Harmony Farms Golf Tournament Remembers Ryan Moore

Equine-assisted therapy facility honors autistic child 

On what would have been his 7th birthday, Ryan Moore was remembered at the Ryan Moore Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Harmony Farms on Saturday, October 1st at Viera East Golf Course, 2300 Clubhouse Drive, Viera 32955.  Golfers of all ages and skill levels were invited to participate. The 8:30 a.m. shotgun start marked the beginning of a day of golf to commemorate the life of young Ryan Moore, an autistic youngster who participated in the equine-assisted therapy program at Harmony Farms before his death in 2009. 

     The ball drop was from a ladder truck belonging to Fire station #48 in Viera and Ryan’s favorite pony, Star, made an appearance at the tournament.  Harmony Farms, Inc. is a not-for profit, 501(c)(3) volunteer-based charity providing equine assisted activities and therapy to individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Begun in 1992 by Pam Rogan, the Viera, Florida facility is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).  Harmony Farms accepts people of all ages with physical, mental, emotional, and/or behavioral disabilities. Therapeutic riding sessions and other equine assisted activities incorporate games, exercises and fun.  Harmony Farms Inc. strives to promote understanding of the positive impact that horses can have in the lives of people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.       

     The event is close to the heart of Harmony Farms Executive Director, Pam Rogan. “This will be a bittersweet day for all of us.  Our fundraiser this year is on what would have been Ryan’s 7th birthday.  He was an absolute little angel who used to ride with us.  Ryan loved his pony, Star – and she loved him back,” said Rogan.  “His family continues to support Harmony Farms and we hope area golfers will, too.”  

     The colors for the event were significant too.  White, lime & lavender are the colors for “Buzz Lightyear,” Ryan's favorite toy.   The event raised $14,000 last year for the equine-assisted therapy programs at Harmony Farms, with 126 golfers participating.

For more information on the Ryan Moore Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Harmony Farms, call tournament organizer Pam Morrison at (321) 474-0162. For more general information about Harmony Farms visit their website at www.HarmonyFarmsInc.com or call (321) 631-9433.