Event to help therapeutic program

Having fun at Ventura Farms David H. Murdock will host a fundraising event at Ventura Farms on Sat., Sept. 24 to benefit Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship and the services they offer to the disabled at locations in Newbury Park and Chatsworth.

Ventura Farms is in the Hidden Valley area of Thousand Oaks on Potrero Road.

The event begins at 3 p.m. with cocktails, a silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $150 per person and include dinner catered by Sherwood Country Club.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Bryan McQueeney at (818) 700-8590 for details. For ticket and event information please call Sara Jones at Ride On at (805) 375-9078. Tickets will not be available at the door.

“This is the fifth year Mr. Murdock has graciously opened his home and his ranch to Ride On and our families. This wonderful afternoon showcases our riders and the very special animals that help them in so many ways. Mr. Murdock’s generosity allows 100 percent of every dollar raised at this event to help these inspiring riders,” said McQueeney, Ride On’s executive director.

Ride On teaches therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities at its two locations. Therapeutic riding combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with concepts of physical therapy that improve the strength, balance and self-esteem of individuals with disabilities.

In the past 11 years Ride On has become one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the country, serving 160 disabled riders on a weekly basis.

According to McQueeney, Murdock’s passion for horses is what initially directed his attention to support Ride On. When Murdock witnessed the interaction between a disabled rider and a horse, he was inspired to begin his support of therapeutic riding.