ABOUT 100 guests enjoyed a post-election afternoon tea and raised $4000 for Calisto Park Riding C entre for the Disabled on Sunday, July 3.
Local businesses, individuals and families donated quality raffle prizes and the Carriage Room Restaurant at Pine Lodgein Thornlands was appropriately decked out with blue irises and blue ribbons.
Auction items were hotly contested, with a Straddie holiday package donated by Allure Resort, Stradbroke Ferries and the Whales Way Restaurant netting $1100 for the charity.
Lynne Sturgess did a splendid job as emcee and Alf Allison was a persuasive and engaging auctioneer.
Deputy mayor Wendy Boglary and Labor Candidate for Bowman Kim Richards attended.
A council grant presented by councillor Julie Talty added to the fubn.
The audience was inspired by Claire Byrne, founder of CPEC.
Ms Byrne spoke about how horses had never judged her whereas some of her fellow humans had.
“Horsemanship equals humanship,” she said.
International dressage star Chantal Wigan entertained the guests with her humorous insights into the joys and challenges of going for gold in partnership with an equine athlete.
Chantal’s take-home message was that “you need to perfect the craft to do an excellent job”.
Her mother and owner of Pine Lodge, Lorette Wigan, said she was delighted to support CPEC via the use of the arena and other facilities for the past four years.
Karen Howe shared the very moving story of the positive changes horse riding therapy at CPEC had brought about for her 11-year-old son Dylan, who was born with Williams Syndrome.
Local author Joanne Verikios revealed the moment that inspired her to write her book, Winning Horsemanship.
“I was judging at a show back in February 2015. From the centre of the ring, I watched as a young woman narrowly escaped being seriously injured by the horse she was leading.
"As I gave this competitor feedback about how to improve her skills, I reflected on the dozens of other times I had given exhibitors advice and tips.
"This 'snap point' incident made me realise I had to find a way to share my knowledge of horses, horsemanship and mindset with more people than was possible on a one to one basis."
