For the riders at Helping Hands and Hooves, the annual Special Olympics equestrian competition is an opportunity to demonstrate skills developed through months of practice, spend time with friends and celebrate one another’s accomplishments.
Ten athletes from the Mattapoisett-based program competed in Hanover on October 18, including three Mattapoisett residents: Brendan Goss, Ian Craig and Kim Van Atten.
Goss, who has participated in Special Olympics equestrian events for approximately 20 years, placed second in trail and fourth in equitation. He rode Charlie during the competition.
During a November 4 visit to the farm, Goss was practicing with Bentley, a 7-year-old horse in his first full season with the program. The practice included navigating an interactive trail course, one of the skills riders develop in preparation for competition.
For Goss, the annual event has become a familiar part of his riding experience. For Van Atten, this year’s competition was her first.
Van Atten rode Scarlet, a horse she remembered fondly.
“She was a great girl, very patient with so many people riding her,” Van Atten said.
She also enjoyed reconnecting with friends from Shrewsbury and sharing her accomplishments afterward. She wears her medals to work and church, where people often ask about her riding.
“They are always amazed because so many people are afraid of horses, and how big they are,” she said.
“I love seeing other people and the horses,” Van Atten added.
She is already thinking about her next riding goal.
“I am going to try to trot again,” she said.
Craig earned two gold medals, placing first in trail and equitation in his division.
His mother, Julie Craig, said riding brings her son considerable enjoyment.
“He gets a huge grin on his face when he gets on the horse. You can see his entire body relax and move with the horse while riding,” she said.
Although Ian communicates primarily without words, his enjoyment is evident to those who know him.
“Ian is proud to stand on the podium and receive his medals. Honestly, though, I think he is equally happy watching his competitors receive their medals also,” Julie said.
Julie Craig and Debbi Dyson founded Helping Hands and Hooves approximately 23 years ago. The nonprofit, based at Seahorse Farm in Mattapoisett, provides riding opportunities for people with disabilities.
The organization has participated in Special Olympics equestrian competitions for approximately two decades, with the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting the annual tradition.
For the founders, the relationships developed over those years are as important as the riding itself.
“Yes, many of our students have been riding with me since we started Helping Hands and Hooves 23 years ago. They have become like family to us,” Craig said.
During the November visit, volunteers helped introduce riders to a visitor, recognizing when someone was hesitant about meeting a new person and allowing the introductions to proceed gently. Their familiarity with the riders was apparent in the way they offered encouragement and assistance.
The farm also welcomes participants from three local day programs, SAIL in Dartmouth, ADH in Dartmouth and BCL in Fairhaven, for riding activities throughout the week.
Dyson described how riders who arrive tense can become more relaxed as they spend time on horseback.
“It’s really magical, really magical,” she said.
For Craig and Dyson, watching the athletes compete remains an emotional experience, even after so many years.
“Debbi and I joke that ‘this year’ we will not cry — but we always do,” Craig said. “It is just so inspiring to see these people riding horses and competing in such a healthy way. They have worked so hard to get there.”
By Jeanne Hopkins