Horses With Heart— July 2026 Newsletter

Board President Update

Dear Horses with Heart Friends and Stakeholders,

First of all, I must apologize for the late update. My intention was to update this group every 60-75 days. My last update was in February, so I’m late. They say life gets in the way of good intentions, never so true. Since our last update, we have finished our AZ Tax credit program, held our Brave Hearts Events, and on a personal note, adopted a blind horse and a Doberman puppy.

First, the good stuff: Our tax credit program netted over $110,000 in donations from all over Arizona. With great work from Bonnie and Sandy from our BOD, Debra from our marketing team, and Bill Adams, a persistent volunteer, we overachieved our target. In June we held our second annual Brave Heart events, with a competition and BBQ. Again, the entire team excelled, and we collected over $15,000 towards our programs focused on Veterans and First Responders. Congratulations to everyone involved, including some great sponsors. Without a track record, these businesses gave us a chance. Despite the rain, our turnout was great, and we had a 94% increase over last year.

Apex Land and Cattle
Ace Hardware
Bucking Burro Apparel
Buenos Banos LLC
Casa Auto Group
Drill Tech
Findlay Subaru
Galpin Ford
Grand Canyon Roofing
High Desert Buildings and Barns
HT Fencing
Mothers Polishes, Waxes, and Cleaners
Grand Canyon Parts, NAPA Chino Valley
Pepsi Co
Preferred Pump
The Prescott Times
Walmart
Yavapai Title
Many individuals also donated. Thank you.

On the business front, we are in a very strong cash position with $158,000 in the bank at the last reported BOD meeting. Expenses are down, and revenue is up. Our CPA is ready to file our IRS forms any day for 2025. The success of AZ Tax Credit and Brave Hearts has eliminated our summer slump in our cash position.

On the personnel front, we have posted for our new Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinator. The job descriptions are on our website; please, if you know of good candidates, send them our way. With mixed feelings, we lost Chelsea Barth, our Assistant Director, but it was to a good cause, her family.

On the horse front, we are retiring some of our oldest herd. We took Gladys at our ranch; she had grown blind but is doing well in retirement. A few more have found new homes, but a few are still available if you are interested. We are looking for new horses for programs; Allie just joined and appears to be a good fit. Again, if you can refer a new sound horse to the program, we would appreciate it.

I can’t close this update without a big thank you to our volunteers and staff. Every day, I am amazed at their work, the workload they put on themselves, and the dedication. It makes my position easy. Thank you again.

That will do it for our update. Again, thank you for all you do for us.

All the Best,

Robert “RD” Davis
949-637-0133 or miataracer55@gmail.com

Board and Staff Member Spotlight

Sherry Hoover
Lead Instructor

It hasn’t taken Sherry long to build an impressive listing of teaching credentials. Since joining HwH in 2012, she has become a PATH Certified Therapeutic Registered Instructor, a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist (ESMHL), a CHA-IRD Instructor (Physical & Cognitive), and holds accreditation for CHA Standards in both English and Western.

Growing up in Arcadia, California, Sherry was always interested in horses. Although when she started volunteering with HwH, it was her first in-depth experience to the equine world. She first joined HwH simply because of her love of horses. But soon after that, “I found that working with special needs individuals was my calling.” Week in and week out, her riders respond to that passion with deep affection and trust. Sherry continues to challenge herself to become an even better Instructor, attending clinics and workshops throughout the year. She loves seeing the joy on the riders’ faces as they accomplish a task. Her overriding joy? “Seeing the riders become all they are able to be.”

Sherry a talented Instructor assisting in the many facets of program development, potential participant assessment, class assignments, registration, and mentoring Instructors-in-Training.

Sponsor of the Month Spotlight

Apex Land and Cattle Co

Horses with Heart is thrilled to celebrate Apex Cattle and Land Co as our Sponsor of the Month. Thank you for the wonderful donation to the Brave Heart silent auction. We look forward to a successful partnership throughout the year.

Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County Award

We are deeply grateful for your generous grant award of $2,000 in support of Horses with Heart. Your investment in our programs directly impacts the individuals and families we serve, helping us continue to provide meaningful, life-changing equine-assisted services in our community. We truly appreciate your commitment to making a difference and are honored to have you as a partner in our mission.

Nackard Pepsi of Prescott Valley

On behalf of everyone involved with Horses with Heart, we extend our deepest gratitude to Nackard Pepsi of Prescott Valley for your generous donation of Pepsi products for the Brave Hearts event on June 13, 2026.

