Rowan County celebrated the outstanding achievements of four local athletes—Sarah Fisher, Emily Hall, Rose Toole, and Maggie Fitzgerald—who competed in the Special Olympics North Carolina State Equestrian Tournament at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. Collectively, they won five gold and three silver medals across various equestrian disciplines, demonstrating exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Their training and support came from Saving Grace Farm, a Salisbury-based nonprofit providing equine-assisted services, which also supplied horses and volunteers for the event.

In addition to the athletes’ successes, the Rowan County team received the Neatest Tack Stall Award for their organization and presentation, while Pumpkin, a Norwegian Fjord horse from Saving Grace Farm, was honored as Horse of the Year. The tournament offers athletes with intellectual disabilities a platform to compete in a supportive environment, fostering talent and lifelong skills. Saving Grace Farm and Special Olympics coordinators continue to support and promote equestrian opportunities in the community.