Allen Bornscheuer came from Long Island New York and found his home here in Spring Hill, Florida surrounded by land, stables and horses. He has well over 25 years of experience in horse training as well as showing and competition. Bornsheuer and his business partner Cherina Avery aim to enable strong bonds between people and horses. “We are building confidence with every ride,” Bornscheuer said.
Going on eight years in Spring Hill, Serenity Stables LLC is owned and managed by Allen Bornscheuer and his family. Sunday October 4, 2015 was their fifth horse show in association with the Horses for Hope breast cancer charity. “We always want to have a horse show for these kids,” Bornscheuer said. “But we also want to benefit some charity and Horses for Hope is a great equestrian breast cancer combination charity,” he added.
The Serenity Stables event is an all-breed show and grouped by age. The competition consists of thirty classes including Saddle seat, Hunt seat and Western. It accommodates each age group and style of riding. For Kelli Hatton and her daughter, Katelyn this is more than a show. “I grew up riding in Georgia, but a very different style, I was a barrel racer,” Kelli Hatton said. Daughter Katelyn started taking lessons and asked her mother to join her. A year and a half later this is Kelli’s second show. She competes in equitation and showmanship. “This gives us good quality time, it’s something special,” Kelli stated.
Horses for Hope connected with Serenity Stables LLC through the Saddlebred community. The American Saddlebred is a breed of horse descended from the horses of the American Revolution. “Our missions are to promote breast cancer awareness, education and referral to the people within the equine industry,” explained Sally Dugan, representative for Horses for Hope. “Any event that they [Serenity Stables] have we are happy to come to,” she stated.
Bornscheuer offers events, shows and riding lessons from four years old to seniors. He also has organized a program called S.E.A.T. (Serenity Esquire Assistant Therapy). This program gives individuals with special needs the chance to learn about and develop a relationship with horses. Cherina Avery, who holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology, works hand in hand with those individuals. “We work with people with mental disorders every weekend,” Avery explained. Building a relationship with a horse may help those that have disabilities to learn self-esteem and trust. Avery would like to expand their S.E.A.T. program so that they can help more people with disabilities. The clients work with the horses from grooming and building confidence to preparing for the next step: riding.
Serenity Stables LLC goes even further within their 10 acre farm, they have rescued six horses. “I would love to give more awareness to horse rescues,” Avery said. Avery works with two rescue groups on a regular basis and one here in Brookville, Ohana Horse Rescue.
Rain was intermittent throughout the event, but the clouds cleared just enough for the youngest riders to compete. The event was a success for many. Makayla Mildener age 7, on her second show rode Chaucer, American Saddlebred, and competed in the walk-trot-lead line show. Rebecca Sayre, Mildener’s cousin competed in her first show. Being around horses is exciting for these girls. “They are so fast, they are really big and really cute,” Sayre said.
For more information about Serenity Stables and other services they provide, you can visit their website at www.serenitystablesfl.com
