at 1797 State Route 47, Bellefontaine.
This year’s event themed “Blues at the Barn” was attended by about 200 people and featured live music, a meal catered by Heflin Caters of Plain City, a silent auction, and a live auction of several major prizes such as a weeklong stay in Costa Rica, and dinner at a Columbus-area Cameron Mitchell restaurant with a former Ohio State and professional football player.
Matt Dolph was named as the incoming president of the Discovery Riders board of directors at the event.
Columbus-area resident Gene Hershaw spoke to attendees about the positive and perhaps life-changing impact equine therapy had for his son, Zayne Hersahaw, who was diagnosed with autism at age 4.
Zayne, now in this late 20s, is the guitarist for the jazz and blues band Blue Spectrum, who provided the evening’s musical entertainment.
“It (equine-assisted activities) helped him (Zayne) connect to the world,” the elder Hershaw told the crowd.
Although Zayne did not participate in his equine activities at Discovery Riders, his father emphasized how important the local non-profit is to the Logan County community.
Blue Spectrum is the 2024 winner of the Columbus Blues Alliance Blues Challenge and will represent Columbus in the International Blues Challenge Jan. 7-11, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
The high cost to provide equine-assisted activities and an increase in demand to provide those services make the fundraiser a key to Discovery Riders continued successful operations.
Discovery Riders currently has nine horses and two mini-horses, Executive Director Lindsay Jackson said.
Cost annually for general care per horse is about $4,000, which includes feed, hay, general veterinary care and farrier costs.
The facility has hosted about 50 to 55 students on average per 6- to 8-week session this year. This is up from an average of about 30 students in 2022.
Harlie McClintick is program coordinator and instructor. Members of the board of directors are Matt Dolph, president, Jon Bodin, vice president, April King, secretary, Bill Boy, treasurer, and board members Rick Hauck, Peter Stolly, Jessica Simmons, Jacob Estes, Kelli Bader and Jon Wackerman.
