CITRA, FL (352today.com) – During last month’s Give4Marion drive, the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County (ELCMC) exceeded their fundraising goal of $10,000. In celebration of the milestone, officials got their hands dirty mucking a horse stall on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The ELCMC credits its partnership with Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center and the ELCMC officials’ pledged to muck a horse stall to motivate donor contributions. That’s why they took the reins by helping out in the stables on this day, all while wearing their best formal attire.

The ELCMC CEO Carrie Theall and Board Chair Todd Panzer cleaned up after Mac, one of the therapeutic horses at Stirrups ‘n Strides. Courtesy: Elora Pfriender/352today

The ELCMC says it successfully raised over $12,250 to serve children and parents in Marion County: 469% more than in 2022. Stirrups ‘n Strides also raised over $9,000 through Give4Marion this year to fund therapeutic horseback riding programs for people with disabilities, according to its website.

Today’s celebratory clean-up was livestreamed on ELCMC’s Facebook page. With pitchforks in hand, the ELCMC’s CEO Carrie Theall and Board Chair Todd Panzer stepped into the stall in their sleek outfits and shiny boots.

Panzer mucked the stall in a suit and tie, while Theall donned an elegant gown and black opera gloves. Courtesy: Elora Pfriender/352today

Theall and Panzer picked up after Mac, a very calm and sweet 16-year-old Morgan and Irish Sport Horse mix. Although he’d only been in the stall for a few hours since it’s last cleaning, there was lots of work to be done.

“We know a horse is not sick when they’re pooping a lot,” said Betty Gray, founder and Executive Director of Stirrups ‘n Strides.

“Yes, this horse is very healthy,” Theall agreed, earning laughs from the crowd.

Betty Gray, founder and Executive Director of Stirrups ‘n Strides, gave the ELCMC officials a demonstration before they got to work. Courtesy: Elora Pfriender/352today

Once the stall was all cleaned out, Panzer extended his gratitude to donors on behalf of both the ELCMC and Stirrups ‘n Strides. Both Gray and Theall shared the sentiment.

“It’s a great example of two nonprofits working together to meet their goals,” said Theall.

The ELCMC aims to support local childcare, pre-K programs and parent education in Marion County. For more information, call 352-369-2315 or visit ELCMC’s website.

Stirrups ‘n Strides aims to help riders of all ages – its youngest participant is four years old, and the oldest in in their 80s, according to Gray – to improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being. The organization also helps enter Marion County riders into the Special Olympics, including Gray’s own daughter, Kathy Gray, who is a Special Olympic gold medalist in horseback riding and for whom Betty Gray founded the organization. For more information, visit the Stirrups ‘n Strides website or Facebook page.

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