Gwinnett County brought home the gold during the Georgia Special Olympics 2005 State Horse Show held recently in Perry, Georgia. Nearly 150 competitors from across the state participated in a range of equestrian events, including English equitation, trails, western riding, dressage, and showmanship. Six participants representing Gwinnett County and Parkwood Farms showed off their skills and earned a total of 18 medals and ribbons, but more importantly, they had a great time and learned a lot about good sportsmanship as well.

The Gwinnett champions included: James ‘J.J.’ Barr, Eric Ermutlu, Katie Hemby, Elliott Hester, Julian Stankee and Christopher McClintic-Doyle. These young athletes have worked hard to develop their riding skills through the therapeutic riding program of Parkwood Farms, a multi-discipline therapy center located in Snellville. Horse riding is noted as one of the most progressive forms of therapy for the disabled. Learning balance, coordination, and endurance are among the benefits, and programs like the Special Olympics Horse Show reinforce the growing sense of confidence, responsibility and self-esteem nurtured at Parkwood Farms.

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Parkwood Farms offers numerous therapeutic services including therapeutic riding for children with special needs including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, emotional problems and learning disabilities. As a non-profit organization, Parkwood Farms seeks to raise $120,000 in tax-deductible charitable donations in 2007 to support its programs. You are invited to make a contribution at Parkwood’s website at www.parkwoodfarms.org and help more children realize their potential at the 2007 State Horse Show.