Fundraisers benefit therapeutic horseback riding program based in McCandless

Horses and witches may be an odd combo, but are the focus of two major fundraisers for Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania, a McCandless-based therapeutic horseback riding program for children with disabilities.

First is the Ride-a-Thon, a 12-mile horseback riding adventure around North Park, scheduled for Oct. 6. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The ride begins at the North Park Show Ring and lasts until noon. There’s a minimum donation of $30 to participate.

Participants must bring their own horses. Trailer parking is available at the horse show ring. The ride will feature well-marked and cleared trails.

All riders who donate the $30 will receive a T-shirt. Riders who raise $100 in pledges receive a sweatshirt, and for $500, a gift certificate and recognition at an awards dinner in the spring.

A Witch’s Tea will be held on Oct. 26 at noon at the Sewickley Hills Borough Building.

The event will feature a Spellbound Chinese Acution, food and prizes for door, costume and hats. Call 412-498-6450 for tickets or stop by the Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania barn at 9950 Grubbs Road in McCandless.

RHWPA Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that teaches children with special needs to ride horses. It has been in operation for more than 40 year

For more information, call 724-443-4485 or visit www.rhwpa.org.