Brittney Chambers was eager to get back into the rhythm of the busy season after the holidays brought a slower time in her barn, out of which she runs CBC Therapeutic Horseback Riding Academy in Elk Grove, CA. CBC Equine was founded to provide a resource for the local community in the form of riding lessons and therapeutic sessions. Since its founding, CBC Equine has become an integral part of the Sacramento county area and its surroundings, partnering with safe houses, after-school programs, youth programs, and other communities seeking a connection with horses.
But that all came to a flooding halt earlier this month, as winter rain storms ravaged the California landscape unaccustomed to taking on such large quantities of water at once.
“The levee had broken,” Brittney described. The barn her business uses is on a property that houses multiple riding programs, and the flooding made for some necessary evacuations to higher ground. “The water just came right across our back field and our barn was right there.”
Lost to the floodwaters were several small animals kept for use in the therapeutic program, as well as the classroom used for educational sessions and most of the supplies CBC Equine needs to continue providing its services to the community.
Compounding on the stressful situation was the impact on the business finances, Brittney explained. After a holiday break, where many kids didn’t come in for lessons, the program was in need of revenue — and then, the rains came. “It’s been hard, financially, for us,” Brittney continued. “Since the road has re-opened, we’ve been able to start getting some make-up lessons in, but between the lost revenue and the lost assets, we’re hurting a little.”
CBC Equine started an Amazon Wish List, much of which has been fulfilled but to which more items are still being added as the damages continue to be assessed on site. “There’s still a lot on our wish list we could use,” Brittney said. “I didn’t want a million things on the list at one time, so I’ve added new things as things have gotten purchased. On the website, people wanting to help can also donate financially through PayPal. I was able to get us a new classroom furniture set, but there are definitely other things that we need — our wishlist is wonderful.”
With about 100 students in the program and more community organizations reaching out regularly to join, it’s important that CBC Equine is able to get back to full operations. For most of the kids riding with Brittney and her team, their weekly lessons are their only access point to horses — and we all know how impactful “the bug” can be once caught! Let’s help CBC Equine get back on its feet: you can donate via the program’s Amazon Wish List here or directly on their website here.
