I'm sure most everyone has watched "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" on TV at some point.  For those of you that are unfamiliar with the show, Ty Pennington and a design crew help deserving families.  They rebuild homes for these families.

On October 14, 2007, they visited Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program in Maryland.  Freedom Hills is a non-profit organization.  They do not turn anyone away, including those that are unable to pay for the services.  The Riding Program relies on donations and the income from the program to maintain and upkeep the farm.  Due to some personal problems, plus 2 children to raise, the owner, a single mom, was struggling to keep up with everything on the farm.

The owners were unaware of the crew coming to their farm.  Not only did the crew replace the home, which was in bad shape, they also refurbished the existing barn ane built an indoor arena. The old barn had included a tiny indoor riding area.  The barn originally had 14 stalls and was in desperate need of repair.  The huge home was built by Clark Turner Signature Homes and the indoor arena and barn was erected by Paul Risk Associates.  The barn includes 17 stalls, a wash stall with hot and cold running water, a tack room, a brand new office and kitchen, a wheel chair accessible bathroom with a shower, and a lounge where parents can wait while their children ride.  The footing for the new indoor arena was donated by Scott Hassler, who is from that community.  

The show is expected to air at the end of January, 2008.

Freedom Hills is raffling off a Ford F350, fully loaded, diesel truck as a fund raiser.  The raffle will be held on March 15 at Minker's Banquet Hall in Perryville.  The tickets sell for $100 each.

If you would like more information on the show and Freedom Hills, visit: www.ctextremedream.com or www.freedomhills.org or call 410-378-3817.