HORSES IN CALIFORNIA, INC.
22 – 22ND AVENUE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121
(415) 221 – 9438
horsesinca@aol.com
FED ID # 94-1196213
For Immediate Release
Horses in California Inc. presents a vision
for equestrian sports in urban parks
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 17, 2006 – Horses in California
Inc., which has offered riding lessons for disabled children in San Francisco
since 1987, envisions a time when the city would offer equestrian programs
– riding, jumping, vaulting, dressage – to schoolchildren throughout the city.
Melba Meakin, co-founder of the San Francisco nonprofit organization,
said the city already has the perfect venues for such programs – McLaren
Park and Golden Gate Park.
Meakin proposes restoring the stables at McLaren Park, which were
demolished in 1957, and creating a premier 21st Century boarding and riding
school, a complex that would become the crown jewel of riding academies
in the nation.
In addition to providing equestrian programs for children from all
socioeconomic levels, the McLaren Park Riding Stables would prepare
athletes to compete in international events, including the Olympics.
Meakin also proposes establishing a world-class championship vaulting
school at the Golden Gate Park Stables, which have been closed for five
years. The school would offer physical education classes for children
attending public schools in San Francisco.
Vaulting is a sport in which riders perform gymnastics and dance on a
moving horse, alone or as a member of a team. Like other equestrian sports,
vaulting teaches responsibility, trust and self-confidence. It helps children
develop balance and strength, and overcome social and attention problems.
Children with special needs, including those with varying degrees of autism,
thrive in vaulting performance and competition.
Children who take classes at the Golden Gate Park Stables could compete
in local, state, national and international events.
To fund the restoration of the McLaren Park Riding Stables, Meakin
proposes establishing the San Francisco Bay International, a three day crosscountry
equestrian competition to be held in San Bruno Mountain State Park
in San Mateo County. Comparable events in England annually attract up to
300,000 spectators. The course would not cause environmental damage in
the park.
For more information contact Melba Meakin at (415) 221-9438, or email
her at horsesinca@aol.com
Courtesy of : http://www.sportsquestinternational.com/HorsesInCA_pr091706.pdf
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