MPISD students attend Hooves and Halos

• A volunteer tells Jazziel Resendiz about some of the animals that live on the ranch
• Ruben Saavedra enjoys a horseback ride
• Leo Sambueso takes a turn on the mechanical bull COURTESY PHOTOS

MPISD students had the opportunity to do a little horsing around on Thursday, March 28. The cowboys and cowgirls for the day loaded the wagon at MPHS and set off on a trail ride to Winnsboro for the annual Hooves and Halos event. Hooves and Halos is an organization which provides equine and recreational programs to individuals and their families, children and adults that are physically or mentally challenged, discouraged, or disadvantaged.

Hooves and Halos has been in operation since the spring of 2014. The first event began with only about 15 children and has grown exponentially since. It has operated at multiple venues including a small church arena in Winnsboro, the Mount Pleasant Civic Center Ag Pavilion, and back to Winnsboro at the City Park and Rodeo Arena. But after the pandemic shutdown, a new plan was hatched to move it to the Winnsboro home and ranch of the Hooves and Halos creators, Johnny and Johnette Poole.

The event includes hayrides, a mechanical bull, games and activities, a playground, horseback riding, a petting zoo, Longhorns, and more. Guests are served hamburgers and hot dogs, with volunteers serving around 200 people every 30 minutes. Participants receive a free t-shirt and make a trip into the mercantile to pick out a stuffed animal, Bible, and book.

The event is completely free, funded solely on donations. Over the years, donations have even provided for accessible restroom facilities including suites for wheelchairs and changing stations for attendees requiring diaper changes.

To learn more about the event, to donate, or to volunteer, visit their website at https://hoovesandhalos. org.