Session News

Session 3 has started! Due to the heat, this is the only Session that is not set up in our traditional 5 consecutive week classes. With this comes the opportunity for “one-off” classes, clinics, and workshops. We have several clinics scheduled already and continue to look for more, but if there is something you are interested in learning, we would love to hear from you!

July 7th - Free Lunge - Learn how to safely work with and build trust with your horse by using your body language, positioning, and cues. - Taught by Lisa P - 9:30 - 10:30am - $40 - Contact Aireal Dallam for Sign-Up adallam@horseswithheartaz.org
July 8th - De-Sensitization Work - Utilizing objects you might have at home or encounter on a trail, learn how to create resilience in you and your horse. - Taught by Lisa P - 9:30 - 10:30am - $40 - Contact Aireal Dallam for Sign-Up adallam@horseswithheartaz.org
Megan Bennett Obstacle Challenge Buckle series – July 25th & 26th - Registration available on her website
July 28th - Free Lunge - Learn how to safely work with and build trust with your horse by using your body language, positioning, and cues. - Taught by Lisa P - 9:30 - 10:30am - $40 - Contact Aireal Dallam for Sign-Up adallam@horseswithheartaz.org
July 29th - Lagging Horse - Let's get that horse to respond to the cues you are asking, respect your pace, and stop lagging behind. - Taught by Lisa P - 9:30 - 10:30am - $40 - Contact Aireal Dallam for Sign-Up adallam@horseswithheartaz.org
Megan Bennett Obstacle Challenge Buckle series – August 22nd & 23rd - Registration available on her website August 22nd & 23rd

Session 4 will begin the week of August 17th . Our programs include Therapeutic/Adaptive riding lessons, Equine Assisted Learning experiences, Veterans, Silver Saddles, and Non-Mounted Horsemanship classes. If you are interested in upcoming sessions, please contact Aireal Dallam at hwhprograms@gmail.com or 928-533-9178

Up Coming Volunteer Trainings

~Wednesday, July 22nd @ 10:00 a.m. with Safety Support Team (SST) training immediately following.

~Saturday, August 15th @ 9:00 a.m. with Safety Support Team (SST) training immediately following

Mounting and Dismounting Practice

If you would like to assist with the riders’ mounts and dismounts, this is a 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.

Brave Heart Equestrian Event and BBQ

We are so happy to share that a great and honorable time was had by all!

Our day kicked off with an Honor Parade at Chino Valley Equestrian Park. The parade featured the US flag, Arizona State flag, and flags from all branches of the military, proudly carried on horseback. We also saw the POW/MIA flag, First Responders, and the HwH flag. Jan Hollenbeck, the wife of the late Peter Sanders, who we celebrate with our Brave Heart events, was honored by walking alongside the riderless horse, guided by Mickey Kissel.

In the Western Ranch Rail Walk/Trot, and Western Trail events, 7 Veterans, active military personnel, and First Responders showcased their skills. Virg Jimenez, a retired first responder from Chino Valley, took home the Western Ranch Rail, Walk Trot title, while Roberta Coons, a first responder from Prescott, AZ, won the Western Trail event. Huge congratulations to both of you! Trophies and ribbons were presented to the top 5 in each category.

A special thank you to Kris Vollrath, her committee, and the wonderful ladies at Chino Valley Equestrian Center for putting together such an amazing event.

Special note from Kris:

I would like to thank all the riders, flag bearers, spectators, and everyone who had a part in this year’s Brave Hearts Horse Event. Special thanks go to the following: Aireal, Sherry, Kimberly, Peter, Jan H., Margaret, Lynn, Diane G., Mickey, Winkie, Jane, Linda T, Duane, Kate, Marcia, Kathleen W, Sandy, Bonnie, Comp Team, and CVEP and Horses with Heart. It would not have been possible without the help of all of you.

With Greatest Appreciation,
Kris Vollrath

The Brave Heart BBQ event kicked off at the Horses with Heart Ranch at 3:00, bringing together our community and amazing supporters of Horses with Heart. Nearly 200 guests came to enjoy community BBQ, drinks, music, dancing, a silent auction, a lively and successful live pie auction, ranch tours, vendors, and another honor parade.

This honor parade featured flags from each military branch, proudly carried by active and retired service members. Special guest Kimberly Lopez, the wife of the late Yavapai County Sheriff Officer Richard Lopez, honored her husband and led the parade, accompanied by Kris Volrath, who carried a photo of our HwH volunteer and friend Pete Sanders, who is the honoree of our Brave Heart events. The parade was also filled with bagpipe music from the Southwest Skye Pipes and Drums. Thank you, Kathleen Williams and your group, for such a wonderful tribute to our heroes.

