AAMFEST !!

Autism Awareness Music Festival - the second annual gathering. This is the first year the festival was held at the property of Top O' The Hill farm and location of Dream On Curls Riding Center. What an exciting day for us ! Crowds attended to relax under the tent to hear super music from 5 different bands and learn more about the resources available for those on the spectrum.




John Sullivan, Team Leader for HCRS’ Developmental Services program at HCRS and lead singer/guitar player of the John Sullivan Band says it all in his original music and lyrics -- Autism Speaks ~ and it's up to us to hear.




John Sullivan has also introduced a music program for HCRS clients called The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP). TRAP is an educational program for individuals with disabilities which uses percussion instruments to teach basic life skills. The program has supported HCRS clients in achieving their rehabilitative goals and has made a difference in the lives of those participating.


We had a brief shower and some threatening winds during the festival -- the horses played and enjoyed the music as well.. our two little lesson ponies put on a show

More samples of the great music -- just so you can experience what you missed by not attending this year's AAMFEST !! :)

The festival was not only all about the music however -- as the acronym suggests.. it is all about raising awareness. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism.

One is never prepared for a diagnosis of autism. It is likely that you will experience a range of emotions. It is painful to love so much, to want something so much, and not quite get it. You desperately want your child to get better and you may feel some of the stages commonly associated with grieving. One goal of the festival is to provide families with information and available resources to assist in coping and supporting.

Dream On Curls Riding Center is one of those resources. We have been providing a summer riding camp specifically focused on the needs of those children and young adults who are diagnosed as being 'on the spectrum' . This is a highly successful program with some very happy engaged riders. Mothers and Fathers are thrilled to see their children smiling and focused during their lesson.

Dream On Curls Riding Center is excited to have had the opportunity to help host this event ~ if you missed this year's festival.. watch for news of next year's date !

If you are interested in learning more about our therapeutic riding activities - please visit the web site or e-mail us.

Enjoy ~

Our Participation in the World Record Trail Ride !

Sunday, June 13th - Dream On Curls Riding Center and Top O' The Hill Farm hosted a judged obstacle ride working with ACTHA -- the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. ACTHA donates up to 50% of its proceeds to eligible horse charities annually. On the 13th -- a trail ride was held in every state so there were thousands of riders and their horses trying out the same obstacles all across the nation. This ride was held to help fund Horse rescues every where. It was a bit of a dreary day but we had a great turn out and everyone had FUN ! ACTHA gives out some super awards and ribbons, provides all the judging sheets and does all the registration on-line... so Zoe and I only had to gather up volunteers for judging the 6 obstacles, place the obstacles along the route. We provided a breakfast and BBQ lunch with all the proceeds going toward the riding center. We will definitely host another ACTHA ride !!

Once the riders had all arrived and parked, with a yummy breakfast under their belts and the ride briefing -- they headed out to tackle the obstacles. The obstacles were placed along the ride - each one a few miles apart.. 2 judges at each obstacle. At registration time the riders had the option of signing on as either Open or Pleasure.... and the obstacles and judging criteria was based on the category - one being slightly more difficult than the other. The obstacles are kept secret until the pre-ride briefing .. no practicing at home beforehand !

Photo's from the last obstacle of the day - 4 cones set up. 2 and 2, 40 feet apart. For the open class - the horse had to canter or lope in 3 strides or less at the 'starting gate' -- for the pleasure class -- trot in 3 strides. Stop at the end 2 cones, squarely.. the horse standing on loose rein for 3 seconds.

Here's a couple of video's ~

Candids of the horses and their riders.

If I remember correctly- the grey horse rode as a "buddy" -- meaning they were there for the ride only. However, this rider did all the obstacles and did fine -- I think she said it was the grey horse's first time out away from his home. Great job !









There was a large representation of Rocky Mountain Horses.

This woman and her little buckskin "Bucky" made for a special pair. You can read about him on her blog here -

As judges, we saw a lot of great horsemanship and clearly a love between horse and rider.

Lunchtime and prizes !! ACTHA also had plenty of super free samples and discount coupons for horse "stuff " .. what a great day !!

Everyone was happy about their ribbons and prizes !

Despite the weather -- we all had lots of fun and Dream On Curls Riding Center looks forward to hosting our next ACTHA ride ! A big thank you to our volunteer judges !! If you are interested in volunteering for our next ride -- e-mail us

Enjoy ~