More than 200 Special Olympics athletes, 25 Unified Partners and 90 coaches from around the state were in Perry at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter on Aug. 24-26 for the Special Olympics Horse Show.  The competition features riders in dressage, showmanship, walking trail, English and Western style riding.

Special Olympics Georgia serves more than 24,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 programs in 120 counties. Their motto is, “Let me win. But if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.”

Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center in Guyton took five of its students to the Georgia Special Olympics. Competitors this year were Michael Holton Jr., Erin Pevey,  John and James Rickard, and Kristy Tilton.  They came home with 10 gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze medals.

The Special Olympics team assisting the athletes this year were Mary and Taylor Close, Eddie Stellijes, Jackie, Scott and Renee Garman, Michael Holton Sr., Kirk Meals, Alex Partain, Ansley Rewis, Jessica Meyer and Bonnie Rachael Gentry.

Faith Equestrian also extended thanks to its sponsors:  Counter Fitters; Ferguson Enterprises; Savage, Turner, Pinckney & Madison of Savannah; Hogan’s Marina; The Savannah Bank; Weimar Construction Co., Inc.; J. T. Turner Construction Co., Inc., Serv-Pro LLC; and Suzannas Kitchen, Inc.

Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center’s mission is to offer equine-assisted riding and educational activities for children and adults with all types of mental, physical and emotional  challenges; help build life skills, confidence and self-esteem in a family-friendly social environment and to offer these activities without regard to race, color, creed or financial need.

For additional information, contact Bonnie Gentry, CEO at (912) 728-3728 or Equiskepr243@yahoo.com. Visit the Faith Equestrian Web site at www.faithetc.org.