25 Years of Rebuilding Lives through the Horse & Human Bond
December 19, 2024
This year, we recognized the legacy of Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center‘s founder, Jerri Massi, and celebrated their 25th anniversary. In 1999, Jerri had a dream to create a program that offers equine-facilitated therapeutic activities. The first session was held at the Massi family farm in Kensington with 12 participants and 3 horses and grew with the support of her family and friends. What started as a grassroots effort quickly led to a successful and sought-after program, and they joined the Hospital for Special Care community as our affiliate center in 2002. With the partnership formed, the Center found an expansive new home at Daniels Farm in Middletown.
With increased ridership at their new home in Middletown, and the growing need to offer services year-round, we completed construction on an indoor riding arena in 2015 at Daniels Farm. This addition, fully funded by philanthropic support, allows us offer equine therapeutic activities throughout the entire year. Today, Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center still operates at Daniels Farm and offers year-round therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities to over 100 participants with a herd of 12 therapeutic equine partners.
The 25th milestone anniversary was celebrated at Manes & Motions’ signature fundraiser, Night at the Derby, which took place Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown. This year’s event raised a record-breaking $86,000.00 in proceeds to support the daily operations and needs at Manes & Motions.
Thank you to all of the sponsors and guests that joined us to celebrate Manes & Motions’ 25th Anniversary and helped us raise these much-needed funds. Special thanks to Taylor Kinzler for being our emcee, friend and advocate, as well as Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim for coming out to join in the fascinators and festivities!
We proudly recognize the following sponsors of this year’s signature event:
- Kentucky Derby Sponsor: Webster Bank
- Preakness Sponsors: Coverys and Lockton Companies
- Belmont Stakes Sponsors: Connecticut Natural Gas, An Avangrid Company, GO Agency, The Flood Law Firm, James Massi, MD, Liberty Bank, University of Saint Joseph Connecticut
- Winners Circle Sponsors: Aetna, Jeff and Sara Buell, Connecticut Hospital Association, Robert & Sheila Daniels, Joanne and Michael Humen, Robert & Joann Johnson, Jeff Lawton & Donata Ceretto Giannone, Safety National and YWCA New Britain