Sequim high schoolers help construct new covered area


The bar rose a little higher for the Native Horsemanship Riding Center, 396 Taylor Cutoff Road, last weekend. Eight Sequim High School baseball and football players and a cheerleader helped raise a steel structure onto its foundation to create a covered riding area, said school athletic director Dave Ditlefsen, who also helped.

Ed Marx, executive director for the center, said the soon-to-be complete structure will help the center go year-round with its services. Native Horsemanship Riding Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers low-impact therapeutic riding programs to help abused, at-risk and/or handicapped children.

Organizers say it creates a situation of trust and cooperation that promotes self-esteem, instills a sense of responsibility and imparts positive life skills that carry over to school, social and home life.

Participants can ride one of 14 horses and get hands-on experience in grooming, feeding and equestrian knowledge.

The center is open at 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday for riders. Programs are available for adults. Fees apply. The all-volunteer center opened in 2006 and continues to seek volunteers because one to two helpers are needed per rider.

For more information on the center, call Marx at 457-8525 or Yvette Ludwar, director of operations, at 582-0907 or look for the center on Facebook.