This was our second annual Brave Heart event, and it was a blast, a fantastic way to honor our heroes. Thanks to the Brave Heart chair Sandy Owens, co-chairs Kris Volrath and Bonnie Moreau, and the fantastic committee who worked hard to plan and make this event so wonderful.

Volunteers Of The Month - JOHN AND DEBBY GRAY

John and Debby Gray Joined HWH in 2023 as a dynamic team. They both are regulars on our feeding and mucking team, SST teams, Mini’s team, and offer to sub whenever needed. John and Debby also help with our turnouts, water our arena before classes and just do everything with a smile. They are such a wonderful addition to our volunteer crew and exemplify a true heart for our organization. Thank you, John and Debby!

1. How long have you been with Horses with Heart? We have been volunteering with HwH for 3 years.

2. Why do you volunteer at HWH? We volunteer because we enjoy giving back, and love being around the horses, riders, and staff. It is inspiring to see how much this program changes lives.

3. What is your favorite memory? Our favorite memories are seeing the riders accomplish something they didn’t think they could do, and watching their confidence grow. The smiles, hugs, and connections with the horses make every day special.

4. What would you share with new volunteers? Jump in and enjoy the experience. Every role matters, and you do not have to know everything about horses to make a difference. Everyone is welcoming and helpful.

Fundraising:

We have started gathering items for our upcoming fundraisers: Have a Heart Barrel Race, and Poles, as well as Sequins and Saddles. Our community is always so generous to Horses with Heart, and we’ve already reached out to our past supporters to see if they can contribute. If you know anyone who might be able to donate, we’re hoping to get a diverse range of items.

Gift baskets or themed packages
Gift cards or certificates
Products or merchandise
Services (spa, home, or fitness)
Event tickets or unique experiences

We can use your help. You can pick up procurement letters and donation forms in the office, or if you’d prefer, I can email them to you. Thanks so much for your help—we really appreciate it!

Bonnie Moreau, bmoreau@horseswithheartaz.org, 360-421-7166

DOWNLOAD FUNDRAISING PACKAGE

Summer 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Lunch!

Our Volunteer Appreciation Lunch landed on a great weather day! We had close to sixty volunteer attendees who participated in a fun Trivia game, Corn Hole, and of course our famous Wranglr Raffle! We want to thank the many volunteers that came to help set up, prepare and serve food, and take down. Our pulled pork and bbq sandwiches were delicious! If you missed this one, not to worry. We will be appreciating our volunteers again in January ‘27.

Marvelous Minis Update

In June, Minis Rocky, Tessa, Paisley, and Brady brought smiles and a touch of magic to residents at Glassford Place Assisted Living in Prescott Valley. Dressed in their enchanting unicorn finery, the miniature horses looked as though they had stepped straight out of a fairy tale. They captured the hearts of residents and staff alike!

Trudy Chapman-Radley organized a Minis program at the Camp Verde Parks & Rec Summer Camp using her 2 mini horses, her mini donkey, and her goat. Our own Remy, Diane McCoy’s mini, was trailered to Camp Verde by Heidi Harvey. Thanks to all who helped!

Mary Smith

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.

DONATE

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

We will be participating in the Prescott Rodeo Parade again this year! Our Entry is entitled “Freedom in Every Stride - Independence through Therapeutic Riding”. The Parade is Saturday, July 4th. We will be decorating the wagon on Friday, July 3rd at 9am at the HwH ranch. We can use many hands. Saturday we will meet at 8 am in the Sprouts parking lot in Prescott to finish decorating and move to the staging area. We are entry #65. Staging area is on Virginia between Sheldon and Willis Street.

We hope you will join us. Bring hats and sunscreen. Yee Haw 🤠

Competition Team Update

Although the Team’s competition at Brave Hearts got rained out, we were proud to be there in support of our Veteran and 1st Responder riders. Judge Diana Goddard has committed to come back and do our portion of the competition at a later date. We’ll keep you posted as to when that will happen. In the meantime, we are taking a break through the summer and will return to our regular practice schedule Labor Day Weekend. Everyone have a great summer; stay cool and hydrated!

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.

BE A BUDDY

Blue Ribbon Moments Winners

Week of June 1st - Nancy Blaz
Week of June 8th - Jeanie Sharp
Week of June 15th - Terri Silveira
Week of June 22nd - Mary Smith

Ranch Visit:

If you are interested in scheduling a Ranch Visit for your organization or class please contact Aireal Dallam at hwhprograms@gmail.com or 928-533-9178.

Needs for the Ranch: Equipment: We are always in need of new helmets and saddles, please contact Kris D. at 928-533-9178 if you can help us out!