At each Walkabout Tour, Clinton and tour feature sponsor Ritchie Industries team up to select a local nonprofit organization to run the Ritchie Charity Ball Toss. The Ritchie Charity Ball Toss is a contest in which horsemen in the audience throw numbered tennis balls they’ve purchased from our chosen non-profit group into the arena, trying to be the closest to a pre-determined marker. The owners of the three closest tennis balls to the marker receive Clinton’s instructional videos and Downunder Horsemanship training tools. All money raised throughout the ball toss goes straight to the non-profit organization. It’s one of Clinton’s ways to give back to the communities he visits and a fan favorite at Walkabout Tours.
Our Williamston, North Carolina non-profit group is Rocking Horse Ranch Therapeutic Riding Program, a PATH International Premier Accredited Center founded in 1991 that provides equine assisted activities and therapy to children and adults. The ultimate goal of the program is to improve each participant’s quality of life so that they can become more independent, productive and active members of the community.
A parent whose child receives scholarships to attend therapeutic riding lessons shares her thoughts about the program’s impact: “My 14 year old daughter, Erin, has diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Anxiety. In the past, Erin has had major struggles with her self-esteem, self-advocacy and confidence. Erin has been a participant with the Rocking Horse Ranch program for the last four years. In that time, we have seen an increase in self-esteem, confidence and self-advocacy. Erin loves horses, and her relationship with the horse she rides has become one of Erin’s favorite things. Erin enjoys talking to her horse, and she has learned to become appropriately assertive when needed. The benefits of Erin’s time in this program are countless. I am grateful that they have tuition assistance that allows Erin to be able to participate. Otherwise, our financial situation would not allow her to participate in this unique life-affirming and life-changing opportunity. I am forever grateful to the staff and horses of Rocking Horse Ranch for what they do for my Erin. I am grateful for all of those who donate to this program and have allowed her to participate.”
Members of Rocking Horse Ranch will have a booth at the tour and will be busy raising funds for their cause. Learn more about Rocking Horse Ranch and its programs on its website.
