Your 2026 August Newsletter

Board and Staff Member Spotlight

MARCIA GAGNON
Barn Manager
Certified Therapeutic Registered Instructor

Marcia Gagnon is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor who believes in the power of connecting with horses. She began her journey in horsemanship early in life and now dreams of sharing her knowledge and love of horses with all the riders at Horses with Heart.

She started riding at a young age, participating in gymkhana, Team Penning/Sorting and reined cowhorse events. She became fascinated watching the horses that competed in Stock Horse classes and was enthralled with their ability and athleticism. She started taking lessons, raising and training her homebred horses and competed in NRCHA events for more than 25 years. Her biggest accomplishment to date has been winning the National Reined Cowhorse Association (NRCHA) 2003 Non Pro Bridle National Championship.

Marcia lives in Prescott Valley with her husband, two dogs and still has two of her homegrown raised horses that are 22 and 18 yrs old.

“Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls, they give us hope.” ― Toni Robinson

Sponsor of the Month: SANDS REALTY

Tracey Sands, Designated Broker/Owner

Tracey brings a unique blend of real estate expertise and design insight.

Before real estate, she spent over a decade in interior design—helping homeowners transform spaces and prepare homes for sale. That experience now gives her clients a strategic edge when it comes to presentation, staging, and maximizing value.

Since moving to Prescott in 2004, she’s developed a deep understanding of the local market and what makes each area unique. Call her today!

107 N Cortez Street, Suite 205
Prescott, AZ 86301

Cell (928) 899-4144
TraceySandsAZ@gmail.com
www.SandsRE.com

Mounting and Dismounting Practice

If you would like to assist with the riders’ mounts and dismounts, this will be great training for you!  It will be held Saturday, August 8th from 9am - 11am.  If you would like to sign up, or would like more information, please contact Sherry at shoover@horseswithheartaz.org, or text at 928-420-5343. 

Volunteers Of The Month - SANDRA OWENS

Sandy has been a beloved member of the Horses with Heart (HwH) family for 13 wonderful years! Her story started as the devoted parent of Jeremy and Bailey Owens, who are part of our Competition Team.

Sandy’s passion and dedication have made her an outstanding advocate for Horses with Heart. She supports programs, staff, and volunteers with her unwavering enthusiasm and optimism, inspiring everyone around her. Her “get-it-done” approach shines in everything she does, whether she’s walking alongside us in the arena, helping with fundraising, or providing essential administrative support.

This year, Sandy was the driving force and Chair of the 2nd Annual Brave Hearts Event in June. Her amazing fundraising and organizational skills were key to the event’s success, which honored Veterans, active military, and 1st responders in our community.

Sandy’s commitment doesn’t end there. She’s a member of our Board of Directors. Her extensive experience and community connections are proving invaluable as HwH continues to grow and thrive.

With the vacancy of an Executive Director, Sandy is taking on the responsibilities of administration, accounting, and fundraising lead until we find a new director.

Sandy Owens is truly a shining star in our organization. We’re so grateful for her tireless dedication, and we’re honored to recognize her as our August Volunteer of the Month.

Marvelous Minis Update

July was a take-a-break-from-the-weather month for the Minis and their volunteers! On July 3rd, however, we made our annual visit to Camp Connect for kids who use alternative communication devices.

Enjoy the photos of Liberty, Frosty, Brady, and Rocky. Check out Rocky playing the keyboard—he’s not eating it, he plays the keys with his muzzle!

A big thank you to Minis Team members Meg Blackmon, Lisa Cuthbertson, Gretchen D’Andrea, Heidi Harvey, Karen Kay, Sandy Meadowcroft, Pamela Royce, Erin Rudolph, and Molly Rudolph, who made this a memorable day for the campers!

Until next month,

Mary Smith

Photo credit: Gretchen D’Andrea

Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Program

As you plan your tax strategies for 2026, please remember Horses with Heart. The tax credit donation opportunity is active on our website.

Shop at Heart and Hoof Mercantile! 

Come by the office and check out our store. The new summer T-shirt colors -long and short sleeves, plus a new cap have arrived. In addition, a canvas bag adorned with the Brave Heart Flag. These would be fantastic gifts for you, your family, and your friends. Do you have a favorite horse? We already have a picture of it framed! And if you need any tack, be sure to swing by Tacks 5th Avenue.

BE A PART ~ Prescott Rodeo Parade 

The parade was once again a wonderful success! We had an amazing group of participants who came out to help decorate the float and ride on the hay wagon.

This year's parade was especially exciting as it marked the maiden voyage of our new wagon. If you'd like to help support this addition, donations toward the wagon can still be made through our website.

The theme for this year's parade celebrated our nation's 250th anniversary, and we were honored to be part of such a meaningful celebration.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who volunteered, participated, and helped make this year's parade such a memorable event. We couldn't have done it without you!

Competition Team Update

The Competition Team’s fall session will begin Sept 5th with 3 classes (8:30, 10:15 & 12:00).  We will have a team only horse show at HwH on September 19th and will travel to CVEP  for a horse show on October 17th.  We will practice all Saturdays other than those mentioned above and end our season with a Play Day on October 31st.

We still need a few more volunteers, mostly for the 10:15 and 12:00 classes. Please contact Pam Berry 928-899-4759 or hwhcompteam@gmail.com if you have any questions and/or are available to help with the Team.

Thank you for all your support!

Barn Buddies

Being a Barn Buddy is a great way to ensure that your equine buddies are happy and healthy. All donations made through the Barn Buddy program go towards horse care: veterinary care; feed; supplements; bedding; blankets; and other horse care expenditures which benefit our entire herd. This donation can be made in any amount and once or recurring. Your donation will benefit our entire herd.

Visit our site by clicking the button below.

Sequins and Saddles

We are happy to announce that the Sequins & Saddles Gala will be held at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on November 7, 2026. Come join the fun and help raise funds to support Horses with Heart. Our first meeting is set for August 5th at 11AM.

For inquires or questions, please contact Sandy Owens at sowens@horseswithheartaz.org .