Hillsborough Special Olympics Equestrian Championships

Saturday, May 30, 2009

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Carrie MacMillan rode William to a gold medal.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Horse riders from across the state competed in the Florida Special Olympics Equestrian Championships in Hillsborough County Saturday.

One of the riders, Carrie MacMillan, has been horseback riding for more than 10 years. MacMillan won a gold medal at the event.

MacMillan also helps other riders and acts as a leader and side walker.

The Hillsborough County Bakas Horses for Handicapped program hosted the championship.

More about Bakas Equestrian Center

This information is from the Bakas Equestrian Center's web site.

"Bakas Equestrian Center, established in 1987 is a recreational riding center that hosts riding lessons for children four years old through adults that have physical and/or mental disabilities.

"Bakas serves eighty plus disabled riders every week. Rider's abilities range from severe and profound to mild. Certain criteria must be met to participate.

"Bakas offers introductory lessons, games on horseback, basic to advanced riding skills, competition in Special Olympics and Challenge shows, driving with horse and carriage, trail rides and more.

"Bakas moved to a state of the art facility in 2001. This center is fully accredited by the North American Riding for Handicapped Association (NARHA) and the teaching staff is certified NARHA instructors.

"Parent involvement is mandatory for a rider to participate. Volunteers are needed daily to assure a safe environment.

"Parent/volunteer meetings are held monthly to discuss new ideas and upcoming events. Several social family events take place at Bakas each year."