White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center (WHOA) uses equine-assisted activities to provide recreational, educational, therapeutic, and social opportunities for people with physical and cognitive disabilities.  The not-for-profit organization serves individuals ages four through adult.

Tawny Wiersema noted, “Just as an interesting note, we started out with 26 students in the spring of 2018.  By the fall session of last year, we had served 40 students.  We [had] 30 students sign up for this spring and even more for the summer session!”

The bad news is, because of the weather, on Saturday, June 22, 2019, Tawny Wiersema was forced to cancel the White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center (WHOA) Annual Benefit Horse Show, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield Street, Morrison, IL. 

The good news is White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center (WHOA) will host its sixth Annual Benefit Horse Show, on Saturday, September 14, at the Gold Star FS Arena in the Whiteside County Fairgrounds.  Mark your calendar for that family event.

These attractive, well-groomed horses, owned by WHOA Instructor Bethany Schmitt, 21, were being led to their trailer at 11:30 a.m. on June 22, for a ride home to Harmon, IL.  They enjoyed a clover break and allowed the Editor to capture their splendor up close.

Standing in front of the 22-year-old Palomino Paint “Karson” is Allie Wiersema, 22, who is a WHOA Volunteer.

Schmitt stands behind “Johnny,” her nine-year-old Miniature Horse breed.

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