On August 14th DEC Center Point had a very special visitor. His name is Vinnie, and he is a 14 year old Dwarf Miniature Horse from Sebastian Riding Associates, Inc., located at Evansburg State Park.

Our Individuals and Staff could hardly wait to pet him as he came into the room. Many got up quickly from their chairs and could not be stopped as they gathered around to pet him and learn more about him from the SRA handlers, Frank Viall, Emma Roberto and Kendra Bonner. Everyone was smiling and laughing as Vinnie did his tricks for treats, and they asked very good questions such as “what does he eat?”, “where does he live?” and “how old is he?”.

Some Individuals did not want to pet him, however one particularly nervous Individual pushed down his fear, and reached out to pet him. He was thoroughly impressed by how soft Vinnie’s coat was, and how friendly he was.

Sebastian Riding Associates Inc., was established in 1975 as a community based non profit dedicated to providing equine assisted services for individuals living with varied physical, intellectual and mental health challenges. SRA is a PATH (Professional Association on Therapeutic Horsemanship) International Center member and boasts a dedicated, qualified and creative staff whom are PATH certified. In addition SRA remains the first and only Certified Autism Center through the IBCCES in the country. SRA operates 7 days a week, year round with a heated indoor arena, outdoor arena and sensory trail. For more information on SRA, visit www.sebastianriding.org, and you can find them on Facebook at facebook.com/sebastianridingassociates.