Help Avi Ride!

***Our goal has been met!! Though I will not actively solicit donations anymore, if you feel the need to donate, rest assured the donation will be put to use for Avi. There are still many expenses ahead with lessons and pony upkeep, but thanks to amazing people, they are now much more manageable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!***
How does one put into words the beauty and wonder of their own child? My daughter is an amazing presence, always smiling and bringing joy to those around her. I'd be hard pressed to say that every parent doesn't feel this way about their child so I will skip to the details of why we started this GoFundMe campaign.

My daughter started therapeutic riding lessons at Storybook Farm, Opelika, Alabama, a little over a year ago. She qualified for the program because she was diagnosed with Level 1 Autism and Level 2 Social Communication Disorder.  After two semesters, it was suggested that she find more structured riding lessons because she was doing so well.

I received a bulletin email titled "Horse Camp" sometime last May. I connected with Mary from the vet school and started Avi in riding lessons. She went through horse camp and had a blast.

She took lessons all summer and this fall, finally earning the right to go to a horse show. She competed on "Spots" and we all kind of fell in love with the goofball. This is where the purpose of the fundraiser comes in.
 

In the hunter world, there are leases which include the use of a pony/horse for a whole year. In that lease we would be responsible for his board and care. Spots is a one of a kind pony. He is suitable for all levels of child riders from tiny beginners such as my daughter or more advanced children that can jump 2'6" jumps.  He is fearless and quiet. He loves people and he takes care of his little riders. 

So why do we come to the good public asking for donations? 

I am a 2nd year vet student at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. My funds (and time) are limited. I cannot go get 3 more jobs to support my child's extra curricular activities because I am taking 24 credit hours. Oh trust me I would if that's what it took!!  My husband is medically retired from the U.S. Army and is also disabled. We live on his fixed income while I go to school. Therefore, we have very little wiggle room and very little savings while we get through these 4 years. 

The Grandparents have been amazing at funding her horse camp and horse show endeavors so far. We are hoping to raise enough money to either lease Spots for an entire year ($3500) or buy him outright ($7,000). We are going to try and lease him for now and that will give us the next year to save up to buy him!!

I have been in the horse industry most of my life. One thing I have learned is that you cannot put a price tag on the safety of your child. When it comes to good horses and good ponies, it's almost impossible to adequately represent what they are worth in a dollar amount.

Any donation large or small will be greatly appreciated. Though I may not be able to repay you in money, maybe in the future if you need help with your pets, I can return the favor.

The boring part is listed below, but this is a rough breakdown of what it will cost to show and care for Spots in the upcoming year as well as pay for lessons and shows.
Lease: $3500 
or
Buy: $7000
Board: $300 x 12 = $3600
Horse shows (each): $500
Horse camp: $350
Lessons:  ~$160/mth

Once again, thank you!