| Gwen's Dream |
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Gwen has been involved with and owned horses for more than 41years. She describes herself as a “true horsey person in every sense of the word.” Born in Florida, she was involved heavily in barrel racing until moving to North Carolina. She now enjoys trail riding on occasion when time permits Gwen became very interested in therapeutic riding not long after her mother Patricia passed away in 1995. Pat suffered from multiple sclerosis for 32 years, spending most of those years confined to a bed or wheel chair. “I remember the desire in her eyes to be on a horse every time we were at a horse show, which was every weekend,” says Gwen. “She went to as many shows as she could and was a real trooper just sitting there watching us.” Gwen’s experiences with her mother encouraged her to establish Horses for Hope. “I know how much my mother desired to walk and be independent, and I would like to give others who suffer from disabilities those opportunities my mother never had.” Gwen hopes to eventually work full time as a paid staff member of Horses for Hope. She currently works for Horses for Hope as a volunteer and works a part time accounting job as well. “My idea to create a therapeutic riding center to help the disabled, special needs kids and those who are unable to help themselves, no matter what the circumstance, came to be as Horses for Hope with the help of three friends, Dawn, Eric and Mary Ann. My goal is to build a strong organization that will last many years, beyond my own, giving therapeutic benefits to all who participate in our programs.” |
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| Gwen Grissom, Founder |
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