Catching a Dream ~ Dream Catchers!

Last night, Jen and I were invited to attend the 20th annual fundraising dinner for Dream Catchers.  We weren’t familiar with the organization but it sure sounded like a worthy cause. Special needs children and adults learn to ride horses, resulting in tremendous therapeutic gains both psychologically and physically.

The attire was “country chic” and the sit down dinner was held in a large riding barn with a dirt floor.  Our sponsor for the evening, David, a good friend and one of the most generous guys I know, got to wear his black, alligator cowboy boots and his wife Dawn looked every bit the cowgirl.  Jeans with bolo ties and cowboy hats made everyone a cowboy.  Unfortunately, all I had to dress the part was a denim polo shirt with the pony logo.  Jen got rid of my roach killer cowboy boots long ago!  ☺

Through the years I haven’t painted as many horses as I thought I would. They are such beautiful animals, full of personality and smarts.  Here are a few detailed shots of horses that I’ve painted over the years. People are passionate about their horses just like we are about our two little shih-tzus.  Obviously, the special needs children/adults, whom we watched ride last night with big smiles on their faces, love the horses and riding too.    

Countryside Chateau by William R. Beebe

Cotswolds by Horseback by William R. Beebe

Riding Alongside the Little Eye Stream, Cotswolds​, by William R. Beebe

Point to Point, by William R. Beebe

The Dream Catchers organization is helping provide a wonderful service and opportunity to these participants and their families.  They raised quite a bit of money last night, but the organization has operational costs of $700,000 a year.  If you can help in any way, and have a little cowboy or cowgirl in you, or can empathize with these children’s life challenges, please check out Dream Catchers website and give what you can.