Horses Changing Lives To Benefit The Center For Therapeutic Riding Of The East End

CTREE (Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End) hosted its 15th annual Horses Changing Lives benefit at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton on August 21. Guests enjoyed an evening of music, signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a panoramic sunset. As Honoree Joey Wölffer stated, “The connection of horses and people is magical.” Event co-chairs included Board Directors Helen Gifford and Chris Ritchey.

The program, which currently operates out of the Topping Riding Club in Sagaponack for 38 weeks a year, provides an 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. Just the look on the rider’s face or that of their parent, shows the power and joy which comes from the experience,” stated CTREE’s Executive Director, Cathleen Curran. Hampton Haryadi, who has been riding in CTREE’s program for six years, recently competed at the Hampton Classic and earned a 4th place ribbon and 7th overall in the season’s series.

David Michaels, board director and parent of Aaron, who is 11 years old and has been a rider in CTREE’s program for six years, spoke passionately about Aaron’s challenges and positive experience at CTREE. David also served as this year’s auctioneer of the scholarship and horse donation auction, generating a record number with his enthusiasm. A Hermès Evelyn bag was raffled and was also a huge success. Michaels commented, “It takes a village, and at CTREE that village includes compassionate volunteers and instructors, dedicated families, and the incredible horses who change lives every day.”

It was also an emotional moment recognizing Joey Wölffer as Honorary Chair and her family’s contribution to the growth of CTREE. She expressed how honored she was in front of family and friends to be recognized by the incredible team at CTREE. Her heart-warming words of gratitude reflected on CTREE’s early days at Wölffer Stables, CTREE’s first home, the importance of family, the transformative power of riding and being around horses, and her support of therapeutic riding.

To find out more about CTREE, donate, or get involved, visit ctreeny.org.