Freedom to Cowboy Up’s 14th annual fundraiser returning to fairgrounds
The Freedom to Cowboy Up Therapeutic Riding Center will hold its annual fundraiser at the Morgan County Fairgrounds Events Center on Friday, Oct. 4, starting at 5:30 pm. The live auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Buffalo Burrito Dinner is priced at $8 for adults, $6 for children aged 4-12, and free for those three and under.
Freedom to Cowboy Up began 14 years ago in Akron through the combined efforts of Cherrie Mellot, Katie Burns, and her husband Craig. Mellot, who uses a wheelchair after a car accident in her senior year of high school, had grown up around horses and enrolled her daughter in riding lessons with the Burns, forming a new friendship.
"After my car accident, I knew I wanted to start a therapeutic riding center, but I never thought it would happen," said Mellot. "It just fell into my lap when Katie asked if there was a need for a therapeutic riding center in this area."
Mellot brings knowledge and experience in occupational therapy and disability, while Katie provides the horses and manages the physical aspects of the arena. "She completes me, and I complete her. It's not just a service we provide; it's a service from the heart," Mellot said.
Freedom to Cowboy Up offers therapeutic riding sessions for individuals with special needs. It's not just about learning to ride a horse; it's about experiencing freedom and doing something new. Their clients include those with physical disabilities, individuals who have experienced abuse, depression, or heart attacks, and stroke patients. They also welcome foster children and anyone seeking therapeutic benefits from riding.
Since the beginning, they have charged only $20 per riding lesson, and if someone has difficulty paying, they help cover the cost. This approach ensures everyone can benefit from their services.
Mellot says they pride themselves on making a difference in people's lives. Recently, Craig Burns, Katie's husband, made them a new western saddle with adaptations from a previous saddle, enhancing comfort and usability. They now have two such saddles available for use.
Regarding their fundraising event, Mellot says that she is grateful for their event sponsors.
"We couldn't do it without the support of this community and all the people that help. We feel blessed," she said. "Money raised from the fundraiser will be used to cover our day-to-day costs, insurance, special equipment, and the horses. I remember our very first fundraiser, selling Pizza Hut cards. That was our first attempt at raising money. It has taken off from there, and we have been fortunate to have the event we do now."
The therapeutic riding center received a generous donation of six Denver Broncos club-level tickets and two parking passes, valued at $2,410, for its auction. This donation came from an old coworker who reconnected with Mellot after many years. The center has received donations of both silent and live auction items but is still open to receiving additional or monetary donations.
The event will have a couple of new additions, and Freedom to Cowboy Up encourages everyone to attend.
