Marilyn and Harry Swimmer began their Misty Meadows dream in 1968. With three children — Scott, David and Jody — Misty Meadows took shape as a premier facility for the breeding, training and showing of Saddlebred horses. In 1993 the Swimmers changed gears, and dedicated their farm in Weddington to a therapeutic riding program where 70+ special needs children ride horses each week, free of charge, assisted by over 175 wonderful volunteers. Riders with challenges like cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, spina bifida or autism benefit from relationships formed with other students, volunteers and even the horses, whose gentle rhythmic movements closely parallel those of human gaits.
The inspiration for Mitey Riders came in the form of a 6 year old girl by the name of Stacy Marx. When Harry Swimmer sat Stacy on a horse for the first time, she seemed transformed by the experience. Stacy, who is deaf, challenged with poor body coordination and strength, and unable to walk, inspired Harry to research therapeutic riding and to open his heart and his Misty Meadows Farm to others with disabilities.
The partnership between Harry Swimmer and Joy Simon allowed his dream to take shape. Joy Simon, director of Mitey Riders for 16 years, was born and raised in Charlotte where she developed her background in education as well as veterinary and horsemanship. Joy continues to be the driving force in the operations, creativity and results of Misty Meadows Mitey Riders.
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders therapeutic center is fully accredited by NARHA and continues to gain respect of professions like the American Physical Therapy Association and the Occupational Therapy Association.
The Mitey Riders goal is to continue to provide the opportunities and benefits of their program for as long as there are people with physical and mental disabilities.
