MACH 1 (Move A Child Higher), a therapeutic horseback riding program that offers equine assisted activities to disabled riders, held its 16th annual Happy Trails ride-a-thon fundraiser and fall festival on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Rose Bowl Riders in Hahamongna Watershed Park. There were over 30 riders including support from the El Monte Police, Pasadena Police Mounted Unit, Flintridge Riding Club, Rose Bowl Riders, Tom Sawyer Camp, MACH 1 and various schools.  The riders rode a trail in the arroyo and a trail into the San Gabriel Mountains. The MACH 1 students rode in the Halloween decorated large arena. Many riders came in their costumes to ride the horses.

Families and students participated in carnival games run by the Arcadia Boy Scouts from Pack 122, Den 2. Face painting by Cheri Hurst added to the fun. Volunteer Christine Masse provided funny antics as the MACH 1 clown. Attendees enjoyed a barbecue lunch donated and prepared by Lourinda Bray with sausages that were donated by Maestro Sausage Company.

For more information, contact MACH 1 at www.moveachildhigher.org.

Contributed by Vicki DEFALQUE

  Vicki DEFALQUE