CTREE’s Horses Changing Lives: Rising Stars At The Golden Hour

CTREE hosted an evening of magic, philanthropy, and community at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton on Thursday, August 20, raising funds for its therapeutic riding program. Guests at this event, now in its 14th year, enjoyed signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a successful live scholarship and horse care auction. Celebrity mentalist and magician Josh Pele performed mind-bending live illusions throughout the reception.

The event’s “Star” Honorary Chair, Tami Maines, has served CTREE for 11 years as a former board director and currently sits on the advisory board. “Supporting an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families throughout our community is truly important to me,” stated Maines.

Maines is a philanthropist, equestrian, and children’s book author of the recently published, award-winning book, “Emma & Sailor in the City.” “This story perfectly aligns with CTREE’s mission of building confidence, celebrating achievements, bringing joy, and allowing its riders and volunteers to chase their dreams and achieve their goals. My story also touches upon the healing that horses can bring,” added Maines.

Co-chaired by Board Directors Becky Gaynor and Diana Shiel, this year’s event honored and celebrated CTREE’s current and past “Star” riders, volunteers, and their many success stories. Zoe Weaver and Declan Carey were named this year’s first 2026 “Star Award” honorees.

Zoe is an accomplished equestrian and has been a CTREE lesson volunteer for four years, as well as assisting at horse shows. She recently graduated from East Hampton High School and will be attending Hofstra University. As a HS sophomore, she wrote, directed, filmed, edited, and served as the interviewer on a video about CTREE. This video is on CTREE’s website. In 2025, it was awarded third prize in the “Hometown Heroes” documentary short film competition at the Hamptons Doc Fest.

Declan Carey was one of CTREE’s first riders and rode in the program for 12 years. He was the first rider to represent CTREE in the Long Island Horse Show Series with Disabilities. In 2011, he qualified and participated in the Hampton Classic and was named Champion in the Advanced Independent Division. He is a magna cum laude graduate of the Bridges to Adelphi University program and is presently Litigation Support Coordinator at DLA Piper, a global law firm.

“CTREE gave me a love and respect for horses who were really able to sense my emotions.  That gave me the confidence to learn new skills and learn from my mistakes. CTREE also helped me make new friends by getting me out into the world and learning to meet new people,” stated Declan.

The program, which currently operates out of the Topping Riding Club in Sagaponack for 38 weeks a year, provides an invaluable opportunity for children and adults with special needs to connect with horses. “Research shows therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning and activities improve physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. We have heard many times from parents how CTREE has played an integral role in assisting our riders to experience many firsts: a first word, a first smile, make a friend, ride independently,” stated CTREE’s Executive Director, Jill Carney.

Board Director David Michaels served as this year’s auctioneer of the successful live scholarship and horse care auction. Parent of Aron, who is 12 years old and has been a rider in CTREE’s program for seven years, Michaels said, “Therapeutic riding is the only activity our son is able and willing to do. Seeing how much he loves CTREE represents an incredible milestone for our family. Every session is a beautiful process of growth, joy, and connection.”