Kids & Horses hosts events this week

Staff Reports

High school students are encouraged to showcase their talents and compete for scholarship money while benefiting kids in need at the Sierra Star Search annual fundraising event for the Kids & Horses therapeutic riding program for children and adults with special needs.

Tryouts are 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Douglas High School, and 6-7:30 p.m. Friday at Incline High School.

The contest will feature the top 10-15 finalists, 5-10 p.m. Sept. 11, at the Crystal Bay Club in Crystal Bay. Prize money includes $700 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.

The Kids & Horses annual western barbecue, silent and live auctions and Sierra Star Search is Sept. 11 at the Crystal Bay Club, North Lake Tahoe. Purchase tickets at www.kidsandhorses.org or (775) 771-5512.

Kids & Horses offers a tack sale Saturday and a free community barbecue Sunday at their ranch at 2869 Esaw St., Minden.

The tack sale is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. The community is invited to tour the ranch, watch Kids & Horses students compete, and enjoy a complimentary barbecue provided by event sponsor Walmart of Carson Valley at the community and media play day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

Kids and Horses is a nonprofit corporation offering therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with disabilities since 1999. The Kids & Horses facility in Minden is a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Premier Accredited Center. Instructors are certified through NARHA, a national organization that provides leadership, operating standards, safety rules, regulations and insurance coverage for approved centers.