By Judy Heinrich

 

Ann Loving of Tryon says her Tennessee Walking Horse “Allen” is the epitome of the saying, “Never look a gift horse in the mouth.” Since a friend gave him to Ann and her husband, Frank, more than 20 years ago, Allen has proven to be worth his weight in gold for their family and for FENCE’S Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT) program.

At 31 years old, Allen is not only the longest-serving and oldest TROT horse, he just did something no other TROT horse has: he won a $650 grant for the TROT program.

Loving entered Allen in the “Now That’s a Walking Horse” program sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The program recognizes naturally shod walking horses that excel in various equine disciplines without the pads and chains typically used in the TWH breed performance classes. As part of her application packet, Loving included a story published about Allen in the November 2013 Life in our Foothills magazine.

In announcing to Loving that Allen had won a grant for TROT, HSUS Vice President of Equine Protection Keith Dane wrote, “I wish you all possible success in assisting clients in your local community and in helping to educate others about the wonderful possibilities found in the Tennessee Walking Horse. The best advertisement for the breed is a good example. Thank you and Allen for providing one with each positive step you take while making a difference in people’s lives.”

TROT Program Director Debra Carton said, “Everyone at FENCE is enormously proud that Allen received this honor. It’s huge that he was recognized on a national level and is helping raise awareness of the benefits that horses can provide for therapeutic riding students. We’re all as tickled as the Lovings are.”

Carton says Allen’s grant will be used toward planned TROT program enhancements being implemented before the Spring 2015 session. FENCE conducts two 10-week TROT sessions each year, the first beginning in late March and the second beginning in September.