The McCormick Research Institute honored veterans and special needs riders at a “Round Up” rodeo event Saturday under perfect skies. PHOTOS/TERRY LLOYD
The McCormick Research Institute, home of the Horses for Heroes and Heavenly Hooves equineassisted therapies programs, held a “Round Up” rodeo entertainment fundraiser in St. Cloud on Saturday. The program theme was “Honoring veterans. Celebrating special needs riders.”
About 300 people were on hand to watch thrilling trick riding and Roman riding demonstrations. The Breaux family, Klancy and Melody along with their very young sons Kason and Kyler, performed rope tricks, and Klancy demonstrated Cowboy Action shooting, bursting ballons with a six-gun while riding at close to full gallop.
The true purpose of the Institute’s programs was demonstrated as three students from the Heavenly Hooves program demonstrated their progress to date on horseback riding exercises. Veterans, both currently in the Heroes and Horses program and graduates, performed their drill team act. The team performs at several outside functions each year, including Silver Spurs rodeo events. McCormick Institute relies exclusively on rescue horses for its programs.
A raffle was held for the more than one dozen prizes generously donated by St. Cloud and area businesses. Food trucks were on hand, as well as several displays by veteran support organizations, including locally based Whisper 7 Six and I Got Your 6 Foundation, reaching out to the veteran community.
For more information about the McCormick Research Institute, see www.mccormick.us.
