NEW ORLEANS – “Harley for Horses” motorcycle run to benefit the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (GNOTRC) is scheduled for April 8. The motorcycle run will leave The Pit Stop on Jefferson Highway at 10:30 a.m., head out to Fred’s in Port Vincent for lunch, then down to the Southport Hall, 200 Monticello St., Jefferson, to celebrate the ride. The post-run live entertainment will feature Rockin’ Dopsey Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters, Marva Wright and the Wild Magnolias. Registration to participate in the motorcycle run is $20 per single rider; $25 per rider with a passenger. Pre-registration is at Easyriders of New Orleans, 4230 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie or by mail by calling (504) 466-9960 or 651-LADY. On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Pit Stop, the day of the run. All non-riders can attend the post-run party at the Southport Hall for a $15 donation at the door. The party is from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Harley, the pot-bellied pig who resides at the GNOTRC barn along with cats, dogs, four chickens, a duck, three goats and a donkey, as well as the center’s 10 therapy horses, is the mascot for the event. Harley may be featured during the night so, come out and see her and support a great organization. GNOTRC is a nonprofit organization that provides horse-assisted activities for individuals of all ages and with all types of disabilities, and the opportunity to enjoy and learn the pleasure of horseback riding. The benefits of therapeutic riding have helped individuals with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, visual impairments, down syndrome, mental retardation, autism, learning disabilities, multiple sclerosis, spine bifida, emotional disabilities, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and strokes. Since GNOTRC’s move to a larger facility, the demand has grown. The all-volunteer staff provides the up-keep for the grounds and horses. Each rider begins classes with a walker and two side-walkers, and when each individual progresses to be able to control the horse, just a side walker accompanies the rider. GNOTRC serves individuals from Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. John, St. James and St. Helena parishes and from as far away as Morgan City. Riders have participated in the ACORD Gulf Coast regional horse show for Riders with Disabilities, the Special Olympic Equestrian competition and Pel-State Equestrian Games. GNOTRC is always looking for all types of volunteers. This is a great way students can make up service hours. For more information about GNOTRC, contact Anita Hartzell at (504) 466-9960 or (504) 651-5239 or write GNOTRC, P.O. Box 23284, New Orleans, LA, 70183. For more information about the “Harley for Horses” benefit motorcycle run or the concert immediately following the run, contact Anita Hartzell at the riding center or email at horseyhartzell@hotmail.com.