Page 66 - Life In Naples Magazine - November 2015

heart to heart

Heart, Hooves, Health & Happiness

“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.” ~Winston Churchill

by Karen Coney Coplin unrelenting Naples sunshine, or on rainy summer days. The organization’s site,
www.naplesequestrianchallenge.org has further detail about the expansion.
T he Naples Equestrian Challenge has its 20th You can also reach the organization at: 239.596.2988.
Anniversary this year, and with this accomplishment,
it celebrates so much more. At the root of many One of the therapy horses, Pickett, or Pick-a-Spot, is featured as part of
achievements is the indelible bond between this campaign on a Pine Ridge Road billboard showing the progress made
human and horse; over 500 local residents experienced this on the $5M goal. The campaign is an essential part of the NEC’s plans to
connection, firsthand, as clients of the NEC. expand their programming including evening hours and take on additional
special needs clients. Learn more about this horse and his companion therapy
If you’ve driven past the Pine Ridge community, abutting horses online in a fun section called “Meet our horses.” Picket is a Leopard
Goodlette-Frank Road, you may have been curious about the Appaloosa, with 512 spots, and a favorite of all, especially the NEC’s smallest
barns which are visible to drivers passing by.The big red barn clients. Other horse companions, retired from their years of service to the
located just south of Center Street at 206 Ridge Dr.is perhaps NEC, are remembered here, too.
the most public symbol of the NEC and their mission to
improve the lives of their clients, both kids and adults. The A signature fund-raising event, the Boot Strap Boogie Barn Dance, will
NEC serves those with special needs – who become riders take place on Saturday, November 14, at the Naples Equestrian Challenge
as part of their participation – with equine-assisted activities Arena at 206 Ridge Dr., from 7 – 11 p.m. Tickets start at $275. Sponsorship
and therapeutic horsemanship. packages are available and an early reception will honor the contributions of
the NEC’s generous sponsors. Come join the 10th annual barn dance in what
As our veterans are honored, specially, this month on many call the “best party in Naples” as this noble organization, with its noble
November 11, it’s timely to note that the NEC counts steeds, triumphantly marks its 20th anniversary as a vital part of life in Naples.
many military veterans as clients, too. These servicemen and
woman participate in programs which aid amputees, those Email Karen: NaplesKCC@gmail.com with future suggestions for coverage in the
with PTSD, as well as those having survived traumatic Heart to Heart column. A special thanks, here, to NEC Board member/Vice President,
brain injuries. Horse ridership presents unique healing Connie Sharpe, and her husband Gary (last years’ Barn Dance co-chairs) for their
opportunities for speech and language development plus commitment to this organization and the capital campaign, as well as calling my
improvements to core strength and pulmonary support. attention to the many exciting plans NEC has in store in its third decade of service.
Horses have always had a special place in Connie’s heart, and mine too; perhaps you can
The NEC’s newsletter recently reported: “…[E]quine join in and show your support by making a donation to the Capital Campaign; attend
activities and the equine environment promote physical, the Barn Dance; sponsor a rider, or find the perfect volunteer opportunity!
occupational and emotional growth…the horse’s gait mimics
the movement of a human pelvis while walking, riders receive Barn Raising
physical, sensory and neurological stimulation.” Capital Campaign

The NEC has come a long way since 1995, when four Zero $1 Million $2 Million $3 Million $4 Million $5 Million
volunteers served four riders with two borrowed horses –
on a borrowed field, no less! Fast forward: today, over 500 NEC Needs More Spots for Special Riders!
individuals from toddler to elderly; current clients range from
age 2 to 91 years young participate in the NEC’s therapeutic
programs. Four volunteers have expanded 100-fold, as, today,
over 400 supportive, caring individuals generously give of
their time to this organization.

A Barn Raising Capital Campaign is now underway to
help even more riders benefit from equine-assisted therapy.
This campaign has a $5 million dollar goal; of this, $4M is to
be allocated for new buildings and site expansion; and $1M
for an endowment to deflect maintenance costs of the new
equine therapy complex. Part of this complex will include a
new, 62’ covered arena with observation deck, essential in the

66 Life in Naples | November 2015