Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding will host its Pony Up Family Funfest on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m.
The family-friendly event will feature games, a pony parade, a cake trot, a spin-to-win game, food trucks and beverages. Entertainment will include a performance by Elizabeth as Taylor, a South Carolina-based Taylor Swift tribute artist.
Proceeds from the event will support the health and care of CATR’s herd of 14 therapy horses, which play a central role in the nonprofit’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through therapeutic equine connections.
CATR is the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International-accredited equine-assisted services center in the Charleston area. The organization has provided therapeutic experiences through partnerships with horses for 34 years.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful event,” said Elizabeth Burnett, who performs as Elizabeth as Taylor. “Working with CATR for Pony Up brings to life its mission that so many of us share: hard work, overcoming adversities, and empowering people to reach their true potential through unique connections with horses.”
Burnett, a Charleston native, said she has seen the organization's impact on the community firsthand.
“It is an honor to bring the music of Taylor Swift to such a special organization, and to be a small part of fostering the mission of Pony Up by combining my love and respect of horses with music and live entertainment,” she said.
CATR has expanded its programming to include more group sessions in an effort to reach additional participants. Future initiatives include facility enhancements and increased community outreach.
For more information about Pony Up Family Funfest, visit the event website.