Adaptive saddle for Wounded Warriors program

For The Dolores Star

For the last several years, Circle K Ranch and Telluride Adaptive Sports have partnered to offer horseback riding to the Wounded Warriors Program. Some of the riders have extreme spinal injuries that require the use of a special saddle, called an "Adaptive Saddle."

On Saturday, May 30, saddlemaker Randy Bird will be on hand to demonstrate the "Adaptive Saddle." Randy suffered a spinal injury and is paralyzed from the chest down. His therapy saddle has enabled him to be the only paralyzed contestant in the PRCA and win Reserve World Champion at the APHA World Show.

Other activities that day include a silent auction, western style dinner and entertainment with renowned western performer, RJ Vandygriff, a member of the Texas Musicians Hall of fame.

Dinner and show tickets: $25 each for ages 12-plus; $12 for ages 5-11. Call 970-562-3826 for tickets and information. All proceeds go toward the purchase of the saddles.