Windridge marks 19th anniversary

Mirror Photo / Mary L. Kirby WINDRIDGE DIRECTOR Margo Dewkett, right, signs with Steven Tyler DeRouen as he rides Colonel in the rider demonstration at Windridge Saturday. The partially enclosed pavilion blocked much of the cold wind which blew in from the north during the 19th anniversary gathering.

Windridge Equestrian Center celebrated its 19th anniversary Saturday with riding demonstrations by students and staff.

The chilly winds blowing out of the north did not distract the family, friends, and volunteers which gathered under the pavilion to watch the various students perform the skills which he or she had learned. The metal pavilion, which also houses the offices, restrooms, a lounge, and other facilities, itself stands as a testament to the dedication of the volunteers and donors who assist the facility.

The facility in northeastern Upshur County, which caters to improving the skills of individuals with physical and other handicaps, has grown from one instructor, Margo Dewkett, the executive director and founder of the program, and two horses to having a staff this year of seven individuals and 21 horses.

The anniversary’s activities began at noon with the opening ceremony and for the next three hours students demonstrated the skills they have been learning while riding. As family and friends circulated around the silent auction or ate barbecue, the demonstrations continued.

After the close of the auction, the Windridge staff concluded the afternoon with a riding demonstration. In addition to the Windridge staff of Mrs. Dewkett, Dawn Bippes, Ahnna Nall, Julia Bourcier, Debbie Dewkett, Chris Stow, and Charlynn Bradford, three of the volunteer instructors, Ellen Meson, Sue Genter, and Misti Monk, have registered certification.

Valerie Edmund and Lindsey Hohlt are in training to become North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) Instructors.

Jim McClain serves this year af president of the Windridge Board of Directors. The 11-member board includes Amy Hitchcock, Stewart Green, Randy Monk, Treasurer, Rose Benedict, Debbie Hays, Stancy Simpson, Daryl Atkinson, Phyllis Winn, Brenda Buck and Russell Fisher.

Friends of Windridge Committee helps coordinate the many activities of the numerous volunteers, who help not only with the training of the riders, but also with the many activities around the facility. The Friends of Windridge Committee includes Debbie Hays, chairman, and Stancy Simpson, past chairman, along with Debbie Bankston, Mary Ann Collier, Carolyn Russell, Denise Green, Millicent Stafford, Jan Lockhart, Tom Hays, Pam Spurgeon, Tina Bush, Carla Lindner, Clair Balliett and Mark Lockhart.

Also helping with the program are Kidz First Physical Therapists, Sue Haywood, P.T., Celia Bower, P.T., and Shyla Nall, P.T.A., all of whom are trained in hippotherapy.

mlkirby@etex.net