HorsePower for Kids Hosts Spring Fest Fundraiser

Kids who love horses will really love this upcoming event.

HorsePower for Kids Inc. will host a Spring Fest fundraiser Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24 and Saturday, March 30 from noon to 5 p.m.

The event will include includes pony rides, hayrides, train rides, face painting, a bounce house, farm animals, Easter egg hunt, games and prizes.

The cost is $10 for children, $6 for adults.

Located at 8005 Race Track Rd., HorsePower for Kids is a nonprofit organization which operates a farm-style environment. It provides enrichment programs for kids and adults, including at-risk and inne- city children and individuals who have had psychological or physical ailments.

Armando Gort, who was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States in 1970, is the founder of HorsePower for Kids. 

As a small child in Cuba, Gort said he dreamed of coming to the United States and owning his own horse farm where children could experience their love of animals in a real farm setting. 

“I believe I was born with a fascination for animals," said Gort. "As a toddler, I would not go to sleep without my pet goat. As a child, while other kids were at the playground, I would be with my mom building cages and feeding all my animals."

At the age of 5, he got his first pony and his love affair with horses was launched. 

"There’s never been a time in my life when I did not have horses or other animals," said Gort. "As I’ve gotten older and I look back, I realize that it’s the time with my animals and my family that I cherish the most. Long forgotten are my trips to attractions and far-away places."

He fulfilled his dream when he opened his farm on Race Track Road in 1994, where he has hosted children from all over the world.

"Many children in the Tampa Bay area never get the chance to experience horses because of financial difficulties," said Gort. "My goal is to change that for as many children as possible.”

Programs include trail rides, horse camps and English, Western and jumper riding lessons. Children also also can enjoy a petting area and pony rides.

The horse farm also hosts children's birthday parties, a drum circle for all ages on the first Saturday of each month from 6 to 10 p.m. (Admission is $3), horse-drawn carriage rides for weddings and other special events

HorsePower for Kids is currently registering children age 6 to 16 for spring camp March 25 through 29. Children will enjoy riding lessons, trail rides and learning to care for horses.

Volunteers, Donations Needed

Even if you can't make it out to the Spring Fest, consider becoming a volunteer or making a donation to HorsePower for Kids.

Volunteers assist with lessons, care of horses and help with special events.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and be able to work with minimal supervision. Volunteers under the age of 16 may work only with a parent present and after a volunteer application has been approved. Volunteers should be prepared to work at least one day a week for a couple of hours.

HorsePower for Kids is in need of the following donations:

• Large fans for the summer

• Blankets for the winter

• Food and drink for its monthly charity events: bottled water, juice boxes, snacks

• Entertainment for its monthly charity events

• Tack for horses and ponies: saddles, bridles, etc.

• Hay and food for horses

For more details, click here.

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