Dare County Schools

FUN!
"FUN"! is how FFHS alum Krystal Johnston summed her experience at North Carolina's October 2011 Special Olympics. Krystal has been riding 21 Sundancer (Sunny) under FFHS teacher Sam Iulo,  who is a certified Equestrian Special Olympics coach/PATH Certified Instructor at MANE & TAILL Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy since the program opened in 2009. Here she is at various points in the competition, with Sunny; with her partner in selected events, Abigail Rippin, and Iulo's son Carver. Abigail competed with Krystal in the Unified Partner Relay race where they received the bronze medal. Krystal is already thinking about next year's competition.

With the expertise of First Flight High School teacher Samantha Iulo, FFHS alum Krystal Johnston trained to successfully compete in the October 1 and 2 NC Special Olympics Equestrian Competition in Raleigh, NC. Krystal has been riding 21 Sundancer (Sunny) under Iulo, who is a certified Equestrian Special Olympics coach/PATH Certified Instructor.  "Krystal has been riding with MANE & TAILL Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy since the program opened in 2009," reports Iulo.  "During the time Krystal has been at MANE & TAILL, her mom, Ann Johnston, has seen the positive impact that horseback riding has provided to Krystal."  In fact, Ann Johnston is one of the founding board members of MANE & TAILL, serving as an essential volunteer during Krystal's training and at the show.  "Sunny's owner, Abigail Rippin, and her mom, Trish Rippin, volunteered the use of their wonderful horse, as well as helping Krystal prepare for the show  - even volunteering at the show themselves in support of Krystal's efforts.  Abigail competed with Krystal in the Unified Partner Relay race where they had fun, gained confidence, and received the bronze medal!"

Special Olympics Unified Events are opportunities for athletes with special needs to compete with their non-disabled peers.  "Krystal also competed in individual competition with six other Special Olympic Equestrian Athletes in categories including Western Showmanship, Western Trail, and Western Equitation, and by all account did a did fabulous job - receiving two fourth and one sixth places." No wonder that Krystal is already thinking about next year's competition!" Ann Johnston reflects that it was a remarkable event and one of the most memorable experiences of her life. 

Iulo extends appreciation to NC Special Olympics for providing housing and meals to the athletes, volunteers, and coaches during the event, local Special Olympics Coordinator Renate Macchirole, Dare County Schools Exceptional Children's Director George Graham, Dare County Parks and Recreation's Spencer Gregory, the OBX Autism Society, the Wright Place, and of course Trish Rippin - for their enthusiastic support.  

MANE & TAILL Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy is a non-profit, volunteer based program that provides area children and adults with special needs an opportunity to learn horsemanship and horseback riding in a safe, nurturing environment.  For more information, visit MANE & TAILL online, http://maneandtaill.org.

photos courtesy Samantha Iulo
collaborative copy Iulo/sps