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Kiwanis Club makes donation to Hearts and Hooves
(Left to Right): Jamie Richard (Kiwanis Club President), Kristin LaFluer (Hearts and Hooves Program Instructor, North Shelby School), Shelley Brown (Physical Therapy Assistant, North Shelby School), Marvin Hutchison (Board Member, North Shelby School).

Kiwanis Club of Shelby recently donated $2,000 to Cleveland County Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program at North Shelby School for the purchase of an Equicizer.
The Equicizer is a safe, beautifully hand-crafted non-motorized mechanical horse that can be used anywhere by almost anyone. Therapeutic riding programs and centers worldwide have been utilizing the Equicizer as a powerful tool. It offers fun alternative ways of conducting therapeutic exercises for children and adults with disabilities. It has helped improve the lives of those with physical, mental and emotional challenges.
Developed in 1982 by retired, Eclipse Award-winning jockey, Frank Lovato, Jr., the Equicizer was originally designed by Frank to rehabilitate from a badly fractured leg sustained in a racing accident. Once word got out about this "wooden horse" Frank began building them for fellow jockeys and it was used extensively in the close up scenes of the 2004 movie "Seabiscuit". It didn't take long before the Equicizer was being requested by equestrians of all levels and disciplines (including those who've never ridden a real horse!). Frank personally builds each horse out of his ship in Norwalk, Ohio.
"This will be a wonderful addition to the Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program." said Jamie Richard, 2015 Club President. "It will be beneficial for students who are unable to mount real horses, either because of physical limitations, or because they may be intimidated by the real animals. It will help build confidence and remove fear." Richard said.
Kiwanis Club of Shelby was chartered on September 28, 1922 and started the Cleveland County Fair in 1923. Kiwanis is committed to helping the children in our neighborhoods and communities, changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis Club of Shelby also supports 20 Children's programs throughout Cleveland County.
The Club meets the 1st Thursday of each month at Noon and the 3rd Thursday at 5:30pm at Smoke on the Square in the Private Dining Room. Kiwanis is open to men and women 18 years and older who want to serve their community and have a great time. If you would like to know more about Kiwanis, please contact Jamie Richard at 704-466-0128.


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