JACOB'S FUND :: Special Olympics :: Meet Tony, Sarah & Madison

Tony and Sarah celebrating their medals in true team fashion (2011)

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RIDER: Tony

AGE: 20

HORSE: All In (Ace)

DIVISION: Advanced I

CLASSES: Dressage Walk/Trot/Cantor, Equitation, Trail

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If you’ve been keeping up with Jacob’s Fund on our blog, you’ve already met the young man pictured above with Sarah. Tony is a recent high school graduate with a high-functioning form of autism and is currently looking for work. His story touched us, and we’re proud that, with your donations, we’ve been able to help him continue the therapy he needs.

This is Tony’s third year of competition in the Equestrian Special Olympics, and his second year in the Advanced Division. 

Last year, just after the Special Olympics, Tony lost his mother to cancer. Though she was undergoing chemotherapy at the time, she insisted on coming to watch Tony participate in the heat of mid-August. Amidst the excitement of competition and the joy of success was a definite sadness for the riders and their families who knew that that this would be her last chance to watch him win. And win he did, bringing home his first gold medal! They shared priceless moments of joy in his amazing triumph.

Tony’s dad is currently out of work and seeking employment. It is only through the support of donors like you through Jacob's Fund that Tony can still receive therapy at McKenna Farms. For this we thank you and ask that you continue to support this fine young man as he enters this new chapter of his life as a high school graduate, a true feat!

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Sarah and Hershey Kisses awaiting their results
in the Advanced Showmanship Halter Class (2011)

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RIDER: Sarah

AGE: 12

HORSE: All In (Ace)

DIVISION: Intermediate IV

CLASSES: Dressage Walk/Trot, Equitation, Trail

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Just after the photo above of Sarah and Hershey Kisses was taken and the results came in—a gold medal for them!—Sarah’s efforts in the 2011 Special Olympics came to an abrupt end. While warming up for her brightly colored and inspiring unified drill to Slumdog Millionaire’s “Jai Ho”, she fell off Hershey and broke her arm! After the cast was applied, she returned to the festivities to cheer on her teammates throughout the weekend. 

This year, Sarah is back, stronger than ever, and ready to compete. We look forward to news from McKenna Farms about this young lady's performance at the 2012 show.

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Madison—so proud of her silver medal (2011) 

Madison accompanying the Cobb Country Mounted Patrol
during the opening ceremonies (2011) 

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RIDER: Madison

AGE: 16

HORSE: Louie Armstrong

DIVISION: Intermediate IV

CLASSES: Dressage Walk/Trot, Equitation, Trail

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Madison begins high school this year and is very excited about it. Outgoing and enthusiastic, she loves horses, police officers, NASCAR, and Alabama football.

At the 2010 Horse Show, Madison met and talked with Officer Rice of the Cobb County Mounted Patrol. He was so impressed with her that, a few weeks before the 2011 show, he asked if she would like to ride with the Patrol for the lighting of the torch in the opening ceremonies. That ride was a dream come true for Madison, a moment she will never forget.