Mounted Posse Special Needs Ride

The Benton County Sheriff's Office Mounted Posse annually hosts a horseback riding event for children with special needs and their siblings.

The event takes place at the Benton County Fairgrounds where children are helped onto a horse and led around the arena. Riders must be between the ages of 3 and 18. They must be able to hang on by themselves, although volunteers help the children on and off the horses and spot them as they walk around the arena.

In addition to the horse riding, there's usually a coloring area and a brushing/petting station with miniature ponies. Photographs are taken in front of a green screen and printed on site so each child goes home with a photo of their experience.

2018 Event a Success

"She's been talking about the horse she rode non-stop since we got home."

This is what one mother wrote about the experience her daughter had at the 2018 Mounted Posse Special Needs Ride held on Sunday, November 18, 2018.

Forty-seven children with special needs and their siblings, had a wonderful time riding the horses, petting the ponies, coloring, and drinking hot chocolate. They all went home with a photograph of their experience and the memory of a special day. Thanks to all the volunteers who made this event happen. Special thanks to Elmer's Restaurant for providing hot chocolate for the kids and their families.