The Therapeutic Riding Institute‘s mission is “to enhance the quality of life for children and adults that have a variety of challenges by providing accredited therapeutic equine experiences in a safe, fun and compassionate environment.”  The riding therapy program contains six learning components: mounting, warm up, lesson, exercise, games and dismounting. Riders learn basic skills by learning to ride a horse. Students benefit from physical activity, mental stimulation, extended communication opportunities and new peer relationships.  The experiences carry over into the students’ every day activities by giving them confidence to try new challenging experiences.

To help further their mission and inspire some friendly competition among local businesses, asking them to “adopt” a horse for The Great TRI Horse Race and  fundraise for their keep. You’ve got til  May 21st, 2021 at 11:59pm to help these horses cross the finish line.

Here’s the line up for the race with current standings:

Visit one of the participating business, like Warped Wing Barrel Room & Smokery in Springboro and you’ll see this horseshoe on the bar. Scan the QR code to “bet” on their horse  Chance and contribute to TRI.  Donors who contribute will receive a TRI pint glass koozie.

Dust off those capes, grab your pet and go the distance with us! The animals are calling, and they need your help! For the 29^th annual Furry Skurry, we are all staying safe and staying socially distant by taking all the fun and turning it into a month-long, action-packed virtual event.

Join the Humane Society of Greater Dayton as we train together, stay motivated together and build a community with other walking and running pet lovers! The ultimate mission, to raise awareness and much-needed funds to help the homeless animals that need our help right here in the Miami Valley.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW AT WWW.HSDAYTON.ORG/FS

“The Virtual Furry Skurry is an excellent time to safely get out in the fresh air and start moving all while supporting the animals,” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “The wonderful thing about this year’s all virtual event is that you can join in on the fun no matter where you are in the world.”

Since this year’s event runs for the entire month of September, it looks slightly different than previous years. Instead of doing the typical 5K race, we have a new goal in mind – walking 25,000 miles overall! In just five years, it is estimated that the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has impacted the lives of 25,000 animals here in the Dayton community. As we come together to celebrate those animals who got their second chances, we ask you to help us reach our goal of walking (or running) 25,000 miles overall throughout the month of September in honor of the next 25,000 animals who will need us to be their voice and provide them with the love and care they deserve.

Despite being a virtual event, participants can still feel like part of the Furry Skurry community. We have a Virtual Furry Skurry Group on Facebook where they can engage and interact with other participants. In addition, we will have weekly contests, tips and more to keep people motivated throughout the month. We will also mail each registered person their participant swag, so they don’t miss out on any of the fun goodies that come along with being a part of the event’s festivities.

“This is a great way to come together with your family to help a good cause,” said Weltge. “You can build a team, challenge friends and coworkers or just get out and move with your favorite pet. No matter how you choose to move, the end result will be that you are helping to raise awareness and support the animals in our care and for that you are a superhero in our eyes!”

To participate in this event, visit www.hsdayton.org/FS. Participants can register at any point from now through the end of September.

Where Do the Funds Go?

All proceeds raised from this event help care for the homeless animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton receives no government funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals, companies and grants to run nearly all of the programs and services it offers to the community. They are dedicated to building loving relationships between people and pets. Founded 118 years ago, it is a no-kill animal shelter and the oldest, most-established animal welfare agency in the area. It focuses on pet adoptions, eliminating pet overpopulation, providing education and ensuring the humane treatment of animals.  For more information about the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, call (937) 268-PETS (7387) or visit www.hsdayton.org.