The experts at Bubba’s Fence donated all labor and used their equipment to complete the Hillcrest project.
When Tony Mendola, President and Principal Owner of Oxford Downs Race Track in Summerfield, Florida, heard about MTRA’s crisis with their 30 year old fencing at the Hillcrest School facility, he didn’t hesitate to put the wheels in motion. MTRA had been contacting local businesses and spreading the word that the fencing at their Hillcrest School facility was sorely in need of replacement or repair, and that they simply didn’t have the funds to make those repairs.
“If our fences at Hillcrest were not repaired, it simply wouldn’t be safe to conduct our fall classes,” said Vinson Willits, Director on MTRA’s board and Tony’s initial point of contact. “The materials alone would run into the thousands, not to mention the specialized equipment needed and the labor hours involved.”
Vinson and Tony first met at an Ocala Chamber of Commerce event and the two stayed in touch. When Tony suggested he had a fencing contractor that might also be able to help, then offered his credit line at Sparr Building & Farm Supply, the project began to move forward quickly. The experts at Bubba’s Fence in Ocala donated their labor and equipment to the project and met with MTRA to determine what needed to be replaced or repaired.
Gail Dufresne, Barn Manager at MTRA, organized a group of volunteers to tear down the old fencing where needed in preparation for Bubba’s Fence to come in and erect the new fencing.
Terri Oliver, President of the Central Florida Horsemen’s Association, secured additional funding for materials and made sure this project would be completed right to the end. “Our fencing was as old as the program, and it was a daunting project for us,” said Willits. “Tony and his generous contacts really made a difference. The kids are back in the saddle again!”
For over 30 years, Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, Inc. has been providing therapeutic horseback riding lessons to the students at Marion County’s Hillcrest School at no charge to the school system or their students. MTRA is a 501(c)3 corporation and is a PATH International Premier Accredited Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center. We offer the miraculous benefits of therapeutic horseback riding to persons of all ages and capabilities that are physically, mentally or emotionally challenged. We offer a full range of equine assisted activities, including Freedom Reins @MTRA, our program for Veterans, as well as equine assisted mental health and learning, even classes for victims of MS that are funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
To find out more about how you can help keep MTRA’s miracles happening in Ocala, the Horse Capital of the World™, visit our How You Can Help page.