09/26/2026
Road to Special Olympics – Skowhegan 💚🐴
And just like that… our 2026 Special Olympics season has come to an end. I’m not even sure I can put into words how proud and grateful I am.
This year, we had 17 incredible riders in our program, with 12 athletes making the trip to Skowhegan. Unfortunately, sickness and other obligations kept a few of our riders from joining us, but every single one of our 17 athletes was an important part of this season and everything we accomplished together.
Watching these athletes grow throughout the year gaining confidence, becoming more independent, building relationships with their horses, teammates, accomplishing goals and cheering each other on is exactly why we do this. There are so many moments from this season that I will never forget.
None of this happens because of one person. It takes an entire village, and we have a pretty amazing one.
To our volunteers — Jesse Crosby, Patricia King, Ann Marquis, Keisha Gourley, Jayden Sands, Kaydiense Nelson, Hazel McNaughton, Kellie Bickford, Natalie Bickford, Sarah Hanscome and Jana Watson
THANK YOU. From helping with horses and riders to all of the little things behind the scenes, we truly could not do this without you.
A huge thank you to our wonderful equine team members this season: Cupcake, Everest, Apollo, Harley and Jack. These horses are such an important part of our program, and I am endlessly thankful for what they give to our riders.
Sarah Hanscome, thank you for allowing us to use Cupcake and for helping us get her to the show and safely back home.
Ben and Robin Willoughby, thank you for letting me lease the absolute best boy, Apollo, this summer and allowing him to be such a special part of our team.
Jana Watson and Chris Zanardi, thank you for all of your help throughout the season and for holding down the home fort while we were away. Knowing everything at home was taken care of meant more than you know.
Robyn Fransen, thank you so much for letting us use your camper and helping make our weekend in Skowhegan possible!
Gail Tercyak, thank you for the use of your trailer and, even more importantly, for all of the help, support and knowledge you have given me along the way.
And to all of the incredible Special Olympics volunteers and community members who put so much time and work into organizing and running such a wonderful show for our athletes. Thank you for giving them a place to shine, compete, make memories and be celebrated.
Finally, a HUGE thank you to the businesses and individuals who sponsored and supported our team this season. Your generosity helped make all of this possible, and we are so incredibly grateful:
Crosby Welding
Mark D. Nelson Trucking LLC
New England Horse Company
Eddie’s Tint & Print
Finally Home Photography
Berrie’s Hearing & Optical Center
Stronghold Farm
East Ridge Stables
SKB Country Creations
It truly takes a village to make a program like this happen. To every rider, parent, family member, volunteer, horse owner, sponsor, supporter and person who helped us along the way. Thank you for believing in these athletes and in our program.
I am so incredibly proud of what this team accomplished this year. The ribbons and accomplishments are wonderful, but watching confidence grow, friendships form, goals get crushed and our riders support one another is what makes all of the long days and hard work worth it.
What a season. What a team. What an amazing village we have behind us.
Until next year, Skowhegan! 🐴💚
These are just a few pieces from today! Many more to come!!
