Foster Children Learn While Visting Farm

    Morning Star Cowboy Church, located west of Umatilla on Bridle Path Lane, on Saturday hosted a special event for youth in the state’s foster program. An estimated 25 youth came to the church’s ranch property for a day of close contact with horses and other four-legged friends.
   “They were city kids,” said Mark Gould, pastor of the church. “A lot of them had never seen horses or donkeys before.”
   The children learned roping, grooming, and other skills associated with the equestrian experience.
   The program was part of the church’s larger goal of serving those with special needs.
   “Our goal is to work with special needs children,” Gould says.
   To that end, the church will host a local event for its Special Olympics equestrian team this coming Saturday, January 27. Beginning at 10 a.m., the team will compete in a local competition that serves as a rung on the ladder that could eventually lead to national competition.
   The event starts at 10 a.m. at the church, which is located at 40516 Bridle Path Lane, Leesburg. The public is encouraged to attend.
   “Having someone up there smiling and clapping for them is really inspiring to the kids, they love it,” Gould said.