EXCEPTIONAL EQUESTRIANS
Exceptional Equestrians is a recreational riding program which allows people with special needs to improve their self-esteem, range of mobility, strength, coordination, balance and problem solving skills through the interaction with horses. Sessions are held at the Round Up Club’s indoor arena or outdoors, weather permitting. The program benefits individuals, affecting in many ways due to their interaction with horses. Benefits include increased coordination, increased self-esteem, increased range of mobility and motion, increase in balance, and increased strength. If you are interested in participating in any capacity, whether as a volunteer or rider, you can contact Jenny Godfrey at (785)-478-4676 or Maleea Gitthens at (785)-256-2549.

CAPPER’S CAMP
Members of the Topeka Round Up Club work in partnership with the Capper Foundation to offer a camp for children with special needs. The children experience horseback riding, hands-on activities and fun. For information concerning either participating or volunteering in the Capper’s Camp which take place at the Topeka Round Up Club, contact Kathy Childs.

HORSE ‘N AROUND CAMP
Each summer, the Topeka Round Up Club is host to the Topeka Parks and Recreation’s Horse ‘N Around Camp. This camp is for school-age youngsters to learn about the care and maintenance of a horse, as well as safety in riding. There are both beginning and advanced levels of the camp. For more information on volunteering or participating you can contact Betty Kirchner or the Topeka Parks and Recreation Department.

SUNFLOWER STATE GAMES
The Sunflower State Games hosts a variety of sporting events at a vast number of venues throughout the Topeka. These events take place over a number of weeks spanning through the middle of summer. In recent years the Topeka Round Up Club has hosted such events as barrel racing and dressage, and currently is the host site of the Competitive Trail Ride through its numerous trails in rural southwest Shawnee County. Open to persons who have been residents of Kansas for at least 30 days prior to the first day of competition, the Sunflower State Games is a great opportunity for riders of all ages to participate and excel at their event! Contacts include Commissioners Liz Syverson and Shelly Davis as well as www.sunflowergames.com (Source: Sunflower State Games, 2006)

SADDLE UP FOR ST. JUDE’S TRAIL RIDE
The Saddle Up for St. Jude program is a trail ride where horse lovers can enjoy a one-day outing. Riders obtain sponsors for each mile they ride and all proceeds are donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. With the opportunity to get enveloped by the Round Up Club’s beautiful, scenic trails as well as help out a deserving organization such as St. Jude, participating in this event seems a must. Contact Liz Syverson the local organizer of this event. (Source St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)