Written by Kathy Burkholder
TRC EAH Exceptional Abilities Horse Show
TRC Beach Series EAH — Exceptional Abilities Horse Show
August 9, 2026
What an unforgettable day at our Beach Series EAH — Exceptional Abilities Horse Show! Our hearts are full as we look back on a day spent celebrating the courage, determination, growth, and accomplishments of our incredible riders. We are endlessly proud of every student who stepped into the arena and gave it their all. The confidence, perseverance, and pure joy on display are exactly why we do what we do. To our riders: congratulations! Your hard work, sportsmanship, and love for your horses inspired everyone who watched. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves. A huge thank you to all the families, friends, volunteers, and community members who came out to cheer our students on. Your encouragement means the world to us. Special thanks to Fausto’s Tacos and Kona Ice for keeping everyone well-fed and refreshed throughout the day. We are deeply grateful to our amazing team of volunteers, board members, Program Director Kirsten, and instructors Donna, Brooke, Hailee, and Gina. Events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without your dedication, hard work, and countless hours behind the scenes. Thank you to our wonderful judges who generously donated their time and expertise: Dustin Cossaboom — EquitationWendy Schaefer — TrailMarty Kesselman — Costume & Pole Bending
And a special thank you to Gina Hwang for being an outstanding announcer and helping make the day feel so special for our riders and spectators. It truly takes a village to create an event like this, and we are so grateful for every person who helped make it such a memorable day. Thank you for supporting our riders and celebrating all they have achieved. Until next year! 
Hula & Hooves Gala and Horse Show 2026
Hula and Hooves 2026
September 12, 2026
Hula and Hooves once again showed what “Ohana” looks like in action—family that includes every rider, volunteer, donor, and friend who shows up for one another. The Therapeutic Riding Center’s courtyard at the Red Horse Barn filled with people ready to celebrate, bid, and enjoy an evening rooted in that spirit. A big thank you goes to Donna Brandt and the Board of Directors for the weeks of hard work and preparation that made another successful event possible. With admiration and thanks to the teams who fed and entertained us. Yamas Teriyaki House brought Teriyaki Chicken and Teriyaki Beef with steamed vegetables and white rice. Aunty Maile’s followed with Kalua Pork and Macaroni Salad, and three King’s Hawaiian Paradise cakes (guava, passion fruit, and lime chiffon layers with cream icing, kiwi, and strawberries), donated by Board Member Kathy Burkholder, completed the meal. Guests left the buffet tables well satisfied. Later, the Halau Hula A Kawika Luau ‘O Leinani Dancers took the stage. Their performance, backed by drums, guitar, ukulele, and chant, held the courtyard’s attention and gave the night its unmistakable Hawaiian pulse. We are grateful for the skill and presence they brought. The silent auction ran throughout the evening. Of the 105 baskets donated, 95 drew winning bids. Ticket sales reached 133, with 110 guests in attendance. Awards recognized our Cowboy of the Year, and Cowgirl of the Year, along with our Volunteers of the Year, Jenna Bloom, district representative from Tony Strickland’s office, also joined the gathering. The combination of good food, strong bidding, and shared recognition made the evening a success. Thank you to everyone who donated a basket, placed a bid, or simply came to be part of the night. Your support keeps our riders and programs moving forward. See you next year. 
