April 2022
HwH is the Premier Accredited Center in Northern Arizona
Harnessing the proven benefits of therapeutic horsemanship, Horses with Heart (HwH) helps transform the lives of disabled children and adults—including U.S. military veterans—as they gain confidence, dignity and independence by riding our trained horses under the direction of highly-credentialed staff.
Photography by Danielle Long
NSBA Expands Heroes on Horses Program to Arizona Sun Circuit
The NSBA Foundation hosted a Heroes on Horses event on March 9, 2022 during the Arizona Sun Circuit held at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. Presented as a special project of the NSBA Foundation, with funding from the Bob and Ingrid Miller Family of Mesa, Arizona, the event was an important milestone meeting the goal to establish and expand the outreach to Veterans beyond its current format at the NSBA World Championship Show and All-American Quarter Horse Congress.
This year’s event brought Veterans together from Arizona, Texas and California to participate and compete with their peers. The event included a Veteran-only boot camp, where the Veteran exhibitors worked with NSBA professionals to sharpen their skills and practice for the competition. Competitors, their families and riding center representatives shared dinner and camaraderie with a warm welcome from Ingrid Miller and remarks from Jeanna Irby, retired Air Force, and this year’s Heroes on Horses at Arizona Sun Circuit Western Pleasure class winner.
Wednesday’s events started with a lunch provided by the NSBA Foundation through the support of LHM Financial, a Scottsdale-based mortgage company. The Parade of Heroes started at 11:30 am in the Equine Chronicle Arena with nearly 100 people carrying flags to honor the veterans. The parade was complete with Mounted Police, Color Guard and the Riderless Horse. The competition that followed resulted with the winners being recognized in front a crowd of supporters.
2022 NSBA Heroes On Horses at Arizona Sun Circuit
First Place: Jeana Irby
Second Place: Shurray Barnes
Third Place: Roy McQuaig
Fourth Place: Kristie Vollrath
Fifth Place: Jackie Boyd
The three-year commitment from the Bob and Ingrid Miller Family of Mesa, Arizona will allow NSBA to bring the Heroes on Horses program this new venue in the Western United States, hosted as part of the Arizona Sun Circuit through 2024.
"It is our vision that this financial support will bring additional awareness to the ‘Model of Inclusion’ the NSBA embodies by including Veterans who participate in therapeutic riding programs across the country. My husband, Bob, and I feel this is a small way our family can say thank you to the brave men and women whose service and sacrifice allows us the freedom to enjoy and love our show horses," said Ingrid Miller, exhibitor and lifetime member of the NSBA.
As part of the NSBA Equestrians with Disabilities division (EWD), the Heroes on Horses program is a catalyst for recognition and thanks to our military service men and women who ride and compete.
“Today there is great hope that the future of showing horses includes riders of all abilities and this segment of the industry will continue to flourish. NSBA can lead the way to build healthy, vibrant relationships while providing a platform to recognize skill levels and growth of all riders who share the common love and respect of the horse,” said Stephanie Lynn, Executive Director of NSBA.
Heroes on Horses is funded as a special project of the NSBA Foundation. For more information, contact the NSBA Foundation Director Lynn Campbell at lcampbell@nsba.com or www.nsba.com. Follow NSBA on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About NSBA
Established in 1983, the National Snaffle Bit Association has expanded from its roots of the pleasure horse to recognize various disciplines and eight breed associations in competition. NSBA’s mission is to grow the show horse community through various equine programs and events where every activity benefits horses, breeders, owners and exhibitors alike.
National Snaffle Bit Association, Inc. - 1391 St. Paul Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031 - Phone: (847)-623-6722
Volunteer of the Month ~ Marcia Gagnon
Talk about jumping in with both boots! Marcia did not waste any time becoming extraordinarily active at Horses with Heart. After volunteering as an integral part of Safety Support in many classes, Marcia dove in to work on becoming a certified Instructor. Having a strong background in horsemanship and showing, she combined her horse knowledge with learning all she could about therapeutic riding instruction. In less than a year, Marcia has jumped through all the hoops, submitted her portfolio and required video instruction and is awaiting taking her final, proctored exam. As you see her teach and still volunteer in classes, please thank her for her commitment and dedication to HwH.
In addition, Marcia spent many hours coaching Kris Vollrath and Jackie Boyd in preparation for their successful participation and showing in the NSBA Heroes on Horses last March 9th.
Marcia, we thank you for all you do!
Q & A
How long have you been with Horses with Heart? This is my third year.
Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart? Originally, I wanted to volunteer at HwH to continue to be active and involved with horses, which is my passion. As time went on, I realized how wonderful the whole idea of volunteering is. I love working with the riders, the other volunteers and the staff. They all feel like family.
What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart? Oh, so many…I have some favorite riders, actually ALL the riders are my favorites, I love their joy and try during lessons. I also have some favorite moments, most recently helping the veteran riders at the Heroes on Horses ceremony. This was a wonderfully touching event and I'm so proud of Kris and Jackie, they were awesome.
