The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (NVTRP) celebrated the end of its 30th year with a party recently and looked ahead to 2011 with its unique Year of the Horse Calendar.

According to the organization's web site, the NVTRP is a "non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities, youth-at-risk, and veterans through the challenging, physically-active sport of horseback riding. With our staff and dedicated volunteers NVTRP provides horseback riding lessons six days a week. Horseback riding has been shown to be one of the most beneficial forms of recreation for people with all types of disabilities."

The organization is based at Little Full Cry Farm, in Clifton.

The annual holiday and volunteer appreciation party was held on Sunday, December 12, at the Clifton Presbyterian Church. The invitation to the volunteers was heartwarming:  "We enjoy your company, and we want to give thanks this holiday season for all that we bring to each other's lives."

The evening was a huge success. The parking lot was filled with cars, and the church's multipurpose room was bursting with happy people. 

Guests were greeted by Sue Becker. Instructor Elizabeth Schneck and Ginger Kincade assisted her.

Santa Claus and his lovely wife, Mrs. Claus, were the hit of the party. As the cherubic pair made their rounds, the children's eyes lit up with joyous anticipation. Adults, teens, and children, riders, staff and volunteers - all were delighted to be in each other's company in such a unique setting.

After the guests ate, played and talked with each other, the evening's program was introduced by NVTRP Executive Director Breeana Bornhorst.  The Clifton Lions Club, represented by Jim Chesley, generously donated a check for $7,000, which was raised partly during the Lions' one-of-a-kind Antique Car Show on Labor Day.

A PowerPoint presentation on hippotherapy was next on the agenda.  

"What is that?"  you might wonder. "Are they giving therapy to hippos?"

 "No," Breeana explained. Hippotherapy is "a one-on-one therapy session focusing on working with the horse's movement as a treatment tool." 

"Hippo" is Latin for "horse."

Some remarkable awards brought the holiday program to an end. 

The Golden Ladle was presented to Cindy Rupert for her hospitality during the blizzard of 2010. 

Doniella Kisssinger was recognized as Miss Congeniality. Hardworking Katie Albert received the Golden Pitchfork, and Shari Lama won honors as Rosie the Riveter.

Tom and Kelly Sackett were recipients of the all-important Family Matters ribbon because their entire family is always ready to volunteer on any project.

Kris Allen was declared the Volunteer of the Year. When the snow began falling last winter, she stayed at the barn and helped care for the horses, day and night. In addition, she took all the photographs for the NVTRP 2011 Year of the Horse calendar.

Assistant Director Linda Aikey praised Allen because she always offers the extra pair of hands needed at any farm, but especially one like Little Full Cry that offers so much to so many.

The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Program's calendar for 2011 is undoubtedly among the most spectacular you will see this holiday season (hint, hint). It features 12 beloved horses photographed in normal, natural poses, doing what they like to do best: eating, sleeping, standing, and walking.         

Then the artist's magic kicks in.  Each horse is surrounded by a whimsical background, creating an atmosphere of fantasy that captures the horse's personality or name. Energetic Percy, for example, has a lively step; he is shown with springs on his hooves, bouncing high into the sky. Booker on the other hand is steady, and his presence is commanding, like Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. On his page, Booker is given a tie and eyeglasses and placed inside a stall with as many books as a library. Josh, described as "the original galloping gourmet," is happily eating an enormous lettuce sandwich. The humor on each page will keep you smiling.

These beautiful calendars can be purchased at Little Full Cry Farm, which is located at the intersection of Popes Head and Clifton Roads. You can also buy them online. If you take a quick peek at the Web site, you won't be able to resist them, and if you visit the farm, you won't be able to leave it!