Special Olympics Equestrian Championships This Weekend in Westchase

Since the 1980s the Area Special Olympics Equestrian Event has been held at Bakas Equestrian Center, just off Racetrack Road. And each year the event has maintained its popularity.

This year's Special Olympics championship will be held March 30-31. About 50 riders are expected to compete in this year's games.

"The feedback we have always received is how excited the riders are to show off their riding skills, the friendships they have made over the years competing and meeting other riders from other centers," said Beth Harre-Orr, with Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department.

Bakas Equestrian Center is part of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department and provides therapeutic recreation programming for disabled riders. It also offers riding to the general public, including scheduled lessons, trail rides and birthday parties.

"Each year it has grown," said Danielle Johnson, a certified instructor for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association who works at Bakas.

Riders compete against each other based on abilities, including riders who need assistance walking, those in wheel chairs and others who walk on their own. Competitions include: Trails obstacle course, showmanship, pole bending speed event, barrel racing speed event, drill team, English and Western equitation, and dressage.

Winners will go on to compete in the state championships in May.

Despite how well they perform in the contest simply riding the horses provides good exercise for people with disabilities.

"Horseback riding has a great therapeutic value to most people," Harre-Orr said. "Posture, trunk and head control are enhanced. Ability to focus for periods of time has been key to our autistic riders as is the movement of the horse. It has a very calming effect to riders that typically are very fidgety."

Winners in each contest receive ribbons.

Want to go?

What:   Area Special Olympics Equestrian Championships

Where: Bakas Equestrian Center, 11510 Whisper Lake Trail in Tampa

For directions, visit www.bakasridingcenter.com. It is not recommended to use MapQuest as this website does not provide accurate directions

When:  Friday, March 30, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

FREE