Unaka – High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center held its first Easter event that not only involved people, but horses.
On Saturday, the horse barn at High Lonesome was wonderfully decorated for Easter and provided much-needed protection from the day’s rain. The weather, however, did not stop folks from coming out to the pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt, which began at 9 a.m.
Those attending enjoyed flapjacks and bacon, cooked by Joe Zang, along with orange juice for just $5, which helped raise money for the center. Brightly colored eggs were lightly hidden in and atop hay bales and around the barn as tables were set up in a row inside the barn making for a comfortable and conversational area.
The horses in their stables were also an attraction for folks as they seemed interested in what was going on around them and offered an occasional nay or snort. Amber Spiva from Marble came out with her 3-year-old son, Melvin Hope.
“We’re loving it,” Spiva said. “We’ve enjoyed every time we’ve come out here. It’s so peaceful.”
Youngster Auden Greenwald of Brasstown said he “likes the horses and the Easter eggs.” His favorite horses are the minis.
Corrie Lorenzi played the Easter Bunny and had no shortage of people wanting to take photos with the holiday’s mascot.
“This is super and very nice,” Kristen Young said of her 21-month-old son, Laker, and the moment. “He was a preemie, so he didn’t walk for a while. Last year, he just sat, and we’d toss the eggs to him and he’d smile. This year, he’s finding the eggs himself.”
Everyone appeared to be having a nice day despite the weather.
“This will be the first of many,” owner Lauren Dilts said while holding her 8-month-old baby boy, Nicholas El-Khouri.
At 15 years old, Madeleine Greenwald was happy to be among the volunteers at High Lonesome.
“This is fun,” she said. “It’s a great event and really organized.”
High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center helps children and adults with disabilities. Future plans include adding a veterans program and sending riders to Tryon in October to represent Cherokee County in the N.C. Special Olympics for the equestrian games.
“We’re super excited about that,” Dilts said.
For details on High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center, call 828-835-3739 or email highlonesomestables@gmail.com.