Waves of Ability in Long Beach 2026
Therapeutic Riding Center Joins Waves of Ability in Long Beach
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Therapeutic Riding Center (TRC) participated as a vendor with a booth at Waves of Ability: Thrive in Motion, the second annual free adaptive sports and wellness fair hosted by the Adaptive Freedom Foundation at Marine Stadium in Long Beach. Organized by Adaptive Freedom Foundation founder Amy Lagera, the event welcomed people of all abilities for a day of inclusive recreation and community connection. Attendees could try adaptive paddleboarding on the organization’s WASUP™ boards, watch or learn basics of WCMX (wheelchair motocross), explore wellness activities such as breathwork and sound baths, and connect with resources. Live music featured Jennifer Kumiyama and Marna Wheels, with hosting by John Register and Jennifer Kumiyama. The day also included the first annual Making Waves Awards. Exact attendance figures have not been publicly released, though the fair drew a strong community turnout of adaptive athletes, families, caregivers, and supporters. Other vendors and community partners included organizations such as Ability First and the Disabled Resources Center, alongside additional adaptive sports groups, wellness providers, and resource booths. Spectrum News reported that the Adaptive Freedom Foundation “hosted its second annual Waves of Ability event in Long Beach, introducing people with disabilities to adaptive sports and new recreational activities.” Attendees experienced adaptive paddleboarding and connected with resources for other sports, while organizers emphasized the importance of raising awareness and expanding access. The coverage also noted the event’s role in highlighting adaptive sports ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Southern California.Spectrumlocalnews At its booth, Therapeutic Riding Center shared information about its PATH International-accredited equine-assisted programs. Founded in 1990, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit offers adaptive and therapeutic riding that supports children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges—including autism and neurodiversity—building strength, balance, confidence, and connection through the bond with horses. TRC operates in Huntington Beach and has expanded to a Long Beach location. By joining Waves of Ability, TRC helped introduce families to another local adaptive recreational option and strengthened ties with fellow organizations serving the disability community. Learn more about the Adaptive Freedom Foundation at adaptivefreedomfoundation.org. 
TRC Joins the Giving Machine Holiday Fundraiser at Bella Terra
The Therapeutic Riding Center is proud to be one of five nonprofits selected for the Giving Machine holiday fundraiser at Bella Terra. From November 21 through December 13, the community can support TRC and four other local organizations through this unique, high-visibility opportunity. The Giving Machine will be staffed by volunteers from each participating nonprofit. TRC plans to set up its own booth nearby so we can share more about our programs and connect with visitors in person. Volunteer schedules will be finalized soon, and we are building a calendar for shift signups. Every board member is asked to volunteer for a minimum of four hours. We also welcome additional volunteers from our wider TRC family—please reach out if you can help. Two special events will anchor the campaign: November 21 at 3:00 PM — Kickoff and unveiling, with media coverage and booth opportunities for participating organizations.December 1 (Giving Tuesday), 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM — Press event where each nonprofit may give a brief presentation.
The other organizations joining us are OC Rescue Mission, Robyne’s Nest, Collette’s Children’s Home, and Bracken’s Kitchen. Please help us spread the word through your own networks, social media, and conversations with friends and family. The more people who know about the Giving Machine, the greater the impact we can make together for our riders and programs. If you can volunteer—even for a single shift—or would like more details on the schedule, please contact us as soon as possible. Thank you for helping TRC make the most of this meaningful holiday fundraiser. 
Volunteer of the Session
Marita Fulmer
This session, we’re excited to recognize Marita in Huntington Beach for her positivity, dedication, and the genuine care she brings to TRC each week.
Marita is always willing to jump in, work hard, and learn something new. Whether she’s helping with lessons, supporting fellow volunteers, or spending time with our horses, she approaches everything with enthusiasm and a smile.
One of the things that makes Marita so special is the wonderful connection she has built with our students. She is encouraging, kind, and always helps create a welcoming environment where riders feel supported and celebrated.
In her own words, TRC has become a place where she feels at home—and we feel incredibly lucky to have her as part of our TRC family. Her positive attitude, willingness to learn, and joy for helping others make a lasting impact on everyone around her.
Thank you, Marita, for all that you do. We are so grateful for your friendship, dedication, and the heart you bring to the barn each week! 💚✨Edna Moreno
We’re excited to recognize Edna Moreno as our Long Beach Volunteer of the Session!
Edna joined TRC shortly after we opened our Long Beach location and has quickly become an invaluable member of our team. Whether she’s leading horses, side walking in lessons, helping with property improvement projects, or jumping in wherever an extra set of hands is needed, Edna is always ready to help with a smile.
Her reliability, positive attitude, and willingness to do whatever is needed have made a tremendous impact on our program. Volunteers like Edna help make it possible for us to serve our riders and care for our horses each and every day.
Thank you, Edna, for all that you do. We are so grateful to have you as part of the TRC family! Get in Touch
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