The McCormick Research Institute hosted its Horses & Heroes Roundup on Saturday, March 1, bringing together hundreds of supporters for a day of exciting rodeo entertainment and meaningful fundraising. The event showcased horse trick riding, Roman riding demonstrations, rope tricks, and cowboy gun expertise, all while supporting the institute’s life-changing programs for veterans and individuals with special needs. Read More Entertainment
The McCormick Research Institute hosted its Horses & Heroes Roundup on Saturday, March 1, bringing together hundreds of supporters for a day of exciting rodeo entertainment and meaningful fundraising. The event showcased horse trick riding, Roman riding demonstrations, rope tricks, and cowboy gun expertise, all while supporting the institute’s life-changing programs for veterans and individuals with special needs.
Attendees witnessed daring horseback performances, including balloon-shooting stunts at full gallop, while also enjoying pony rides, food trucks, raffles, and other family-friendly activities. But beyond the entertainment, the event highlighted one of McCormick’s core missions—helping veterans overcome PTSD through equine-assisted therapy.
A Legacy of Healing and Research
Originally founded as Heavenly Hooves in 2002, the McCormick Research Institute has grown into an internationally recognized leader in equine-assisted therapy. The organization first gained recognition by providing horseback experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses at Give Kids the World Village. Today, their Heavenly Hooves program continues to serve individuals with disabilities, while the Horses & Heroes program, established in collaboration with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, provides therapeutic horseback riding for veterans struggling with PTSD.
In 2013, Osceola County recognized the organization’s growing impact, voting to build a dedicated facility to support its expanding research and educational initiatives. The organization was officially rebranded as McCormick Research Institute in 2014, honoring the legacy of Bazy McCormick Tankersley, a pioneering community leader whose family helped shape American journalism and politics.
A Call to Action: Support McCormick’s Mission
The Horses & Heroes Roundup serves as a vital fundraiser to ensure that McCormick Research Institute can continue providing transformative therapy for veterans and individuals with disabilities. The institute also remains committed to advocating for standardized equine therapy programs, pushing for recognition by Congress and insurance companies to make this life-changing treatment more widely available.
To support McCormick Research Institute and learn more about their Heavenly Hooves and Horses & Heroes programs, visit mccormick.us.
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