Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center had a special end of the year fundraiser/craft show at the Verne C. Hinely Center in Rincon on Dec. 17.

Visitors enjoyed crafts from 14 different vendors, food and photos with Santa Claus and his “reindeer,” which were therapeutic horses Missy and Diamonds dressed in reindeer garb.

FETC founder and director Bonnie Gentry reflected on the past year at the center, saying it’s had highs and lows.

“We’ve gotten a lot done this year,” Gentry said.

She said that 2011 had been “a tough year financially,” and that they are in need of many more volunteers and donations in the coming year.

But FETC expanded its service by giving therapeutic horseback riding lessons to special education students at both of Effingham’s high schools, and Gentry said they had lots more children interested in riding than ever before.

She said that fundraisers like the one Saturday in Rincon were more about spreading awareness of the FETC service and mission.

Next year, Gentry intends to offer more riding sessions during the week, rather than just Saturdays, as they currently do.

She said that this would be a great opportunity for retired folks interested in volunteering and that no horse experience is necessary to volunteer at FETC.

FETC also thanked the city of Rincon for donating the use of the Vernon C. Hinely Center for Saturday’s fundraiser/craft show, and Gentry said they hope to do something similar next year as a fundraiser that is not so children-centered.