A new support care business in Huron County, specializing in equine companionship, will be holding its first fundraiser this month for local hospice.
R.G. Wellness and Care was launched this year, offering respite support, wellness check-ins, and animal therapy.
Owner Pam Siddall said launched the business after losing her father to suicide. He had encouraged her to buy horses and helped built their stalls. Once he passed, she said it was a "full circle" moment, as being around horses helped her survive her grief over her father.
"I now know... the reason why I have horses in my life was that this helped me get over a very tragic, challenging time," she said. "I wanted to be able to offer this to people who are grieving, not just grieving a loss, but it helps with depression, anxiety, PTSD. There's such a huge population that equine therapy can help."
To help get their name out there, they're holding the Hearts and Hooves Hospice Trail Ride, Barrels and Games Fundraiser at the Reach in Clinton on Sunday, June 28.
Siddall said their first charitable foray is for a cause that's important to them.
"The hospices hold a special part in our hearts," she said. "Last year, we brought the horses to Huron Hospice. There was a gentleman in there that owned racehorses and he really wanted to have horses come to the hospice. So that kind of sparked an idea, why don't we offer this as well?"
As a result R.G. Wellness and Care now offers a complimentary service where they'll bring their three horses to hospices.
Their upcoming fundraiser will benefit both Jessica’s House Hospice in South Huron and Huron Hospice in Clinton.
There will be a trail ride at 11 a.m., followed by barrels, pole bending, and other fun games. Registration for riders is just $25.
Siddal said the day of horse riding events still has spots open.
"I wanted to cap it off at 60 riders, we're sitting at about 30, so we still have lots of spaces left," she said. "If anyone is interested, we're going to be taking the registration up to June 20."
All riders must pledge to raise $50 for local hospices as part of the sign up.
There's also plenty of options for those that aren't riding to enjoy
"It's open to the public and community to come out and support, whether they have a horse or not, they can come and watch," said Siddall. "There will be live music, Holly Clausius and her band... people are welcome to come out and watch the barrels from 2 to 6 p.m."
There will also be food available from Moore's Catering.
Siddall said the plan is for Hearts and Hooves to become an annual event, and they're still looking for sponsors that want to get involved.
Anyone interested in riding or supporting the event can contact her through the R.G. Wellness and Care Facebook page.
