Staff Report
A world-renowned equestrian’s herd of 15 horses will perform from 5 to 8 p.m. May 12 at Flag is Up Farm in Buellton with aerial entertainers formerly with Cavalia and Cirque du Soleil.
The event, “Enchanted Dancing Horses with Sylvia Zerbini and Friends,” is a benefit for equine-assisted mental-health programs for veterans, at-risk youth, and survivors of abuse and trauma operated by the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program and Monty Roberts’ Horse Sense and Healing Program.
Organizers call it an opportunity to “share the beauty and healing power of the horse-human connection through the marvel of movement and music.”
Those attending can also sample local wine, beverages, an array of tapas, and family-friendly fare for purchase from the Buellton Senior Center’s catering program. Two miniature horses will be roaming the crowd for photos and petting.
The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program’s mission is to provide equine-assisted activities to children and adults with physical, cognitive, social, emotional and or other life challenges, regardless of their ability to pay. It serves more than 300 local people annually with special needs, at-risk youth, and veterans.
Horse Sense & Healing is designed for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, at no cost to them. By using Roberts’ “join up” techniques with horses, veterans learn to regulate their emotions and return to their pre-war behavioral selves.
Tickets range in price from $10 to $225. They are available at www.eventbrite.com and www.syvtherapeuticriding.org/events.
