Photo by Daryl Weisser
Horses with Heart, a nonprofit that lets disabled children and adults gain confidence, dignity and independence through riding horses under the supervision of highly trained staff, held one of its biggest fundraisers Nov. 19, 2022 at Olsen’s Grain Arena in Chino Valley. This year’s Open Barrel and 4-D Race attracted a record-breaking 85 riders for the 4-D barrel race, 33 youth barrel riders, 19 energetic Peewee competitors and 46 overall competitors for the pole races. The winners of a brand-new saddle for having the “Most Heart” and the fastest combined time in barrel racing and poles were Chino Valley’s Melanie Pritchard and her horse Brother. Money was also raised through sponsorships and a silent auction.