Sunday, August 9, 2015

Polo in the Park ~ Melba and Hugh Meakin


Horses in California, Inc.

Non-Profit Organization

About Horses in California, Inc.
PAGE INFO
  • Company Overview
    Horses in California, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing equestrian-related arts, events, and physical wellness to the San Francisco Bay Area. Horses in California, Inc. operates the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program and hosts the annual Polo in the Park charity event.

    In the early 1980’s, San Francisco residents Hugh and Melba Meakin had a dream of starting an organization that would expose people in their community to the glorious psychological and physical benefits of horseback riding, horse-related arts and equestrian sports. Indeed, they created the non-profit organization Horses in California, Inc. in 1984 and started off the year by hosting a world-class show jumping and grand prix event called “The San Francisco Show Jumping Grand Prix and Equestrian Festival”. This was a three-day event held at the Marin Headlands. In 1985, Horses in California, Inc. moved its venue to the San Francisco Golden Gate Park Polo Fields and showcased polo matches as well as other horse-inspired festivities.

    In 1981, the physical and psychophysical benefits of horseback riding gained national attention when James S. Brady, Press Secretary to President Ronald Reagan, was shot in the head during a failed assassination attempt on the President and used horseback riding as a means of physical therapy during his recovery. Hugh and Melba Meakin met with Brady at this time and were given the honor of using his name for a riding program that the Meakins were opening to provide therapy alternatives to disabled children. Thus, the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program for special children was founded, and has since helped over 200 youths find wellness and happiness through horsemanship and horseback riding lessons.

    Today, Horses in California, Inc. is continuing to help disadvantaged and disabled children as well as bring awareness of horses, horse-related arts and equestrian sports to the San Francisco Bay Area. 
  • Mission
    The James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program for children with special needs is the main beneficiary of Horses in California, Inc., a non-profit organization.

    The "Brady Program" helps disabled and disadvantaged youths in the San Francisco Bay Area by offering horseman ship and horseback riding lessons as a physical or social therapy alternative.

    Under the direction of personnel who have been certified and insured by the Equine Associated Growth and Learning Association, our program has helped over 200 mentally or physically challenged children. Our students suffer from autism, cerebral palsy, muscle weakness, sight and hearing impairment, learning disabilities, or social disorders. Each student participates in a specially designed program that is individually suited to his or her needs. Children learn anatomy, grooming, and riding and begin to develop friendships with the horses and other riders. We use specially trained therapy horses at weekly lessons in Bercut Field Golden Gate Park San Francisco.

    The "Brady Program" has received a Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly and Award of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco.

    "…I used to bring children with disabilities to your program…I always enjoyed those visits! You, your daughters, and all the volunteers were wonderful! The children truly enjoyed themselves and a lot of healing took place...Just want you to know how much I appreciate all you and your staff do for the children and adults."

    – Janice Gloe, Retired Recreational Director
  • Products
    Polo in the Park
    James S. Brady Gala
  • Website
    www.horsesinca.com www.sfpolointhepark.com




POLO IN THE PARK

Saturday, August 24, 2013
11am – 3pm
Gates open at 10:30 am
Wine Country Polo Club
560 White Oak Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Since 1984, Horses in California, Inc., a non-profit organization, has been hosting this day-long festival of polo and horse-inspired fun.
  • Polo Match
  • Luncheon
  • Wine Tasting
  • Silent Auction
  • Hat Promenade

TICKETS

  • Adult Ticket: $100
  • Child Ticket (Age 6 – 12): $50
  • Table of Eight: $700
Click here to purchase tickets online.

DIRECTIONS

Please click here for directions.


EVENT IS BEING RESCHEDULED – PLEASE CHECK BACK WITH US FOR NEW DATE AND INFORMATION!


POLO IN THE PARK – 2013

benefiting the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program

polo-in-the-park-2010-90-copy
This event has been rescheduled. Please check this website for updates and future events.
August 24, 2013
Wine Country Polo Club
Santa Rosa, California

The Brady Program

Proceeds benefit the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program, a non-profit equine therapy program for children with autism or other special needs.

Assembly Woman Fiona Ma, Speaker pro Tempore presenting Certificates of Recognition to the Meakin Family at Polo in the Park 2012.  (From Left to Right: Hugh Meakin, Assembly Woman Fiona Ma, Sarah Meakin, Melba Meakin, Sharon Haynes Meakin and Philip Meakin.)  View the certificate here.

Polo in the Park tee shirtBUY OFFICIAL EVENT MERCHANDISE!

Shirts, caps, cups and lots more! Every purchase helps to support the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program. Lots of great gift ideas for the horse-lover in your life. Shop Online for Official Polo in the Park Merchandise!

THE JAMES S. BRADY THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM

Polo in the Park is the primary fundraiser to cover operating costs of the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program, which provides horseback-riding and horsemanship lessons as a physical or psychological therapy alternative to children with autism, cerebral palsy, muscle weakness, sight and hearing impairment and learning disabilities in the Bay Area. By performing special therapeutic exercises on horseback, these children are able to strengthen muscle tone, improve balance, build hand-eye coordination, boost confidence and simply enjoy being a kid! Read more about the Brady Program.

The Brady ProgramTHE PROGRAM

The James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program has helped over 200 mentally and physically challenged children, under the direction of personnel certified and insured by the Equine Associated Growth and Learning Association. Each student takes part in a specially-designed program individually tailored to his or her needs. Children learn anatomy, grooming, horsemanship, and riding. Over time, they develop strong relationships with the horses and other riders. The “Brady Program” uses specially-trained Norwegian Fjord therapy horses at weekly lessons in Golden Gate Park’s Bercut Equitation Field.

The Brady ProgramTHE BENEFITS OF HORSES

The incredible efficacy of equine therapy becomes evident when you witness a child experiencing the joy of horses for the very first time. A child who could not do the things that you or I may take for granted – walking, running, playing, or sitting up straight – gets on a horses and suddenly has the ability to move with coordination and look down on the world from above! Students develop a love and respect for animals, better self-confidence, improved social skills and a general sense of normalcy. Caring for an animal allows children to take on challenges they may otherwise had never dreamed possible.

The Brady ProgramAWARDS AND RECOGNITION

  • Recognized by the Equine Associated Growth and Learning Association
  • Certification of Recognition from the California Legislative Assembly
  • Award and Honor from the City and County of San Francisco
For more information about the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program, please click here.







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