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Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC), a non-profit organization providing therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-facilitated group services to children and adults with physical, social and mental health needs, has been closed to participants and visitors since March 13, 2020 as a result of the Florida Safer at Home Executive Order and coronavirus CDC guidelines and protocols. Children, adults, families and NTRC’s army of dedicated volunteers will get a chance to visit the beautiful campus and NTRC’s beloved therapy horses and staff for a campus drive through parade on April 29, 2020. “Not only are riders missing out on NTRC’s vital therapies to improve their conditions, participants are not receiving the many health benefits our equine groups provide that so many rely on and look forward to every week,” said NTRC Executive Director Missy Lamont. “Our families miss socializing with fellow participants, the staff, volunteers and, of course, their favorite therapy horses. This is a fun way to safely allow us to come back together, show support for each other and stay connected to a place and the people that bring them so much love, encouragement and support until it is safe to reopen our programs.” Media are invited to cover the event, interview a participant family who benefits from NTRC programs, and NTRC staff about the impacts of the coronavirus quarantine and how the non-profit has responded to the needs of the horses and participants during this challenging time. All media will be required to practice safe, social distancing interview practices. WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 6:00 – 7:00 pm WHERE: Naples Therapeutic Riding Center 206 Ridge Drive, Naples, FL 34108 WHO: VISUALS, PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Visuals of horses and staff while families and volunteers safely drive through campus in their cars during the parade. Interviews available upon request: • Missy Lamont, NTRC Executive Director and PATH Certified Equine Specialist • Lea Haven, NTRC Lead Instructor, PATH Certified Equine Specialist and Events and Education Coordinator • Karen Kapelos, mother of Mercedes Johnson, a 17-year old with Down Syndrome who participates in weekly therapeutic riding lessons to help her physically, socially and emotionally