Three buses full of eager and excited children will arrive at Breezy Hill Stables from Children’s Hospital on Saturday, May 20 to spend the day in the country with horses and fun activities in hopes of leaving their illnesses miles away.

Breezy Hill’s Family Fun Day is not only a day of fun for the children who participate in the stable’s Life Horse program but is also open to area families to enjoy a day together.

Founded in 1966 by Margaret Hadley, the Life Horse program was originally created to offer terminally ill children a relationship with horses. Joe Topper, owner of Breezy Hill Stables, took over the Life Horse program when the organization’s founder was unable to continue the operation. The program offers therapeutic riding and fun family events free of charge for church groups, special needs groups, at-risk children groups and others. Life Horse is completely funded by donations and work is performed by volunteers.

Joe has expanded the program to welcome not only terminally ill children but all groups of all ages who face a variety of needs. "Anyone been affected by a loss or illness welcome to ride here," said Joe.

The Family Fun Day is a way to welcome these youth and to welcome the community to see the Life Horse program in action.

"Twice a year we like to have people come to the farm to enjoy these activities – especially those who don’t normally have the opportunity to," said Joe. "I really enjoy helping others through Breezy Hill."

Joe also helps others in the community by lending a hand when needed. He has helped support fundraising activities through pony rides, has loaned his moonbounce and milking station, and much more.

Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday, May 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Breezy Hill Stables, 15117 Mud College Rd. in Thurmont.

The community is invited to join the activities and enjoy food, a moonbounce, pony rides, a milking station, hay rides, face painting and other activities. Family Fun Day is free of charge however donations are accepted for the Life Horse program.

Breezy Hill Stables is a full-service riding facility offering boarding, lessons, a summer day camp program, horse training, leasing and sales, and birthday parties.

For more information on Breezy Hill Stables and or the Life Horse program, call 301-271-4133.