LA CROSSE, Wis. — Dust off your Derby finest and race to The Charmant Hotel for the best Derby Party in town! HorseSense, Inc., the local nonprofit bringing adaptive horseback riding and horsemanship to individuals with disabilities, is partnering once again with The Charmant Hotel for a Kentucky Derby Watch Party, complete with big hats, bold cocktails, and Southern charm. Set for Saturday, May 3, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m., the shindig will unfold in the posh Lobby Bar and Lounge at 101 State St., raising funds for HorseSense’s transformative programs serving youth, adults, and military veterans across the La Crosse area.
Prepare for a rollicking afternoon:
50/50 cash raffles at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m., with tickets at $5 each or five for $20. | A bucket raffle brimming with prizes. Tickets are $10 with winners announced at 6 p.m. | Sip on a crafted mint juleps, the Derby’s signature cocktail, with The Charmant Hotel generously donating $1 from each sale to support HorseSense’s programs.
Proceeds will power HorseSense’s adaptive programs, offering healing and hope through horsemanship. One anonymous rider shared: “I’ve had symptoms of Complex PTSD and chronic pain since childhood and have been in and out of treatment for 15 years. I began working with HorseSense in Fall 2023 and noticed significant changes quickly. I started with a fear of horses, and facing that fear with support has helped me face other fears. I struggle with shaking, stuttering, and sensory overload, and am learning to stay grounded and communicate through discomfort. Grooming and bathing the horses help me stay present, even when struggling. Riding gives me immediate feedback and helps me reconnect with my body. I’ve learned some people and horses are safe enough, and it’s healing to be in a place where I’m not seen as “broken” or “too complex.” I’ve found a deep sense of safety at HorseSense and am profoundly grateful.”
Ashley Adams, lead instructor at HorseSense, tells Around River City, “We are thrilled to partner again this year with The Charmant Hotel for this exciting event. The Kentucky Derby Watch Party is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy the festivities, and support our mission of empowering individuals through adaptive horseback riding and horsemanship.”
The event sticks to its fan-favorite format—festive attire, Derby thrills, and cheering on the fastest two minutes in sports. For raffle sneak peeks and updates, trot over to horsesensewi.org/kentucky-derby-watch-party or follow @horsesensewi on Facebook.
For more info, contact Ashley Adams at 608-518-5363 or horsesense.ashleyadams@gmail.com. HorseSense is headquartered at PO Box 906, La Crosse, WI 54602, and online at www.horsesensewi.org. Let’s giddy up for a cause that’s a sure bet!
