MARE back in saddle for its Diamonds & Denim fundraiser - The Bakersfield Californian

Denim might be the reliable stand-by for equestrians but who's to say you can't accessorize with some bling?

The two will meet on Oct. 14 at Diamonds & Denim, the main fundraiser of the therapeutic organization MARE (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines). The event will be held on the nonprofit's grounds, so guests can see where their money is going and how it will help local people with special needs and disabilities.

"All proceeds go to helping our riders and horses," said Sonya Brewer, MARE's executive director. "Eighty percent of our riders (receive) scholarships. This helps provide lessons for the individuals and care for their equine partner."

Diamonds & Denim will include a three-course dinner from Mossman's Catering, drinks, live music from Truxton Mile, dancing and an equestrian performance.

The evening will also include live and silent auctions with items ranging from trips to Africa and Ireland and a cruise to Catalina Island to gift certificates to local restaurants and a photographer package. 

Of course, since MARE is all about the horses, there will also be a special performance by showtime vaulters, a show that Brewer described as gymnastics done atop a horse. 

"Sometimes there is more than one person on the horse, doing shoulder stands and different gymnastics moves," Brewer said. "It's a really neat performance." 

The fundraiser has been held for more than 10 years but only on an annual basis for the last three, Brewer said. Each of the last few years has been bigger than the one before it, with 330 attending last year and around $170,000 raised. She hopes this year's event will raise $180,000. 

"We have 14 horses, and it takes a lot of money to take care of them," Brewer said, adding that money raised will also go toward rider scholarships.

MARE serves around 200 to 300 riders a year, using its horses to help people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and other conditions, as well as veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"What we do is therapeutic horseback riding," Brewer said, adding that it's just like physical or occupational therapy. "We actually do all of that on a horse. We use a horse as the avenue to teach riders life skills."

Holding onto a horse's reins, for example, can help a rider learn how to hold a pencil or spoon. Riding also strengthens a rider's legs, which can help him or her to walk or stand. The horses also help with social skills, boosting confidence and soothing anxiety.

Diamonds & Denim hasn't always been held at MARE, but organizers realized the best way to make the case for MARE, now in its 28th year, is to let the guests and donors see it.

"People get to see the location and the program their money is actually supporting and feel like they're actually a part of it," Brewer said. 

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