Two riders from Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Center in southeastern Ohio, Ellayna Gallis and Emma Arnold, achieved first-place wins in the National Adaptive Virtual Horse Show (NAVHS), a competition designed for adaptive equestrians to compete safely from their home arenas. The virtual format offers a less stressful and more inclusive alternative to traditional horse shows, allowing riders to perform with familiar horses in comfortable settings, thereby reducing anxiety and risk.

Breaking Free, a nonprofit therapeutic riding center, plans to expand its participation by forming an official show team in 2026 to compete in all four NAVHS events and pursue year-end awards. The program aims not only to foster accomplishment but also to teach showmanship skills in an inclusive environment that celebrates the determination and perseverance of riders with disabilities.