Did you ever float a horse?

MILFORD — Charles “Sam” Albanese, an equine dentist, did float a horse at the GAIT” Horse A Fair” on Saturday, Aug. 4. This horse dentist treated Patrick, one of the beautiful GAIT horses (actually a Connemerra from Ireland). Albanese removed the sharp enamel points which build up in the horse’s mouth. This is for both nutritional value and comfort of the horse. Performing dental treatment of this kind is called “floating a horse.” Did you ever watch a 2,000-pound Percheron get a manicure? Bob Leach, a farrier from Branchville, trimmed the hoof of Laura, as this immense and stately horse stood there patiently. Approximately 400 happy and grateful people watched these fascinating demonstrations at the “Horse A Fair” at GAIT (Genuine Alternative in Therapy) on Foster Hill Road in Milford. They had reason to be happy because there were so many interesting and fun events spread out all over the Foster Hill Road property. They could well be grateful to be a part of this therapeutic horseback riding center which does so much to improve the quality of life for children and adults with special needs, resulting in a more independent life in society. Many in the crowd were actual riders in the GAIT therapy programs. Others were volunteers. Still others were “horse people” themselves. Then there were the regular folks - adults and kids, who were there because it was fun, interesting, and educational. In addition to the dentist and farrier, there were riding demonstrations, tours of the facility, food, games, music (a band and a DJ), a tricky tray, a silent auction, a short and informative talk by Dr. Richard Dubensky, and of course those gentle giants, the GAIT horses. Executive director and founder of GAIT, Martha Dubensky said that this event was a first for GAIT and it was her way of giving thanks to the community for their support. There were signs to teach people fun facts about horses and “thank you” signs for all the various contributions GAIT has received such as barn doors, stalls, tack, feed for the horses, etc. Martha pointed out that most typical horse farms have four rails on their fences, but GAIT has three rails to signify the body, the soul, and the mind — expressing the connection between horses and humans in terms of physical, emotional and mental states. More information about GAIT is available at www.GAITPA.com or by calling 570-409-1140.