Your 2024 December Newsletter

Thank You, Winter Horse Fosters and Sponsors!

Winter is here and our horses have left for their holiday vacations! Please join us in thanking those who are fostering our horses over the winter and the donors who are supporting our horses’ care:

• Patty Alberg

• Lisa Cuthbertson

• Kris Dockum

• Sally Gray

• Mary Jane Gunter

• Sherri Heiney

• Jan Hollenbeck

• Sherry Hoover

• Margaret Kilian

• Jeremy Owens

• Larry Larsen and Traci Ranic

• Gloria Reid

• Sarah Scott

• Mary Smith

• Dusty Spitler

• Kris Vollrath

• Duane and Cindy Watkins

• Kathleen Williams

Happy Trails, Clarissa

For those of you who haven’t heard, I will be relocating to the East Coast and have accepted a position at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, which is a long-time dream of mine. While it will be difficult to leave, I am excited for the opportunity to use my equine knowledge to care for horses in a new setting. It has been a privilege to serve Horses with Heart as your Program Director, and I have made some wonderful memories with the amazing people and horses who make up the HwH family!

-  Clarissa Donnelly

High Desert Buildings and Barns Shed Raffle

High Desert Buildings and Barns has generously donated a shed for a Horses with Heart benefit raffle. Please visit the website below to learn more about the shed and to purchase raffle tickets. All proceeds from this raffle support Horses with Heart. Thank you, High Desert Buildings and Barns, for being such a great supporter of Horses with Heart!

Thank You Muckers and Feeders

Calling all Muckers, Feeders, Groomers, and Supplement Volunteers!

We want to give a huge thank you for a wonderful season and a job well done. Thank for caring for our beautiful horses. You really exemplify the heart of our program.

As you know, our horses are going home for the winter months, which will give you all a well-deserved rest, but will be returning early next year for another great season.

The hands that make a difference belong to the heart of the volunteer! We love our volunteers and hope to see you all back next year.

Volunteer of the Month - Bonnie Moreau

Bonnie Moreau exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism at Horses with Heart.

Bonnie assists with numerous classes and leads the grooming team each week. She has led the successful Barrel Race fundraiser for many years. In October of this year, Bonnie chaired the most successful Sequins and Saddles in Horses with Heart’s history. She is also a member of the Horses with Heart Board of Directors. 

Bonnie pours her heart and soul into everything she does. Since she is involved in many aspects of the organization, she can clearly look at ways to create and keep a safe, healthy, friendly environment for our riders, horses, and volunteers. Her skills, upbeat attitude, and genuine love for the organization are what we all love about Bonnie!

• How long have you been with Horses with Heart? I joined Horses with Heart in 2012. I am in my 13th year.

• Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart?  When I moved to the area, I was looking for a way to share my love of horses in addition to my connection to individuals with special needs. I previously drove a school bus providing transportation for the special needs community. This program gives me an opportunity to reach those individuals using the healing benefits of the horses and our programs. They provide therapeutic results to our program participants, but also to all of us volunteers. Being around horses is good for the soul.

• What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart? I have to say the best part of being involved with Horses with Heart is seeing the difference our programs make to the individuals who participate, but also the change it makes in the families. In so many cases, we become part of their families as we provide loving and supportive instruction to the participants.

  This year I have seen tremendous, unbelievable growth in one of our riders. He went from a quiet, timid young man to an outgoing, involved member of our ranch. He not only rides in therapeutic classes but is also taking part in our EAL program, he volunteers on the grooming team, and with the Marvelous Mini Program. He has also become a shining star on the HwH Competition Team. The young man has come out of himself in such a positive, wonderful way. In addition, I have seen his family transform as they have gained confidence and knowledge that we are providing a safe and encouraging environment for their sons.

• If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be? I would tell new volunteers to put themselves in any position they enjoy, and to observe and experience the wonderful difference we make in the lives of our participants and their families. There are so many ways to get involved and all duties are important. I started with mucking and as a Safety Support Team member. Both are equally important to the mission of Horses with Heart. Your involvement makes a difference no matter the form it takes.
  

HwH Quilt Raffle

Win a beautiful hand-crafted quilt made from HwH shirts from years past! All proceeds will go directly to Horses with Heart’s Competition Team, where individuals of all ages and abilities can learn about, and compete in, horse shows. Each ticket is a chance to win, and your support makes a difference! Don’t miss out – get your tickets in the HwH office today and help us continue to provide these incredible services to our community. Tickets are $10 each and will be available until December 12th.