Lack of donations hurts EquiFriends horse-riding group

Published 11:03 pm Monday, October 20, 2008

SNOHOMISH — EquiFriends, a nonprofit group that provides horseback riding lessons for people with disabilities, has suspended its operation because of the sluggish economy.

Supporters of the group are scrambling to raise money to resume classes, said Evie Bredeson, a board member of the group in Snohomish.

“We are looking for angels on that,” Bredeson said Monday.

As all the classes came to a halt Wednesday, the group laid off six employees, she said. That happened after board members learned only 24 people had signed up for its annual October dinner and auction. That was down from about 170 people last year. The event, a main revenue source for the group, was canceled.

“It’s been the most heartbreaking (experience) for us,” Bredeson said.

About 85 people were taking classes with the group as of last week. Since 1989, EquiFriends has offered horseback riding programs to help people with disabilities enhance their agility, mobility and self- confidence. A 10-week class costs a rider about $325 on average, Bredeson said.

EquiFriends is organizing another fundraising dinner in November, Bredeson said. If it can raise about $200,000 by the year’s end, it can probably avoid selling its five-acre ranch. The group’s annual budget is about $400,000.

An employee and volunteers are taking care of 10 horses at the ranch. EquiFriends is struggling to pay mortgage, utility and other bills, said Barbara Scherrer, a board member. The group has maxed out its bank credit at $50,000 as well.

The group can use any help, Scherrer said.

“We want the community to know we want to keep helping children and adults,” she said.

About 250 volunteers have helped the group for years, but the sluggish economy is taking a toll on it, Bredeson said.

“If miracles do not happen, that will be a difficult decision,” she said. “We’d have to sell.”

At the ranch, Penny Bayman of Mukilteo spent Monday morning tending the horses, including Reo, whom she and her husband own.

“I think it’s horrible,” said Bayman, who has volunteered for the group for a decade. “We’ve done so much for so many different riders for years. And being cut off like this is awful.”

She’s thinking about those who lost their jobs last week, Bayman said.

“It’s nonprofit,” she said. “They were not earning a lot to begin with,” she said.

As Bayman wrapped up her work Monday, Billie Jean Crawford arrived at the ranch. Crawford came as the caretaker of a man in a wheelchair who has taken classes with EquiFriends for several years.

“We are sorry we are late,” Crawford said to Bayman.

“I’m sorry, but unfortunately, we are not open for business,” Bayman said.

The two paused. Crawford looked confused.

Bayman explained what happened last week.

Crawford grasped the situation.

“We are very sorry to hear that,” she said.

Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.

How to help

EquiFriends, a nonprofit group in Snohomish, is seeking help to resume its operation. The group suspended classes last week because of financial difficulties. EquiFriends provides therapeutic horseback-riding lessons for people with disabilities.

Donations can be sent to EquiFriends, P.O. Box 856, Snohomish, WA 98291.

For more information, call 425-377-0802 or go to www.equifriends.org.