“When you watch these Olympians compete … the exhilaration they have is just so heartwarming,” said Kathy Lloyd, Champions Center event coordinator. “Sometimes we don’t realize how fortunate we are. It is truly humbling.”
Jenny Loveland, equestrian director for Special Olympics Ohio, said the Champions Center has been very accommodating for the Equestrian Games.
“Money is not always easy to come by for a non-profit organization and they have just been wonderful,” said Loveland. “It’s big, it’s not crowded, there are places for fans to sit. Anything we need, they are there. It went really smoothly last year…this year we are looking forward to the same thing again.”
On-site vendor Tiz-Whiz donated bedding for the horse stalls. The Sweet Shop provides food for the show staff, and many show stewards are volunteers.
Loveland said almost 50 people will compete in the Games. There are two levels of classes including independent and supported. Supported classes include a rider with a handler for the horse.
“You’re going to see athletes that are determined, focused, serious — they are having fun — but you can see the determination when they go out there whether they are supported or not,” said Loveland. “They want to do the best they can, and they give it their all.”
Loveland explained that in the supported classes, the riders are doing as much with the horse as the unsupported riders.
“In a sport like this, these riders are doing more than (just getting on a horse),” said Loveland. “They have to put work into it.”
Competitors at this year’s games range in ages from 9 to 57. Each competitor is required to have at least 10 documented training sessions to compete in the Equestrian Games.
“It’s really fun to watch because they are so happy to be included,” said Loveland. “Any sport is a big deal, but when you’re handicapped and can wheel around a 1,000-pound animal, that builds a lot of confidence.”
Classes include showmanship, walk-only, walk-trot, walk-trot-canter, patterns, jumping, and trail classes, as well as barrel racing.
A podium medal ceremony is held for each class.
“Just the joy that surrounds the event is unspeakable,” said Lloyd. “We, as a facility and as a community, are extremely honored to be a participant in enriching their lives.”
The SOOH Equestrian Games will begin at 8 a.m., Sunday with an opening ceremony. The Champions Center facility is located in Champions Park at 4144 Laybourne Road, Springfield. There is no cost for admission.
SOOH provides annual signature sports and community-based fundraising events allowing the opportunity for all to contribute and be valued members of their communities.
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