SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Riding Centers

On the evening of Saturday, May 12th, more than 500 buckaroos in tuxedoes moseyed in to the Downtown Hyatt Regency ballroom to kick-up their heels for SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, at the 2007 Shining Stars Over Texas Shindig.

It’s not a barn dance anymore! At this annual black-tie dinner-dance and auction, Bob Allen, Sports Anchor, KTRK ABC TV 13, returned as emcee for the evening, and shared his personal story about how SIRE benefits children and adults with disabilities.

Guests sat down to a five-course dinner surrounded by glittering table decorations and a backdrop of twinkling white stars. As the auction progressed, patrons danced to music by ‘Sound Advice’ .

This year’s Shining Stars Over Texas Shindig honored two of SIRE’s brightest stars, Jackie and Bill McDonald, of Magnolia, Texas. The generous contributions of time and resources given by this amazing couple enable SIRE to grow and expand their therapeutic riding programs, serving more people with special abilities throughout the Greater Houston Area.

Thanks to the continued support of volunteers like the McDonalds, children and adults with cognitive, physical and emotional disabilities are receiving the life-changing benefits of equestrian therapy.

SIRE was established in 1983 to provide equine-assisted therapy for people with disabilities of all ages. Today, SIRE operates three premier accredited NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) centers in and around Houston, and is recognized as one of the nation’s top therapeutic riding programs.

Each week, approximately 187 clients ride at SIRE Hockley, SIRE Spring, and SIRE Fort Bend @ Sienna Stables.

Hunting PLC announced today that it is donating $100,000 in proceeds from the Hunting Art Prize to SIRE, a Houston-based charity that uses therapeutic horseback riding and related activities to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The contribution includes funds generated from an auction at the April 29 Art Prize gala, as well as a donation based on sales of the finalists’ work shown at the event.

“We are pleased and honored to be able to show our support for SIRE in this way,” said Dennis Proctor, Chief Executive of Hunting, whose U.S. corporate headquarters are located in Houston. “We believe strongly in what the organization does, and are glad for the opportunity to help them grow and gain greater recognition for all that they do.”

SIRE, which stands for Self Improvement through Riding Education, has served the Houston area since 1983. It is one of just 212 therapeutic riding centers to earn Premier Accreditation by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association out of 700 centers nationally.

The Hunting Art Prize relocated to Houston in 2006 after 25 years in London, where it emerged as one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious art competitions. Houston artist Francesca Fuchs won the $50,000 prize, which is one of the most generous in North America.

About Hunting PLC
Hunting PLC is an international oil services company providing support solutions to the world’s largest oil and gas concerns. Established in 1874, it is a fully listed public company, traded on the London Stock Exchange. For further information, visit www.hunting.plc.uk