The Miracles in Motion property was abuzz with Halloween spirit Saturday, October 11, as the 76-acre property near Swisher was decked out in decorations, pumpkins, and volunteers clad in spooky costumes for the annual Boo at the Barn event.
Miracles in Motion is a nonprofit organization using therapeutic equine programs to support children and adults with disabilities. Founded in 1988, the farm currently has over a dozen horses in the herd, and volunteers serving over 15,000 hours annually.
“This year we had a record 740 attendees, double the number of guests from just 2 years ago,” said Miracles in Motions volunteer Tina Koepnick.
Hills Bank sponsored a horse parade and the farm’s miniature horses, Lucky, Little Guy, and Mr. Sea, were dressed up as dalmatians from the Disney movie 101 Dalmatians. Besides the dressed up horses, there were obstacle courses for children to complete, games, crafts, food courtesy of Maggie’s Farm Wood-Fired Pizza, and ice cream for dessert from the nearby Freddy’s.
“We would not be able to host the event without our community sponsors and partners,” Koepnick said. “The sponsorships fund the event and help Miracles in Motion continue to carry out its mission as a therapeutic equestrian center. Community partners host the crafts, pumpkin decorating, games and food. As a non-profit Miracles in Motion relies heavily on community support, both business and individuals, to continue our goal to make Miracles.”
At the free admission event, visitors were able to vote for “Horse of the Year,” which the organization says gives thanks and honors the horses who work tirelessly to meet the needs of every individual rider who comes by the facility.
The contest had a goal of raising $15,000 in support of care and maintenance for the horses, and front runners in the contest included Flash, Lucky, and the winning horse, Brett.
Flash is one of the younger horses at the barn, having come to Miracles in 2023. Flash has a snowflake pattern on his back and is commonly used for both hippotherapy and adaptive riding classes due to his smaller size.
Besides the horses, visitors had the option to donate in support of the barn’s farm cats, who help patrol the property. Chips is a fan favorite at Miracles, due to his friendly nature and orange color.
Miracles in Motion has another upcoming seasonal event this winter, called Cocoa, Cookies, and Carols, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Miracles in Motion property.
“Guests will see our barn decorated for the Christmas season, partake in cocoa and cookies, and be entertained by our caroling volunteers,” Koepnick said. “The horses will also have their stockings hung on their stalls in hopes of a treat or two for them. The event is free to the public.”
Overall, Boo at the Barn was a great success for the Miracles in Motion program, and gave the community the opportunity to explore and support the organization that greatly impacts children and adults in the local area.