Goin’ to the Barn Dance


Kids and horses just seem to be a natural fit. For children with disabilities horses are more than a passing obsession, they can be powerfully therapeutic. The “track record” of the healing effect of riding for the mentally, physically, and emotionally challenged is amazing, especially to the parents of the children involved. One such father, Mark McWhorter, saw so big a change in his daughter that he became a member of the board of Hoses for Healing of Northwest Arkansas. He is this year’s co-chair of the Barn Dance, a major fundraiser for the organization, scheduled for this coming Saturday (June 12).

In a recent Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article, McWhorter encourages participation in this worthwhile cause. Describing the Barn Dance, the paper said, “The event will feature music by Jamie Wolfe and the Wranglers plus live and silent auctions and food by Smokin’ Joe’s Barbecue. Former Razorbacks head football Coach Ken Hatfield, now a staunch Horses for Healing volunteer, has agreed to serve as “honorary cowboy” for the second consecutive year. Tickets are $100.”

I know not everyone can afford to go to the Barn Dance. Still, an organization that makes as big an impact on children’s lives as this one apparently does is worthy of our support whether monetary or in spreading the word about the work they do.

Are there other great organizations North of the Tunnel we should know about?