Ranch Life 101 Summer Program Opens at Berkshire HorseWorks

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RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks' Ranch Life 101 summer program, now in its third season, is open for registration. 
 
The program, held on a private seven-acre ranch in Richmond, is designed for children ages 5-12. 
 
Running for six weeks from June 30 to Aug. 7, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Ranch Life 101 offers an immersive experience for young horse enthusiasts.
 
Co-facilitated by early education specialist Chris Ciepiela and Eagala advanced certified equine specialist Hayley Sumner, the program focuses on life skill development through interaction with horses. Activities include ground-based and mounted exercises, basic riding skills, yoga, trail walking, ranch chores, and nature-based arts and crafts.
 
The program emphasizes personal growth, fostering patience, friendship, trust, confidence, responsibility, and mentorship. Scholarships and sliding scales are available to ensure accessibility for all interested children.
 
Berkshire HorseWorks is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has been providing equine-assisted therapies and activities for 10 years. They have served over 3,500 individuals, including at-risk youth, veterans, and families. For more information or to register, contact Berkshire HorseWorks at 413-698-3700 or info@berkshirehorseworks.com.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire Special Olympics Returns to Monument Mountain

iBerkshires.com Sports
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. – Hundreds of athletes of all ages converged at Monument Mountain Regional High School Wednesday for the 45th annual Berkshire County Special Olympics meet.
 
Runners, jumpers and throwers from throughout the county put themselves to the test and were recognized for their accomplishments.
 
As always, one of the highlights of the day was the banner parade, when Special Olympians from various teams make their way around the track to be honored by the fans in attendance.
 
This year, the newly-created Lee High School/Monument Mountain Unified Sports team had the honor of leading the athletes behind a contingent of local law enforcement officers.
 
Unified Sports, an initiative of Special Olympics and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, allows students with intellectual disabilities to compete in basketball in the winter and track in the summer alongside peers without disabilities while representing their schools.
 
Coaches varsity student-athletes from around South County participated in Wednesday’s event, helping to coordinate competition on two sides of the track and throughout the infield.
 
This year’s meet was dedicated to the memory of longtime Special Olympian Michele Adler, who competed for the Berkshire County-based Red Raiders team for more than 20 years and represented Massachusetts as a bowler at the 2010 USA Games.
 
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