By Shari EMAMI

Ahead With Horses Inc. is hosting its annual children’s demonstration known as Fun Day this Sunday, June 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Started in 1969 by Liz Helms, Ahead With Horses maximizes the potential of disabled, disadvantaged and special needs children by providing developmental therapy, education and recreation through horses and related experiences, according to its website. The organization states that its methods show measurable improvement in the children in all aspects: physically, mentally, socially and/or emotionally. The program provides developmental therapy services to 200 children each week.
The goal of Ahead With Horses is to challenge what these children have heard for years: the words “can’t” and “never.” At Ahead With Horses, children suffering from cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism seizure disorders and ADHD can learn how to ride a horse. At Fun Day, the public is
made aware of the struggles these kids have faced and celebrate their personal achievements.
“I’ve seen kids who could not speak or walk start to talk and so forth. It’s really happy tears for us and their families,” said Joyce Davison, organizer of Ahead With Horses.
Fun Day showcases the various achievements and accomplishments of its young participants. On Sunday, about 25 children will be performing vaulting techniques alongside well-trained instructors. The children come with all sorts of disabilities, but all share a common love for horses.
Between 150-200 people are expected to attend Fun Day. There will also be guest speakers in addition to the scheduled activities.  The demonstrations start at 1 p.m.
So far the community has been very supportive, but Ahead With Horses can always use more volunteers. It offers programs for high school students looking for service hours and the organization always welcomes financial donations.
Fun Day is being held at the Ahead With Horses facilities at 9311 Del Arroyo Drive in Sun Valley. For more information call Michelle Newman at (818) 767–6373 or visit awh@aheadwithhorses.org.

  Ahead with Horses, Crescenta