Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting for White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center (WHOA) on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at the former Race Horse Barn on the Whiteside County Fair grounds, Morrison, IL. At 4:00 p.m. a large gathering of humans and two of the six equines celebrated the return to the former location of this organization’s therapeutic riding services.
WHOA began two decades ago, born of the desire to replicate the success Kay and Larry Richmond saw in their dyslexic son, after his experiences at a therapeutic riding center. In 1995 the Richmonds moved back to Morrison, and Kay implemented her dream of a similar riding experience, for those age four through adult. The site was the Richmond home.
“Bubba,” at left below, is the oldest of the half-dozen horses, at 23 years. The two youngest horses are 18, including “Captain,” at right. It takes weeks or months to train a therapeutic horse, but their “impact is immeasurable.”
WHOA Marketing Director Kendra Kophamer, the ribbon cutter, stated, “Our greatest need is helping assist financially with scholarships for class time. It costs $30 per class and $180 for a six-week season. A full scholarship of 20 weeks, the whole season, is $600. We always need volunteers…you must be 14 and older to work with the animals.” Ongoing tasks are cleaning stalls and fundraising. “The Fair Board helped us out,” Kophamer added.
On Saturday, June 20, there will be an Open Horse Show fundraiser at the Fairgrounds, to benefit WHOA. Over 85% of WHOA’s participants require financial assistance. Public support will help provide student scholarships, enhancement activities, educational materials, lesson participation, and special equipment.
White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a not-for-profit organization, established in 1995 for the purpose of providing recreational, educational, therapeutic, and social opportunities for persons with disabilities. For more information or to make a donation go to rideatwhoa.org.
Three Fair Board of Directors shared the event. Left-to-right at far left are President Paul Vock; Treasurer Karl Kovarik; Horse Racing Superintendent Dan Heusinkveld. Beside them are three Chamber Board members: Dana Verdick, Community State Bank; President Scott Stocker, U. S. Cellular; Jean Eggemeyer, Carrillon Communications. WHOA volunteers are Treasurer Carol Stichter; Kent Bush and Mary Jo Dunagan with “Bubba”; Kophamer; WHOA Barn Manager Tawny Wiersema with “Captain.” Next were Mick Welding, Morrison Community Hospital; Chamber Board member Brandi Renkes, Wells Fargo; Chamber Executive Director Kim Ewoldsen and Board member Heather Toppert; visitor Jim Welding.
