Your 2025 December Newsletter

Heartfelt recognition goes to our generous sponsors:

• Central Basin Roofing

• Drill Tech

• Findlay Subaru

• Quality Maytag

• Dignity Health - Yavapai Regional Medical Center

• Dermatology & Skin Care by Shelly

• Quality Appliance

• Randolph and Karen Kay Foundation

• High Desert Buildings and Barns

• Prescott Home 4 U

• John and Mary Smith

• Michael and Laurie Young

• Ron and Sue Tatar

• Frontier Financial Of Arizona

• The Frame & I

• Metabolic Health Arizona

• Prescott Professional Healthcare

• Del Rio Drilling

• Chino Valley Lioness

• Buenos Banos

• Rotary Club of Prescott

• A2Z Home Center

• Long Realty - Kellie Carr

• UNACEM North America Drake

• DL Fresh, Hope Miller & Family

• The Rotary Club of Prescott

• El Gator Azul/Torme

• JW Kieckhefer Foundation

• Molly Lawson Foundation

• Olsen’s Grain

• One AZ

• Robert and Bonnie Davis

• Ross Bernstein and Family

• United Way of Yavapai Co

• Winkie Robb

• Peter Vasquez, M.D.

• Barrett Propane

• Leslie Jacobs

• Helen Collins

• Prescott Professional Healthcare

Forgotten Treasure

During the summer, Robert "RD" Davis was cleaning out his tool room. He came upon a racing suit donated to him by an old friend for an auction. The suit arrived late and was boxed and forgotten for 6 years. This was a special suit that was used by actor Paul Newman at the 2005 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. It was custom-made in Italy by Puma, donated by Mr. Newman's close friend and business partner, Michael Brockman, who has since passed.   RD saw the suit as an opportunity to raise funds for HwH via Sequins and Saddles. The suit was listed with Bring a Trailer, on their online auction at no cost. There was a lot of action on the suit , with 24 comments and 17 bids, including 8 over $20,000. The final sale price was $27,500, purchased by Ross Bernstein in New York. Ross, like RD, is a racer and collector. He and his family are going to place the suit in a shadow display box for his family game room. We are thankful for Ross and RD for their kindness to HwH. This example begs the question: what do each of us have that can be given as a gift to HwH or any great non-profit organization?

Together, We Can Make Strides for Our Riders

This GivingTuesday, Horses with Heart needs your support to continue providing life-changing therapeutic riding programs for individuals of all ages and abilities.

At Horses with Heart, we see incredible transformations every day—children gaining confidence, Veterans and first responders finding peace, and families celebrating milestones they once thought were impossible. With your help, we can continue to make these moments a reality.

Your generosity can:

• Provide care for our horses.

• Offer scholarships to riders in need.

• Maintain our safe and welcoming facility.

Here’s the best part:

• We’re a 501(c)(3) organization, so your donation is tax-deductible.

• If you're an Arizona resident, your contribution may also qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit! That means you can reduce your state tax liability while supporting our riders and horses.

Every dollar brings us closer to our $10,000 goal. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our participants.

Click the button below to make your GivingTuesday gift today!
 

Thank you for believing in the healing power of horses. Let’s make this GivingTuesday one to remember!

With gratitude,
Horses with Heart

Wish list for our horses!

Although our herd is enjoying their much needed time away, when they come back in February, we would love to shower them with gifts from you! 

If you would like to purchase a gift for our horses, see the attached for our Amazon Registry.

Marvelous Minis Update

In November, the Marvelous Minis program traveled to Mingus Springs School in Chino Valley, where Lady Bug and Honey Bee brought smiles and fun to the kindergarten, first, and second grade classes. Thanks Ela and Claudia Matten for sharing your Minis!

Tessa, Pirate, Brady, and Rocky visited Touchmark Senior Living for the Harvest Fest. They entertained residents and visitors, including a lot of children. The Minis were very disappointed to discover the lush green they’d spotted on the ground wasn’t real grass at all—but astroturf! Thanks Rob and Michelle Whan, and Heidi for bringing the Minis!

We were supposed to have Minis walking with the United Way entry in the Prescott Valley Christmas parade, but with the threat of EHV-1 in the state, we won’t risk the Minis’ health. But we will still have volunteers walking.

Winter Fosters:

All the horses are tucked in their Winter Foster homes enjoying a change of pace and some down time. Thank you to all who open your homes and hearts to take care of our horses and provide them a place to stay during our winter break.

We also want to thank the generous owners who trust us with their horses during our riding sessions. We hope to see all of them back next year.

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.

Competition Team Update:

We wrapped up our Riding Season with a Play Day that was so much fun! Thank you to all the riders, families, staff and volunteers that came out to participate. We now all know where the King boys get their competitive spirit.  In case you missed it, it’s definitely a family thing!

I personally want to thank Karen Richert and Kate Adams for their hard work and dedication to the team. Their support is over the top! 

On behalf of all the coaching staff, thank you to our riders for their hard work and commitment, even in nasty weather. Thank you to the volunteers and other instructors who come out to support and encourage. And thank you to our families who put their trust in us, allowing us to be part of their rider’s equine education.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year!

Pam Berry, Head Coach

 Volunteer of the Month: MELANIE HOHNBAUM              

• How long have you been with Horses with Heart? I started volunteering with HwH in February of this year.

• Why do you volunteer at HWH? I was looking for a new volunteer gig with horses after my former charges relocated to Kansas on short notice. After being with between 8-12 horses/mules a couple of times a week for over a year, I decided that being around equines is food for my soul.  I wanted to volunteer for a non-profit or rescue and after some research and a few visits to some options, I attended the orientation meeting and I felt like HwH was the best fit for me.

• What is your favorite memory? I don’t have one single favorite memory.  Every visit makes me laugh or smile at some point. Each horse has a unique personality and I’ve found a bond with all of them on some level. I like learning about each of the horses through their supplement needs and am happy for the attention when I’m doing feeding/mucking chores.  What I enjoy most is the “help” I get from the horses when I’m trying to tidy up their space.

•  What would you share with new volunteers? For new volunteers, I’d share that there are many ways to contribute enrichment to these amazing horses and the organization.  Indulge your interests and the coordinators will find a way to make it a positive experience. You will have fun and feel like you’re making a difference knowing your efforts are appreciated by the horses and humans alike.  For me, I love being around the horses so I’m not sure who appreciates the opportunity more. Thank you for the December honor!