Jillian Masciantonio spent most of the weekend multitasking.

She handed out ribbons to winning horse handlers in a show arena at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds under a blazing July sun.

She listened for her name on a radio in between taking questions from a reporter to make sure the Summer Showcase Charity Horse Show ran smoothly. It’s a third annual fundraiser for the Making Strides Foundation, the nonprofit she founded.

And she brushed therapy horse Sid’s forelock to prepare him for the leadline class, where he toted a youngster on his back around the arena.

Scott Bash of North Huntingdon donated Sid to the foundation a few years ago. He said it’s important to him to support the nonprofit because of its unique mission — using horses as modes of therapy for children and young adults who have disabilities.

“I don’t think even Jill realizes what a difference she’s making,” he said. “The bigger it gets, the more they’re going to help people.”

Making Strides Foundation provides occupational and speech therapy using the movement of a horse, also known as hippotherapy, as well as adaptive riding lessons and group events. There are about nine therapy horses and their services are in need, Masciantonio said. Approximately 15 people are on the nonprofit’s wait list.

“It’s important to provide a safe and inclusive and fun space for people with disabilities,” she said.

The Summer Showcase Charity Horse Show, held over the weekend, is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit. Proceeds go toward expenses for the horses’ care and programming.

Louis B. Ruediger | TribLive Laurel Daniels, 19, of Ligonier Township, warms up before competing in the Making Strides Foundation horse show Saturday, July 12, at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds.  

Masciantonio, an occupational therapist, hopes to raise enough money to add a roof to a second arena at Making Strides’ Penn Township farm to allow for the nonprofit’s growth.

The show kicked off Friday night with foundation riders getting into the open-air arena at the fairgrounds. Weekly sessions are in a covered arena without any spectators. During the show, the riders displayed the skills they’ve learned through Making Strides.

“Having that inclusive community is really important to us,” Masciantonio said.

The event continued Saturday and Sunday with a variety of competition categories, ranging from adult and youth showmanship to barrel racing. There was quite a variety in show outfits, too — from the sparkly jackets worn by Western riders to the English apparel of light pants, tall riding boots and a dark jacket.

Horse handlers from around the region waited for their turn in the ring, practicing movements with their animals or taking a break in the barn by the stalls.

It’s one of the few charity shows around, said Maria Daniels of Ligonier Township. Her daughter Laurel Daniels, 19, won showmanship competitions in her age group and for all ages Saturday with her horse, Elsa.

“This is so good for able-bodied and not,” Maria Daniels said. “It teaches them so much confidence, it teaches them you win some, you lose some. And, really, it gives them grit because they’re hot … and you just have to keep showing.”

Louis B. Ruediger | TribLive Parker Sumey, 8, helps his father Nick bathe his horse, Tiger, after competing in the Making Strides Foundation horse show Saturday, July 12, at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds.  

Bash was gratified to see Sid, the horse he donated to Making Strides, making a difference in his second career helping people overcome disabilities.

“It was really rewarding (Friday) night to see how excited the kids are and the parents,” he said.

Bash’s daughters Leah, 13, and Kate, 12, also participated in the weekend’s competitions with their horses.

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---