Immediately following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, two of Spectrum Saddle Shop’s top suppliers voiced their desire to help local groups offering equine therapy to those affected by the horrific event. English Riding Supply (Ovation, Pessoa, Centaur and more) and Waldhausen (well known European supplier) sent grooming and stable supplies, riding equipment, helmets, saddle pads and more in support of these beneficial programs.
Ellie, Spectrum Saddle Shop; Valerie Judd, Stable Place; Sandra Seiden, Personal Ponies
Everyone picking up their supply boxes has been overjoyed with the generosity of both companies. Spectrum is excited to report that even more companies are on board and sending supplies to these multiple local equine groups to be distributed through Spectrum.
On the day of the shooting, Valerie Judd and staff. of Stable Place immediately came forward to offer their services free of charge to anyone suffering in the aftermath. Stable Place is a community resource, and Judd wanted the public to know that they were available for anyone in need. Since that first day, they have had the privilege of working with many children, adults and families from Parkland, and will continue to support them in the weeks and months to come.
Valerie said “It’s difficult to know what to do in the face of such horror, but it's been an inspiration to see the way individuals, businesses and organizations have come together. We’re all in it for the long haul, and will be putting the donations spearheaded by Ellie and Spectrum to good use for this incredibly important cause. Many thanks to all of the companies that have stepped up to help us help others.”
Pictured above: McKenzie Watt giving one of the MSD Moms some comforting ride time at Wattland on Wednesday morning after dropping off kids on the first day back to school. Dawn Watt, Owner of Wattland has invited anyone (child or adult) to her barn to get away and enjoy the tranquility of fresh air and animals. Horses are such a great therapy animals.
Sandra Seiden and Personal Ponies of Florida (pictured at the top of the story picking up donated supplies) have been spending countless hours giving comfort to community members and raising money for the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Fund. Other than the first day of classes on Wednesday when school officials requested no horses or ponies be brought to the school site, Personal Ponies of Florida has been on the frontline with their trained therapy ponies.
