Mounted Eagles Special Olypmics Equestrian Team

Have you heard the news?

Mounted Eagles has joined Special Olympics of Minnesota! Special Olympics Minnesota believes that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally and socially; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.

Earlier this year, nine Mounted Eagles volunteers were trained under Special Olympic guidelines to become equestrian coaches. Currently there are two athletes who will compete at the state competition on August 20 in North Branch, Minnesota. Alicia Paine of Brainerd is 31 years old and has been riding with Mounted Eagles for 13 years. Justin Fairbanks of Nisswa is 20 years old and has been riding with Mounted Eagles for 11 years. Justin and Alicia are both very excited to be taking their riding experience to the competition. They have been hard at work training specifically for the competition since June 1. Alicia and Justin have been training with horses owned by Mounted Eagles, however, at the competition, they will use horses provided specifically for the competition. This will be a challenge for the riders, as it will not only be an unfamiliar arena but an unfamiliar horse as well. Their coaches feel that Alicia and Justin are trained and ready to adjust to their surroundings and the new horse. Alicia and Justin will both be participating in two events each, English Equitation and English Obstacle. Mounted Eagles is very proud to be associated with such an outstanding organization.

Read about the Area Special Olympic Winners

A special thank you to Spirit Horse Center and Grattan Home Healthcare for sponsoring the Mounted Eagles Special Olympics Equestrian Team.

Any questions, please contact Lynn Fairbanks (218) 963-3936.