Nearly choking back tears, the crew foreman for Synergy Construction described how meaningful it was to watch little Ashley Schreiber mount the big black draft horse, Freya. His crew had just spent three days at Warm Beach Camp Stables building an elaborate ramp, complete with hand rails, a mounting platform, fencing, and gates, to create a safe space for mobility challenged riders to mount their horses.

With ease, Ashley was able to transfer from her wheelchair to the back of a horse with assistance. Once on the horse, Ashley proceeded with her adaptive vaulting lesson, performing her moves for the King 5 Evening Magazine film director, while the construction workers watched with awe. If you missed King 5’s Evening Magazine broadcast about the Rampathon project at Warm Beach Camp, check it out online.

The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County sponsored their 25th Annual “Rampathon.” Synergy Construction answered the call to be the builders. Out of 149 applicants, 50 projects were chosen where people needed ramps built for wheelchair access. Ginger Reitz, Assistant Horsemanship Director at Warm Beach Camp, got wind of this effort and submitted an application. Our prayers were answered.

Synergy Construction workers volunteered their time. Dunn Lumber, Matthews Lumber, and Stanwood Redi Mix donated materials. Over three days, the ramp became a reality in the north end of the Warm Beach Camp Stables indoor riding arena.

A mounting station is critical for serving a wide range of needs through our new Therapeutic Horsemanship program. Ashley Schreiber, a member of our Warm Beach Equestrian Vaulters, now has a more comfortable and safe way to get on her vaulting horse. Our dream is that Ashley will be followed by many more who need a little mobility assistance, can feel the magic of a horse moving underneath them.

Our hope for the Therapeutic Horsemanship program is to partner with Warm Beach Camp Outdoor Education and Special Friends programs, para-educators and counselors in the four neighboring school districts, psycho-therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, case managers for DHSH and foster care, Tribal community, veteran groups, and more. For more information about Warm Beach Camp Therapeutic Horsemanship, contact Ginger Reitz or see www.WBHorsemanship.com.