Your February 2024 Newsletter

Order Your Horses With Heart 2024 Clothing Today!

Screen Printed Quarter-Zip Pullovers: $45
Sizes Available: S  M  L  XL  XXL

Embroidered Full Zip-Up Vests: $55
Sizes Available: S  M  L  XL  XXL

We will only be ordering for those who pre-order their merchandise. We will not be ordering additional pullovers or vests.

To pre-order, email Chelsea by clicking the link below.  Please indicate whether you want a quarter zip and/or vest. Please indicate your size. 

Orders will be closing soon , please get your order in ASAP by emailing Chelsea at chelseabhwh@gmail.com

Marvelous Mini Team Update

We are excited to announce Laura Schaefer (current HwH volunteer) is filling a brand new volunteer position with the HwH Marvelous Minis program! She is the scheduler for all the Marvelous Mini programs. She contacts the schools and senior living facilities and schedules the programs and the volunteers. She also arranges for the minis to appear at community events.

Laura has barely been in the position for a week and is already scheduling for Spring! We anticipate an increase in Marvelous Mini programs in the coming months, so watch for Laura’s emails, Mini Team members! Let’s welcome Laura to the Team! 

Thank you to Malenna and Laura

Malenna Gonzalves and Laura Smart have been with HwH in many capacities, but most recently, this marvelous duo were the leaders of our outstanding Hospitality Team.  They prepared and coordinated refreshments and decorations ranging from Volunteer Orientations to appeciation luncheons to Sequins and Saddles. Their energies and expertise were an invaluable part of HwH. They are now retiring, and although they are leaving a big void in the organization, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their many hours of service to HwH.

Words from Malenna Gonsalves: 2000 - 2024:

My retirement life in Arizona began in early 2000 when I read a newspaper article about Trudy Chapman-Radley and volunteer opportunities with Horses with Heart (HwH). I thought, what a perfect fit for a Montana native who loved horses, who had planned to become a Special Education teacher (that plan didn't happen) and who wanted to make new friends. In February, 2000, I went to the Volunteer Orientation at Trudy's Cherry Circle Ranch in Dewey and thus began my Horses with Heart “career.”

My roles have changed and expanded along with the growth of HwH. I started as a Sidewalker, advanced to Coach and then added Data Input to my duties when Trudy asked me to help her computerize the volunteer hours. Next came the need for a weekly list of volunteer names, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contact information, days available and duties the volunteer preferred.

In 2006, I asked Laura Smart if I could help her with the food portion of the annual Volunteer/Donor Appreciation Luncheon. She agreed and ultimately we became the Hospitality Team. We plan, decorate, purchase snacks, food and beverages for volunteer orientations, instructor in training and certification clinics (held at the ranch), Volunteer/Donor Appreciation luncheons, National Volunteer Week, various fundraising events, etc. As the events have grown in size and number, so has our team, which now numbers four.

In 2007 Ethel Peterson, the Volunteer Coordinator, asked me to join the Volunteer Committee she was initiating. I agreed and have been a member ever since. Because of physical limitations, I no longer work with the horses and riders. The data input duties are now done by each volunteer using the Wranglr computer application. But the Hospitality duties and procurement of snacks, water, cleaning and paper products for the office throughout the year keep me busy. I’m grateful that I can help the volunteers feel valued and appreciated, because without the volunteers there would be no HwH.

Words from Laura Smart 2004 - 2023: 

I’ve asked myself where in the world did 20 years go and I guess the old saying is true, time flies when you are having fun. Malenna and I have worked together in hospitality the last 20 years on everything from orientations to CHA clinics, volunteer parties and several fundraisers.  I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. I am going to miss the collaboration and execution of events.  It has been a real honor to support an organization such as HwH. I’ve met so many wonderful volunteers over the years and they are as special as the riders.  But it’s time for someone else to take over the reins and make it their own with new creative ideas.  Thanks, Malenna, for all your years of hard work and being the best friend ever. You’re the best. 

Volunteer of the Month – Sue Jordan   

Sue is an amazing volunteer.   She helps on a Safety Support Team, inventories and restocks our first aid kits, assists in the office making phone calls for the staff, and is a warm, friendly face at the front desk several times per month.  Sue is always cheerful and upbeat, and a wonderful example of a Horses with Heart volunteer!

• How long have you been with Horses with Heart? 
  I am starting my third year as a Sidewalker and office volunteer.

• Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart?
  I get to pay it forward in honor and memory of all the volunteers with whom I worked side-by-side during my health-care career. Horses with Heart is a beacon of hope and light and a place to be able to make a difference in our corner of the world. I learn something new - no, several “somethings new" every day I am at the ranch. The members of our herd can make you laugh or cry, present a challenge, and be so perceptive to the needs of the moment. Being a part of that makes your day.

• What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart?
  This is a difficult question! I would say the look of pride and accomplishment on Michael's (a HwH rider) face when he remembers all the instructions during class and the sheer joy he experiences when he gets to trot on his horse. 

• If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be?
  Just "dive into the pool"! If you need to try out different options to find a fit, that is perfectly ok. The volunteer team and staff are caring, compassionate, committed and... a lot of fun. It doesn't get better than that!