If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be? Just come give it a try, you won't be disappointed. There are so many different ways to volunteer, even one day or one hour, it's so satisfying and rewarding.
Our Horses Thank You!
Thank you to all who stepped up to help in our recent shortage of feeding and mucking staff. We have now have “Stable Hands” in place for AM and PM shifts most of the week and have leads for the remainder of the open positions, but we do still need you. We still need volunteers for lunchtime feeding, mucking and occasionally to fill in for AM and PM in the event someone is sick or on vacation.
If you’re interested in being part of this vital team, please contact Deborah Thomas by using the buttons below. Thanks again for all your support. You truly do bless our equine partners!
APRIL DEADLINE IS APPROACHING ~ Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Program
April 18th is the deadline for making your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit donation. If you owe Arizona state tax, it can be directed to Horses with Heart. HwH is a qualifying charitable organization. Under AZ Charitable Tax Credit Law, ARS 43-1088, state taxpayers can earn up to $800 (married couples) or $400 (singles) in dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations made to HwH. (EIN 86-0735678 I Arizona Tax Credit QCO Code: 20347)
To donate, you may either:
Stop by Horses with Heart with your donation
Mail your donation to Horses with Heart, PO Box 2427, Chino Valley, AZ 86323
Utilize our Paypal feature
We thank the many who use the tax credit program to benefit Horses with Heart. These funds are used immediately in our programs serving those with special needs – children and adults, Veterans and First Responders, and seniors. Questions? Call our office at 928-533-9178.
2022 Riding Season Well on its Way
Some cold and wet weather greeted our first Session riders, but in spite of that, HwH still got off to a wonderful start. Over 175 volunteers attended our first two Orientations, and many signed up to help with our classes – serving 49 riders this first seven weeks.
Also in support of our classes are the dozens of volunteers who help feed, water and groom the horses, muck the stalls, work on the daily arena prep and facility maintenance. We also can’t forget the many volunteers who do office, committee and fundraising help. As the phrase goes, “It takes a village…” To all of you – HwH riders and volunteers – we are all “FAMILY”.
Click the below button to access our riding session dates.
You’ve Got a Friend…..
Those are the words to a song from a few decades ago, but it holds true today! We need volunteers to keep the program going! You need Horsey (Wranglr) Hours to spend on wonderful items at our Volunteer Appreciation luncheons! Did you know that for every new volunteer you recruit, you receive a bonus of 10 Horsey Hours?! A win–win situation! Bring a friend! The next new Volunteer Orientation is April 20th!
Click the below button to learn more or inquire on being a HwH volunteer.
New Website, Same Address!
Our new and improved Horses with Heart website is up and running. Please check us out and share with friends, family and colleagues at www.horseswithheartaz.org.
Happy Hearts Rodeo – June 30th
This special event is just around the corner. Horses with Heart has teamed up with Prescott Frontier Days for the 20th year. HwH’s horses and rodeo-style events for exceptional children ages 5-12 has always been an exciting time for the children and a heartfelt experience for our volunteers. Many HwH volunteers will be needed to help with this event. Look to sign up by June 1st.
HwH 30th Anniversary Event 2023
Our committee is up and running with its first committee meeting March 16th. We had many new and seasoned volunteers with exciting ideas. Stay tuned as the details unfold. Keep your calendars open for this special event in early June, 2023.
Around the Ranch!
So much has happened in the last few months that it’s hard to keep up! The walls on our horse shelters are the latest in major improvements and, now that the spring winds are here, our horses are so appreciative of this protection. Thank you to Mike and Lee Cohn for blessing our herd!
Did you notice the speed limit signs when you come in? Please keep in mind that many of us don’t move as quickly and easily through the parking lot as others. Safety is #1 at HwH in the parking lot as well as in the horse area. Thank you for keeping us all safe.
Muck-bucket storage is important, too! We have designated the last enclosed stall on the south end of the row as mucking tool storage. Please make sure when you have finished mucking that the bucket is dumped into the trailer and the muck cart and manure fork are returned to their storage place. The reasons for this are many…. But most importantly, the AZ winds in springtime are powerful and will relocate items that are not secured. In addition, we will soon be in fly season and removing the manure from the horses’ stalls to the trailer helps to control the flies as well.
Horse of the Month ~ Brownie
Brownie, a 14-year-old Percheron cross, has arrived at HwH. Standing at 17 hands and with hooves that outsize any of our current herd, he is a gentle giant. Brownie not only can be driven; he is also a riding horse. Introduced to the Competition Team’s first practice, he was a perfect gentleman going through the showmanship pattern. He is already a team favorite. Brownie has a few hoops to go through during his trial period, but everyone is hoping he will be a permanent addition to the herd.
Horse Sponsorship Updates
HwH is blessed with sponsors for several of our horses. This is an enormous blessing with today’s horse-care costs. Horse sponsors are $500 per six-week session. Ponies are $250 per six-week session.
