A.W.A.R.E. Houston Stock Show and Rodeo Top Horse Hands winners are (back row, l-r) Sam Seidel (Giddings), Marisa Uribe (Austin), Hunter McMain (San Marcos), Dalton McKee (Seguin); front row: Xandre Rodier (Kyle), Brianna LeClair (Kyle) and Lane Deml (Marion). (Courtesy photo)
STAFF REPORTS
Seven participants in Always Wanted a Riding Experience (A.W.A.R.E.) were part of a team that competed recently at the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo’s 15th annual Top Hands Horse Show.
The A.W.A.R.E. team, which competed against 24 other therapeutic horseback riding programs from Texas, took 10 first place buckles and several second and third place trophies.
Members competed in the Showmanship, Western Equitation, English Equitation, Trail and Barrels categories.
A.W.A.R.E., Inc., located in San Marcos, is a therapeutic horseback riding facility serving riders from seven counties, including Hays. Riders range from two years to 70 years old. Their disabilities include cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, autism, stroke, spina bifida and intellectual disabilities.
