Bowling event to benefit HorsePower therapy group

HorsePower Therapeutic Riding will host its third annual Bowling Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 21, at St. Charles Bowl, 2520 W. Main St. in St. Charles. Two bowling sessions are available: noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $25, or $10 for children; kids, age 3 and younger, are free. Nonbowlers can join in for $15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.horsepower.ticketleap.com/bowling.

HorsePower Therapeutic Riding is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Last year's event raised more than $22,000.

Silent auction donations are needed, including gift certificates, sporting or theater event tickets, gift baskets, and more. Auction donations can be arranged before Friday, Feb. 13, by emailing Info@HorsePowerTR.com.

Located at Fox Chase Farms, two miles west of Elburn on Route 38, HorsePower has expanded rapidly since it was founded by Carrie Capes and Justin Yahnig in 2012. Clients of all ages with a variety of physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities harness the healing power of the horse in their riding lesson each week.

Therapeutic Riding and Therapeutic Carriage Driving build core strength and coordination, develop motor skills and cognitive abilities while increasing the rider's confidence and sense of accomplishment.

HorsePower utilizes nine horses to conduct more than 180 lessons per month, with four instructors teaching four days a week.

The instructor staff is supported by more than 90 enthusiastic local volunteers and a nine-member board of directors.

HorsePower recognizes that families of persons with disabilities are stretched financially. That financial challenge can sometimes result in missed opportunities for therapies that are outside the scope of traditional care and are rarely covered by insurance.

It is hoped that the support from the community will allow HorsePower to continue providing services to all clients regardless of their ability to pay for this beneficial therapy. They offer a sliding scale of fees to those who qualify for scholarship support. Visit horsepowertr.com.