Kingfisher’s Hunter Wittrock claims gold during Equine Special Olympics

Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program in El Reno participated for the fi rst time in the Equine Special Olympics held Nov. 9 at the Oklahoma State University Totusek Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Three Savannah Station riders competed in the Trail Class among 25 other competitors from across the state.

All three riders came home with medals, including Kingfisher’s Hunter Wittrock.

Wittrock won a gold medal while Lindsey Sullins and Tiffany Mitchell of Oklahoma City won bronze.

The Trail course consisted of a narrow gate the horse and rider had to walk through, a white wooden bridge that the horse and rider had to step onto and walk over, then four ground poles set closely together that they had to step over, three cones that they weaved through then stepping into and out of a box made out of ground poles on the ground then to the finish with a gentle stop.

Sullins and Wittrock rode the course with the support of volunteers; a horse leader and sidewalkers on each side of them.

Mitchell rode the course independently.

“It was an amazing day fi lled with smiles, cheers, and tears,” said Andi Holland, director. “We are so very proud of our riders and our amazing horses, Blue, Pollo and Tule. The day would not have been possible without their instructor, Blu Phillips and our terrific team of volunteers.”

Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program began in 2013 as a mobile program and is now located at Royse Ranch on the Redlands Community College Campus in El Reno.

The program currently serves 34 individuals from age 4 to 30 from across the Oklahoma City metro and Western Oklahoma.

With certified staff and eight trained therapy horses, it is a member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, or PATH, Int’l.

The Vision Statement reads; “A community of humans and horses, ministering fully to individuals and families; assisting them to overcome life’s limitations, to gain social and emotional confidence, and defy disabilities and challenges, while building families and friendships.”