Those needing still needing sponsors:
Horses: Big Ben (for sessions 3 & 4), Brownie (for sessions 2, 3, 4), Chili (for all four sessions), Diva (for sessions 3 & 4), Jewel (for sessions 3 & 4), Son (for sessions 2, 3, 4), Sunshine (for sessions 3 & 4)
Ponies: Jazz (for all four sessions), Lil Blackie (for sessions 2, 3, 4), Sam (for all four sessions)
Please contact Angelique LeVell if you would like to sponsor one or more of these wonderful ponies and horses.
In Loving Memory ~ Remedy
Horses with Heart was blessed with a beautiful bay gelding who worked his way into our hearts. He was a character, and many children and adults loved him. He became ill and passed on March 23rd. We will miss this gentle fellow.
Wranglr Tips
How is everyone doing with tracking their volunteer hours on Wranglr? If you still need some assistance, please let the office staff know; we are happy to help.
Here are some helpful hints:
It is best clock in and clock out each day you volunteer. If you forget, you can CREATE A TIME CARD. We can show you how.
Please remember to clock out. You might get an email from Wranglr asking you to clock out. It’s always a good idea to jot down your volunteer times on your calendar just in case you need to go back to complete an entry for a previous day.
Did you know that our HwH Volunteer Handbook is located in Wranglr?
A Life of Service Well Lived
Bob Wilson passed away March 1, 2022. Bob served Horses with Heart as a board member for over five years and President of the Board for two years. He was an integral part of the property search committee and very involved in the purchase of HwH's current home. Bob had a big heart, was always an advocate for people with Special Needs and had a knack for "thinking outside the box" to make things work. Bob will be dearly missed by our community.
Bob's family has asked, in lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite non-profit in his name.
Thank you, Carol
Horses with Heart thanks Carol Gora for being our Volunteer Coordinator for several months. Her sense of humor and enthusiasm for our volunteers, programs and horses have been a blessing. We wish her the very best.
Volunteer Coordinator Position Open
We are currently accepting applications for the Volunteer Coordinator position. A job description is available in the HwH office. Please turn in your application to Angelique LeVell, Executive Director.
Update: Fund-Raising Opportunity for Horses with Heart!
You may recall that in early February, we sent you an email announcing Findlay Subaru Prescott's commitment to provide donations to Horses with Heart of $100.00 for each vehicle purchased from and/or sold to the Findlay Subaru dealership. If someone trades in a vehicle while buying one, that was counted as two transactions and Findlay would donate $200.00 to HwH.
There have been a few improvements in the program since its inception.
For transparency and to ensure that HwH receives the credit as described above, please work directly with Sol Noor.
Effective immediately, this program includes any used vehicle (any make, model or type, including pick-up trucks) available from their vehicle offerings at Findlay (which includes CPO's - certified preowned vehicles). You can start by shopping online or by calling Sol Noor directly (928-642-3758) to help you search for a particular vehicle. The same deal works for HwH: $100.00 if you buy from or sell a vehicle to Findlay Subaru ($200.00 for both buy/sell).
Findlay Subaru also sells a full range of new passenger vehicles and SUVs, including an all-electric SUV version starting in 2023. Findlay Subaru is located at 3230 Willow Creek Road in Prescott, Arizona. This very generous offer from Findlay Subaru represents an opportunity to raise thousands of dollars for Horses with Heart in these times of rapidly rising costs which have hit equestrian operations particularly hard.
Mark your calendars!
The first Horsey/Wranglr Hours Luncheon for 2022 will be held Wednesday, June 22 @ 12pm at the Gurley Street Grill, 230 W. Gurley Street, Prescott. Menu choices with RSVP to follow closer to the event.
Calendar of Events
April 11-16 ~ Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 20 ~ Orientation & SST Training at HwH, 2:00 pm
April 23, May 21 ~ CVEP All-Breed Horse Shows, Chino Valley Equestrian Park, HwH Competition Team Competing
May 30 ~ HwH closed for Memorial Day
June 22 ~ Horsey/Wranglr Hours Luncheon Event (Using Wranglr logged-in volunteer hrs.)
June 30 ~ Happy Hearts Rodeo (Note: Thursday)
July 2 ~ Frontier Days Parade
July 4 ~ HwH closed for Independence Day
Summer Clinics
July 13 ~ Driving Clinic
TBD ~ Trailer Driving Clinic
TBD ~ Showing Horses Clinic
TBD ~ Disability Education Clinic
July 16 ~ Orientation & SST Training, HwH, 2:00 pm
September 5 ~ HwH closed for Labor Day
September 14 ~ Orientation & SST Training
September 24 ~ Have a Heart Barrel Race
November 12 ~ Sequins and Saddles
December 6 ~ Horsey/Wranglr Hours Event & Christmas Luncheon
HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR OTHERS
From donations to sponsorships to SHOPPING for holidays, birthdays or weddings you can make a difference for others and Horses with Heart.