Carousel Ranch, a therapeutic riding ranch in Agua Dulce, may have had its biggest Heart of the West fundraiser in years, said Carousel Ranch Executive Director Denise Redmond.

“I don’t know the final numbers yet, but I am confident we raised at least $275,000 and perhaps $300,000,” she said.

The event was held for the first time at the Carousel Ranch property, said Redmond.

“This was our best year in many years,” she said. “People gave very generously.”

A sold-out crowd of more than 600 guests were treated to appetizers and dinner, silent and live auctions and casino games at the Saturday, Aug. 29 fundraiser.

“We had our biggest crowd in years,” she said. “People were excited to be at the ranch. It was a magical night. To be able to sit in the arena where the kids ride and get their lessons, I think being at Carousel Ranch added something special to the night.”

Wayne Crawford, a Carousel Ranch board member, said Carousel Ranch has “no parallel in what they do.”

“All the therapy is individually designed and that’s what makes this such a unique facility,” he said. “It is fantastic that we are having Heart of the West here, at the Ranch, for the first time and with a record number of people.”

The 2015 Heart of the West was presented by the Princess Cruises Community Foundation.

Riding Demonstration

A children’s riding demonstration, held as the sun was setting, featured four clients of Carousel Ranch.

“Every child you see here tonight represents countless more, their progress is made possible by your energies and efforts,” said event narrator Therese Edwards, assisted by her daughter Olive, a former Carousel Ranch client.

The children who participated in the riding demonstration included:

Elliot Ashe, 5, was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. Elliot performed on Mo, a 17-year-old Halflinger, and demonstrated several therapy exercises including lying sideways across the back of the horse.

Caynen Crawford, 3, performed on Banner, a 26-year-old Quarter Pony. He stood proudly atop the horse with the assistance of spotters and waved to the audience. Caynen is autistic and just started riding at Carousel Ranch a few months ago.

Sebastian Velona, 12, performed on Annabelle, a 20-year-old Norwegian Fjord horse. Sebastian suffers from an extremely rare disorder that causes degeneration of the central nervous system, seizures, blindness and progressive mental retardation. He has been riding at Carousel Ranch since December and demonstrated an impressive array of exercises on horseback, including balancing on horseback on one knee with an outstretched arm.

Gabriella Fenelon, 15, Gabriella performed on Pac-Man, a 22-year-old Chestnut Quarter Horse. The horse, at first, seemed a little spooked by the crowd and applause. However, Gabriella kept her poise and control of the horse as she demonstrated several intricate riding maneuvers. Gabriella has only a left leg and uses a wheelchair.

Jan Swartz, President of Princess Cruises, presented each of the riders with a blue ribbon at the end of the demonstration.

“I think this is a fantastic night,” Swartz said. “Carousel Ranch makes such a wonderful impact on our community. They help children realize their full potential and develop the confidence within.”

Live Auction

Mark Drilling of Stokes Auction Group kept the live auction moving at a brisk pace with his instructions to auction bidders, “there are no friends at an auction” and “first you bid, then he bids, it’s like checkers.”

The live auction and Fund-A-Need campaign raised $183,000 said Redmond.

Among the highlights of the live auction was the “Up to 15-day Princess Cruise to the Hawaiian Island” which was purchased for $6,000. The losing bidder was considering an offer to purchase a second cruise, also donated by the Princess Cruises Community Foundation, at the same $6,000 bid.

Sam DiMaggio, of Porter Ranch was the winning bidder for Brody, an 8-week-old Miniature Australian Shepherd. The puppy was the subject of a furious bidding war, and DiMaggio eventually won with a $3,000 bid to take the puppy home.

“He reminds me of my old dog, Duke,” said DiMaggio.

The 12-day Cebu, Philippines vacation was purchased for $5,000 and the 2016 Heart of the West Head Table went for $7,000.

Among the unique 40 live auction items were: Holiday Guided Light Tour in the KHTS Old Fashioned Fire Truck, NCIS On Set Experience with Walking Tour of the Set and Lunch with the Crew, a photograph of the Beatles on Horseback and a 48-Hour (increased to 72-hour) Aston Martin Driving Experience.

$100,000 From Antonovich

During Heart of the West a $100,000 check to Carousel Ranch from Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and Los Angeles County was presented by his chief of staff, Kathryn Barger-Leibrich.

The funds are dedicated to the operation of a vocational and life skills program for Carousel Ranch clients, said Redmond.

“This is dedicated money for the Carousel Tack Shack, a program that gives our older students job training and life skills,” she said. “Once students age out of other programs they are desperately seeking purpose and skills as they enter adulthood.”

Redmond said the Tack Shack program will give students the opportunity to learn skills they can use in the future and will be a student-run business.

It will serve as a donation location for equestrian owners and a revenue stream for the Ranch once the tack is restored and sold.

Redmond said the store will offer items online, as well.

Rider and Horse Sponsors Sought

Redmond said individual and business sponsors are sought for the horses and riders at Carousel Ranch.

Margo and Bob Hudson said they sponsor the horse Annabelle with Jan and Rob Swartz.

“Annabelle is a beautiful horse and we don’t need to buy more things in the auction,” said Margo Hudson. “It’s a good way to support Carousel Ranch.”

Horses are available to sponsor for $3,500 a year, $1,750 for six months or $875 for three months.

Child sponsorships are available for $2,000 a year.

“No child is turned away because of an inability to pay,” said Redmond.

About Carousel Ranch

Carousel Ranch provides therapeutic riding on horseback for the disabled. It combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with concepts of physical therapy to improve the strength, balance and self-esteem for physically and mentally disabled children and adults. This unique equestrian therapy offers individualized programs to meet each child’s specific needs and goals. Horse therapy is a combination of vaulting (gymnastics on a moving horse) and therapeutic riding (both English and Western).

The Ranch was founded in 1997 by Carousel Ranch Program Director Becky Graham and Carousel Ranch Executive Director Denise Redmond.

After stints on properties located in Newhall and Canyon Country Carousel Ranch found a permanent home in Agua Dulce in 2005.

A $500,000 capital campaign to build a shade structure at the ranch concluded last year when construction of the covered arena was finished. A special “thank you” event was held in April for donors to the capital campaign.

Carousel Ranch serves about 80 children a week with disabilities that range from cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, brain injury, stroke, learning disorders and emotional problems.

For more information about donations or programs visit www.carouselranch.org or call 661-268-8010.