Your January 2024 Newsletter

Thank You, Winter Horse Fosters!

Please join us in thanking those who are caring for our horses this winter!

• Butters – Kay Lyons

• Casey – Duane and Cindy Watkins

• Chili – Jeremy Owens

• Cowboy – Marcia Gagnon and Kris Vollrath

• Frankie – Mike and Lee Cohn

• Gladys – Larry Larsen and Traci Ranic

• Jazz – Kris Dockum

• Lena – Rob and Michelle Whan

• Meiko – Kelly Holiday

• Rocky – Maureen Owen and Mary Smith

• Stumpy – Sherry Hoover

• Swifty – The Znetko Family

• Zee – Bonnie Guthrie, Kathleen Williams, and Sally Gray

Shirley Grant

We remember our wonderful friend and faithful HwH volunteer, Shirley Grant, who passed on December 3rd, 2023. Shirley and her husband, Gary, began volunteering with Horses with Heart in 2001. Gary was on our facility crew and Shirley served on safety support teams and shared her art and craft talents at our Happy Trails summer programs. Additionally, her artistic skills in preparing promotional HwH materials were such gifts to our organization. She also shared her extensive horse knowledge and experience as our Horse Care Coordinator. She was instrumental in selecting our beloved therapeutic horses and supervising their care for several years, as well as mentoring volunteers at orientations and through the years in daily horse care. For many years Shirley was our “head groomer,” teaching others how to do not only the basics, but also the specifics of deep cleaning and trimming, as well as preparing our horses for horse shows. She lovingly passed this vital volunteer role to Bonnie Moreau, who now carries on Shirley’s traditions and skills.

Shirley was well-loved by all. She shared her compassion for people, horses, and dogs. Her encouraging ways and sense of humor were her trademarks. Shirley left a deep and everlasting mark in our hearts and will be remembered with deep abiding love and appreciation.

What a great turn out! We had about 60 volunteers join us for lunch that was put on by our wonderful hospitality team. This time together was great to share stories and memories of this past year – and what a great year it was. We recognized all the hard work that is graciously given to us here at Horses with Heart.

We celebrated the following awards:

• 5 years with HwH: Tonia Fortner, Mary Jane Gunter, Margaret Kavanaugh, Chris Kavanaugh, Mickey Kissell, Jill Underwood, Kris Vollrath

• 10 Years with HwH: Kim Ginn, Kay Lyons, Sandy Vernon, Lisa Deardorff

• 15 years with HwH: Donn Pease, Kyra Pease

• 20 Years with HwH: Helen Collins, Laura Smart, Madelyn Melchoirs

• 30 Years with HwH: Trudy Chapman-Radley, Jim Radley

• Volunteer of the Year: Kris Dockum

We are so thankful for each one of you; we would not be able to accomplish our mission without your dedication. With your help we have made a positive impact on our community, and it is such a wonderful sight to see and be a part of. Thank you!

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2023 ~ KRIS DOCKUM!

Here are some things people have said about her:

“Kris is in ALL ways above and beyond for the horses, students, and volunteers. Her positive energy is contagious. Her work ethic and attention to detail are unmatched. Kris makes HwH and the world a better place for all!”

“Kris wears many hats at HwH. She excels in everything that she does, her attention to detail goes above and beyond. There is never a time when called upon that she is too busy to help in any way that she can. Many of her projects are performed behind the scenes and sometimes go unnoticed by many who do not realize the time she spends in the tack room and with her sewing machine making fly masks for our herd. It has been a pleasure getting to know Kris, she has taught me so much. My appreciation and admiration go well beyond this recommendation. We are blessed that Kris graces us with her devoted presence.”

“Kris is everywhere busy with the business of the horses and helping volunteers guiding and teaching in every area of the grounds of the arena. She keeps the tack in tip top shape, has special sales of tack at her home and at HwH and has taken on the tack shop duties. She is an amazing asset to HwH. I’m thankful for all her help and advice from the day I started volunteering years ago.”

Nominees for the Volunteer of the Year:

• Kay Lyons

• Dwayne Toombs

• Chelsea Barth

• Marcia Gagnon

• Jane Hubbard

• Laura Smart

Volunteer of the Month ~ Bill Arsenault

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

 I am coming up on three years with HwH.

2. Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart?

After I retired, I wanted to find ways to give back to the community. Horses with Heart is very enriching in that regard. Additionally, being around so many knowledgeable horse folks, I am always learning something new to bring back to my horses.

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

It is hard to pick just one. Working with Noah to teach him a few cowboy mannerisms while his riding skills improved was a lot of fun. And as a veteran, working with the veterans’ program has been very rewarding.

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

Just jump in and get involved. There are so many ways to be part of an incredible team. Plus, the existing volunteer staff are just fun to be around.