HALTER

Over the centuries, special bonds have existed between horses and humans. For the physically challenged, horses have offered not only a source of mobility, but also recreational and therapeutic opportunities.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding turned many heads during the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. Madame Liz Hartel, a polio victim, who, had been told she would never walk again, had, through a riding program, developed enough strength to "walk away from her wheelchair" and won the Silver Medal in dressage. Soon thereafter, numerous therapeutic riding centers opened throughout Europe. During the 1970's and 1980's, centers opened across Canada and the United States.

In 1985, Lalage Warrington wanted to organize a Therapeutic Horseback Riding program at her farm in Campobello, SC. She asked Flo Erickson, a local Girl Scout Leader, to attend a N.A.R.H.A. (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) conference with her in Atlanta, GA. Lalage and Flo returned and organized a Board of Directors with Ellen Hines Smith, Anna Gray Phillips, Christy Fister and Carol Fietel. Attorney Jack Lawrence donated his time to advise them with initial legal and taxation issues.

Some of the early supporters of H.A.L.T.E.R. included the Junior League of Spartanburg, Gordon Floyd, St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, The Ivy Ring Garden Club, Civitans, East Spartanburg Rotary Club, Downtown Lions Club, Debbie Jennings, employees of C&S Bank, Liz Patterson and Linda McHam.

Soon H.A.L.T.E.R. moved to Shirley George's stables located on Highway 56 behind George's Feed Store. Shirley George had a riding ring built and generously supported the program with with boarding arrangements for the horses. This location served the program well until it moved in 2006. At Shirley's stables Dale Fister and local Boy Scouts built a tack room and handicapped ramp to enable wheel chaired and walking impaired riders to be mounted on horses. Later the Spartanburg County Foundation provided a grant for a permanent handicapped ramp. Clement Lumber Company, Bob & Pam Dean, Sherwin Williams Paints and C.C. Wheeler donated materials and labor to finsh the project. An Eagle Scout project by Mitch Lynch of Troop 28 improved and repaired the riding ring fence.

Since its inception, H.A.L.T.E.R. has served students from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind (SCSDB). H.A.L.T.E.R. relocated on the SCSDB campus June 21, 2006 so the students will have increased riding time and not have to load onto buses and travel to the location near Pauline. Also, this location is more centralized for area residents who participate in the Saturday program. The School has agreed to a long term lease and a major fundraising effort is in place to build an indoor arena and stable.

H.A.L.T.E.R. has been supported by volunteers from many community organizations to help with the Saturday morning programs. These volunteers are vital to the success of H.A.L.T.E.R. Volunteer and instuctor training is available periodically. Check the schedule to find out the next training date.

Our thanks and regards to the many unnamed donors and volunteers who have made H.A.L.T.E.R. possible!