March 27, 2017 – New York, N.Y. – Rivers Edge Horse Sanctuary (REHR) will be hosting and celebrating ASPCA Help a Horse Day on Saturday, April 23rd, 2017, competing the chance to win a grant prize of $25,000 to assist with their efforts to protect horses who assist with special needs children and adults. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month in April, Rivers Edge Horse Sanctuary is also in the process of developing a Therapeutic Horse Riding program for children and adults with special needs, especially those with Autism.
The nationwide ASPCA Help a Horse Day competition is for equine rescues and sanctuaries to raise awareness about the live saving work they do year-round to care for at-risk horses in their community who have been abused or neglected. Horses have been central to the ASPCA's work since its founding 151 years ago, when Henry Bergh stopped a cart driver from beating his horse, resulting in the first successful arrest for the mistreatment of a horse on April 26, 1866. More information can be viewed at: ASPCA - Help A Horse Day April 23
It is widely agreed that “What we can learn from horses is Infinitely more valuable than we can teach them.” (quote courtesy of StraightnessTraining.com.) REHR founder Diane Romano Potacki further added, “Through our educational presentations, we will discuss the ongoing care and treatments needed for our horses. Riding programs bringing disabled children and adults together with horses can make disabilities fade away, if only for a short time. Fears can be overcome, self-esteem built up, can inspire confidence and often times the programs can give control of movement via the horse to a child that has not much control.”
“ASPCA Help a Horse Day provides a great opportunity for communities to support their local horse rescue and recognize them for the year-round, lifesaving work they do to care for horses in need,” said B.J. Rogers, vice president of ASPCA ProLearning.
The ASPCA Help a Horse Day contest is a wonderful opportunity for our team to welcome the residents and businesses of Newton, NJ into the barn to help spread awareness about the at-risk horses in their community who are in need of loving homes. Horses are majestic, loving animals and the hope is that not only national, but local supporters will come out on Sunday April 23rd to help REHR win a $25,000 grant so they can continue their lifesaving efforts for years to come.
About Rivers Edge Rescue Sanctuary
Founded in 2010 by Diane Romano Potacki, Rivers Edge Rescue & Sanctuary saves horses and is developing therapy programs for children and adults with special needs, especially autism. Located in Newton, NJ the sanctuary is currently competing in the ASPCA’s Help A Horse Day to win a $25,000 grant prize to continue to protect horses. Learn more at https://www.riversedgehorserescue.org
ASPCA Boilerplate:
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.