August 2023

HwH is the Premier Accredited Center in Northern Arizona

Harnessing the proven benefits of therapeutic horsemanship, Horses with Heart (HwH)is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Chino Valley, AZ. We help transform the lives of disabled children and adults, U.S. military veterans, first responders, and seniors as they gain confidence, dignity, and independence by riding our trained horses under the direction of highly-credentialed staff.

Obstacle Clinic on August 12th

Volunteer Orientation August 5th

Are you interested in Volunteering at Horses with Heart? We still have spots available in our orientation on August 5th at 8:30am! If you’d like to learn about helping our riders during their classes, make sure to sign up for Safety Support Team (SST) training as well! Visit the following link to sign up:

Heroes on Horses Worlds

HwH’s own Kris Vollrath will be traveling to Tulsa, Oklahoma to participate in the NSBA’s Heroes on Horses World Competition on August 12th. Make sure to wish her “good luck!”

EAL Program Delayed

Due to scheduling and programming accommodations, we will not be starting our EAL Program in Session 4.  Please stay tuned for our start up date. 

For more information, contact Jan Grise at 928-533-9178 or to email by clicking the button below.

Riding Session 4 Begins the Week of August 14th

HwH has two more sessions in 2023, Sesson 4 and Session 5.  Session 4 begins the week of August 14th with Therapeutic Riding Classes, Veterans and First Responders Classes, and Silver Saddle classes.

Classes are filling quickly. If you are interested in enrolling in any of these classes, please contact Jan Grise at 928-533-9178 or email by clicking the button below.

Volunteer of the Month ~ Winkie Robb

Winkie has been a dedicated member of our volunteer team for many years. Over the winter, she provided care for our boarded horses and also heads up our supplements team. Thanks, Winkie, for all you do!

Q & A

1.     How long have you been with Horses with Heart?

Four years now!

2.     Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart?

I love what we do at HwH. And it’s wonderful that I can combine my love of horses with doing something good for humans. We do amazing things here all the time!

3.     What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart? 

When a fellow volunteer finally was able to ride her own horse after suffering a debilitating stroke. She was determined to ride again, and she did. I happened to be at HwH that day. It was a beautiful moment. 

4.     If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be?

Try everything that interests you. And don’t feel “less than” others if you discover you cannot do something or don’t like doing something. We need all kinds of talent! Seriously, do what you love.  

Horse of the Month ~ Gladys (aka Spot)

This big girl has become a favorite of many!  Although her size can be a bit intimidating, she really does aspire to be a lovable puppy dog.  She has proven herself with our independent riders in Silver Saddle and Veteran classes as well as with our Competition Team.  She can have a bit of an attitude from time to time, but it serves as a teaching aid in helping her riders to advance their skills. 

Blue Ribbon Moments Winners:

Please join us in recognizing the following volunteers who were nominated by their peers for going above and beyond at Horses with Heart! A new winner is chosen each week that we are in session, so make sure to nominate your fellow volunteers!

  • Week of June 26th Winner: Gloria Reid

  • Week of July 3rd Winner: Seth Owens

  • Week of July 10th Winner: Manny Orozco

  • Week of July 17th Winner: Chris Kavanaugh

  • Week of July 24th Winner: Mary Jane Gunter

Horses with Heart 8th Annual Have a Heart Barrel Race and Poles
September 30, 2023
Olsen’s Arena, Chino Valley, AZ

The Have a Heart Barrel Race is one of the largest fundraisers we host each year. We rely on support from the community and many volunteers to ensure the event is successful. It is truly exciting and fun!

Our solicitation letters are in the mail to our supporters. We have already received donations. Please reach out to your frequently visited merchants and services to ask for support. All donations go to the HwH office, Attention: Bonnie, so we can track what comes in. Donation forms/receipts are available in the office, or we can email them to you.

This year we will offer baskets in the silent auction. Gather your friends to solicit or purchase an item to create a themed basket. We already have commitments for a Pet Grooming Caddy with Tools, Barrel Race Items, Just for Her, a Gift Certificate Assortment, Work Accessories for Him, Young Adult Horse Books. Anything goes. We will have bidders of all ages, adults and children.

Volunteer opportunities include fundraising, setup, parking, silent auction, raffle sales, gate help and many others. Our wonderful committee that shows up every year to plan and help. Contact Bonnie Moreau or Kris Vollrath if you would like to join them.

If we don’t have a duty for you, we encourage you to attend the Barrel Race. It begins at 10:15am with a wonderful Grand Entry that includes an antique tractor pulling a hay wagon carrying our special needs riders and instructors followed by military Veteran riders on horseback. Come out and see the talented participants and the amazing horses they ride. It is really a fun and exciting day.

Olsen’s Grain is a big supporter of Horses with Heart and our Race. They provide the arena, registration, announcer, advertising and so much more. When you have feed-store needs, please shop at Olsen’s and thank them for their support.

Questions? please contact Bonnie Moreau at 360-421-7166 or email at bchere58@hotmail.com

Sequins and Saddles 2023

Sponsorships are available now for Sequins and Saddles 2023! Please contact Lynn Gilley at sscoordinator23@gmail.com if you are interested.

Thank you to the businesses and individuals thus far who are sponsoring this great event!

Diamond Sponsors:

  • Celtic Windmill Trucking

  • Findlay Subaru

  • High Desert Buildings and Barns

  • Mike and Lee Cohn

  • Glenn and Shari Daiutolo

  • Zip and Lisa Lucidi

Gold Sponsors:

  • Drill Tech

  • Fann Contracting

  • Tonia Fortner

Silver Sponsors:

  • Frontier Financial of Arizona

  • Helen Collins

Bronze Sponsor:

Farmers Insurance, Jeff Champ Agency

Turquoise Sponsors:

  • Arizona Horse Connection

  • Arizona Quarter Horse Association

  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  • Chino Valley Equestrian Association

  • National Snaffle Bit Association

  • Olsen’s Grain

  • Tom’s Print and Signs

Where to Find HwH News?

 

Weather Alert! 

As some of our volunteers can attest, this time of year we get a little excited about mucking stalls in the pouring rain and lightning.  Please don’t do it!  We all know that the poop needs to go, but your safety is much more important.  Even if the lightning isn’t right over-head, storms can excite the quietest horse.  Always be aware and stay safe.

This year it appears the exteme heat is also going to be an issue.  Please, please, please stay hydrated, wear a hat and a neck cooler.  We all need to take care of ourselves and look out for each other in order to take care of our horses and riders effectively. 

If there is a horse- or facility-related emergency, please call Pam Berry, Operations Director, at 928-899-4759 or Pete Sanders at 831-206-1363.

Thank you for ALL that you do!

  • August 4th ~ Volunteer/Wranglr Hours Luncheon at Grace Church, 11:30 am

  • August 5th ~ Volunteer Orientation and SST training, 8:30 am

  • August 9th ~ Round Pen Clinic at HwH

  • August 12th ~ Obstacle Clinic at HwH

  • August 14th ~ Session 4 begins (Therapeutic Riding, Veterans and First Responders, Silver Saddle)

  • August 14th ~ Equine Assisted Learning Program begins

  • September 2nd ~ Competition Team Fall Season begins

  • September 20th ~ Volunteer Lunch at Horses with Heart, 11:30am

  • September 30th ~ Have a Heart Barrel Race

  • October 6th and 7th ~ Appaloosa Meadows Tack Sale

  • November 10th ~ Volunteer of the Year Nominations Due

  • November 11th ~ Sequins and Saddles

  • November 14th ~ CT End of Season Play Day

  • December 9th ~ Volunteer Appreciation 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.

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