Seattle Polo Party aims to raise $20K for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding in Redmond

REDMOND, Wash. — This week, an organization that uses horses to help people with disabilities is getting a big boost, and it's thanks to fellow horse lovers.

The 5th Annual Seattle Polo Party aims to raise more than $20,000 for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding in Redmond. On Tuesday, KIRO 7 met one of the young riders who have benefited from the therapy.

Nale Zarelli, 11, has cerebral palsy which limits what he can do physically. But when he's riding Zorro at Little Bit, he's a big part of the process of walking.

“I like that whenever I say ‘walk on,’ they always listen to me,” Zarelli told KIRO 7.

Little Bit helps people with deal with issues ranging from autism to speech impediments. And they'll be able to offer more services, thanks to the Seattle Polo Club.

“It's a real appropriate partner for us,” Seattle Polo Club President Cameron Smith told KIRO 7. “When I go out on the field and I'm hitting a ball, to think that horse could be used in a facility like this to help people with disabilities, and help people with psychology issues, it just shows the breadth that a horse can actually provide.”

Paula Del Giudice is the executive director of Little Bit.

“They're support means a lot to Little Bit,” she said. “Our costs to provide one ride are over $300 per ride when you consider the cost of maintaining our property and our horses and staff. But when we have the generosity of the community, we're able to (cut) more than half the costs for our riders.”

Those rides make a big impact on people like Nale, whose mother told KIRO 7 one big takeaway for him has been being calmer in other social situations. He's learned that any outburst on a horse impacts another being.

The Seattle Polo Party starts at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Seattle Polo and Equestrian Club in Enumclaw.

More news from KIRO 7

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Cox Media Group