WindWalkers, the nonprofit equine-assisted learning and therapy center that has served the communities of Eagle, Pitkin and Garfield counties for nearly 20 years, is gearing up for its annual Kentucky Derby Party Fundraiser. This fun event promises an afternoon complete with a silent auction, a delicious southern-style family buffet and, of course, a Kentucky Derby watch party.
“WindWalkers is a magical place where horses and caring professionals offer a variety of equine-assisted therapies to aid in the development and growth of those living with challenges, be they physical, neurological, emotional, behavioral or psychological,” the organization’s website reads.
“The horses are the doctors, and our counselors are part of the medical treatment teams that are there six days a week,” Executive Director Gabrielle Greeves told The Sopris Sun.
Greeves said the Kentucky Derby event has grown substantially since its inception roughly seven years ago. The first was hosted by Holly McLain, the owner of Rumble Ridge Ranch and a sponsor of WindWalkers.
“Since the event is so big — we have 130 to 170 people coming — we no longer could do it on a home front or in a barn,” said Greeves. “At this point, we are stepping out and making it bigger.”
She added that WindWalkers is dedicated to keeping the event accessible. Any given year, the Kentucky Derby Party will see teachers and parents associated with WindWalkers, general community members as well as individuals who require in-home care or are residents at assisted living facilities.
“We’ve made it that kind of an event,” Greeves proudly stated.
Those in attendance, particularly the ladies, will be encouraged to create their own fun and unique derby hats from blank Western-style and straw ones. WindWalkers will also use the opportunity to highlight the community that makes it up, including some of the horses.
“We plan to do our own Derby-style introductions where we will talk about our horses and bring out a child or participant in the program to introduce them,” Greeves explained. “Since the race lasts only two minutes, everything comes so fast and these introductions give party goers something to chat about.”
When asked where the proceeds from the event will go, Greeves relayed that the funds would go back into the organization’s programming, horse maintenance and a rider scholarship fund.
Windwalkers is always looking for volunteers for their general programming and, in fact, needs some extra hands on deck for the upcoming event.
“Volunteers … are the critical backbone of nonprofits in this Valley, and Windwalkers certainly cannot do it without volunteerism,” she stated. “[For the Derby], we probably need at least four to five new volunteers. We have a strong volunteer community that comes in, but it’s always nice to get fresh hands.”
WindWalkers hosts summer camps as well, including Pony Pals which provides equine experiences for children ages 4 to 5, its All Inclusive/All Abilities camp (for ages 6 to 11) and a music camp.
IN A NUTSHELL
When: Saturday, May 4, from 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: Spring Creeks Ranch in Carbondale
Tickets & more info: www.windwalkers.org