Help keep GAIT horses clean and comfortable through the cold and muddy months

You've probably heard the saying, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth." That means, be grateful when receiving a gift.

Have you ever wondered why we say that? Looking in a horse’s mouth is a way to assess its age and, traditionally, its value, with younger horses generally prized over older ones. Looking in the mouth of a horse you received as a gift would be a way to check its worth, like looking for the price tag on a present.

GAIT Therapeutic Riding Center in Milford knows that when it comes to horses, younger is not always better. GAIT has ten horses, most over the age of 20, with the temperament and experience required to fulfill its mission: improving the quality of life of children and adults with special needs through equine activities and therapies.

GAIT also knows about being grateful. Without generous donors and volunteers, GAIT could not continue connecting horses with people in need.

This winter into spring, GAIT hopes the local community might respond to a special request for donations to purchase the shavings used in the horses’ stalls. Shavings keep horses clean and comfortable through the cold and muddy months of January, February, March, and April. Each bag of shavings costs $6.50. At a bag a week per horse, that’s $65 per week, $260 per month, or $1,040 for the 16-week winter.

If you would like to help, GAIT welcomes your gift of $6.50 for a bag, $65 for a week’s worth of bags, or any amount you choose. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated.

Donate at gaittrc.org (Get Involved/Donate/“Gift Horse” Shavings Fundraiser), or mail a gift to GAIT Therapeutic Riding Center, 314 Foster Hill Rd., Milford, PA 18337, noting that your donation is for the “Gift Horse” Shavings Fundraiser.