The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) Foundation recently announced that it has given grants to 17 organizations, including two local therapeutic riding centers—Quest Therapeutic Services in West Chester, PA, and the Sebastian Riding Association in Collegeville, PA. The grants serve as a way for the Pennsylvania National Horse Show to support organizations that utilize equine activities to help adults and children with disabilities.

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show attracts the nation's top horses and riders each year. Among those who regularly compete at the horse show are: two-time Olympic Gold medalists Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, as well as Laura Chapot, winner of the horse show's Grand Prix de Penn National in 2005 and 2006, and Kent Farrington, the 2007 and 2008 Grand Prix de Penn National winner.

Committee members recently visited the two local therapeutic riding centers and saw first-hand how the grant money will be used to positively impact the lives of hundreds of riders. "We were very impressed with both facilities and the amazing services they each provide," said PNHS President Liz Shorb. "It is important to remember that horseback riding is not only a sport in which we participate and watch for fun, but it is also a useful therapy tool for many individuals. We are very proud to support the work of these two outstanding organizations, and are looking forward to visiting more of our grant recipients."

Quest Therapeutic Services in West Chester, PA, is a not-for-profit organization that provides therapy services to enhance the development of children with special needs in the Delaware Valley. The program, under the name of Harmony in Motion, was started in 1996 by a physical therapist that was interested in using the horse to help improve the motor skills of her pediatric patients. Initially, the program served six children once a week. Over the next four years the program has evolved to become Quest Therapeutic Services, Inc., a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization operating full time as a pediatric therapy program. Quest now serves 120 children per year. For more information, please visit www.questtherapeutic.com or call (610) 692-0917.

Sebastian Riding Association in Collegeville, PA, is a private, non-profit, community-based organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through equine therapy. Sebastian's therapeutic program includes children and adults with a wide range of physical, mental and emotional disabilities. The focus of the program is a safe, fun and healthy approach to growth and rehabilitation through equine activities and riding. Sebastian Riding Association services over 100 clients per week with its team of 15 horses, instructors and physical and occupational therapists as well as volunteers. For more information, please visit www.sebastianriding.org or call 610) 489-3741.

More information about the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and its Foundation can be found by visiting www.panational.org or by calling (717) 770-0222.