(Groveland, FL., June 20, 2023) —Horses With A Mission (HWAM Groveland, FL) is celebrating five years in existence with a special event at Mulberry Grove Recreation Center in The Villages on October 28, 2023. The organization helps individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities gain strength and confidence with the help of horses. The horses, all retired from previous careers (donated or purchased for this program) range in age from 13 to 33 years and are specifically trained for this job.
Pictured here: Woody a Shetland Pony, age 13 is trained to go out in public and help those in need and represent our program. He is small but mighty and has a big job here on the farm. He helps one of our therapy horses Franklin who is going blind. Woody is training a new partner Radar the mini donkey for public appearances and help on the farm.
Horses With A Mission, a 501(c)3 non-profit since 2010 provides therapeutic riding
lessons, a technique to help the body to relax and improve coordination, balance and self-assurance. Vicki D’Angelo, Director of the program is a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor has taught
therapeutic riding since 2018. The program draws participants and volunteers from four counties. Currently on the roster there are 65 students and a waitlist of 50+. We have 70 volunteers, 20 of which are village residents. The volunteers groom horses and serve as lead and sidewalkers during lessons. The lessons are not held during the summer months due to the heat although the farm and horse expenses continue. “David, my husband and I find it relaxing to go to the farm and be with the horses. We love being there and helping Vicki and Mickey”, states April Linscott, a Villager who has volunteered with HWAM since 2022.
The event, “A Special Night Celebrating Horses and Friends”, will be held October 28 and is an event to raise money and spread the good word about the organization at the farm located at 16540 Lake Stewart Drive, Groveland, FL 34736. Tickets will cost $50, which includes entry and your meal. The evening festivities includes: dinner, entertainment, raffle and silent auction. The dress will be cowboy casual and a contest will be held to select the best cowboy hat worn that night. Woody and his 11 horse friends are seeking sponsorships and participants for the event. Sponsorship packages are being developed.
If you or your company are interested in being a sponsor or donating, please send an email to
vicki@hwamfl.org or call 585-356-4673. Website address is https://www.hwamfl.org
