Board and Staff Member Spotlight

HELEN COLLINS
Treasurer

Helen began her journey with HWH in 2004, while the organization was still at the Whistle Stop Ranch in Dewey, AZ. She met Trudy Chapman then who was making a pitch for HWH at another non-profit Helen was attending. Having a special needs grandson, Helen immediately felt the program would be a perfect fit and began her near twenty-year dedication as a volunteer. Her thirty-six-year career in office management and bookkeeping made her an excellent candidate for Board Treasurer and was elected to serve in 2005. She continued as the Treasurer until March 2023 and is now an active, participating board member. Helen loved her early volunteer days working with the Special Olympics Equestrian Team, now the Competition Team. It has only recently been that Helen needed to retire from the physical requirements of an SST member in the arena but remains committed to her other committee work with the Volunteer and Special Event committees. Helen was married to a police officer and have three daughters and one son-all grown and married. Helen has nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She lives in Chino Valley with her best friend, Willow, a lab/shepherd mix.

Sponsor of the Month Spotlight

Horses with Heart is thrilled to celebrate The Prescott Times as our Sponsor of the Month! We’re especially grateful to San Martin and his team for their incredible coverage of all our events, offering comprehensive onsite coverage. We look forward to a successful partnership throughout the year.

Kimmy’z Chili Cook-off

Horses with Heart, was honored as the recipient of the proceeds from the Kimmy’z Chili Cook-off and silent auction held on May 2nd.

Kimmy’z Secret Saloon in Prescott, owned by Kim O’Donnell, hosted this delightful event. Nine chili dishes competed in the competition, and patrons had the opportunity to sample and vote for their favorites. Congratulations to Rick and his green chili recipe!

As patrons savored the chili and watched the Kentucky Derby, they also had the chance to view and bid on various silent auction items and participate in a 50/50 raffle. Robin Miller curated a diverse selection of approximately 30 items, showcasing a wide range of offerings. Thank you Robin!

The day’s proceeds, amounting to approximately $2,400, were all awarded to Horses with Heart.

We would like to express our gratitude to Kimberly O’Donnell, Kimmy’z Secret Saloon, and Robin Miller for inviting us to participate in this wonderful and enjoyable event. Your partnership with the community and your support of Horses with Heart are truly appreciated.

We would also like to thank the following individuals and businesses for donating items for the silent auction:

What is Brave Hearts?

Brave Hearts is all about celebrating and honoring our Veterans, active military personnel, and first responders in our community. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to connect with each other through this horseback experience.

It’s also a fantastic way to foster healthy and vibrant relationships, while giving everyone a chance to showcase their skills and see how much they’ve grown as riders, all while sharing a common love and respect for the horse. It’s about inclusion and recognizing the families and heroes who have so bravely served our communities and our country.

We’re hosting two events on June 13, 2026:

Equestrian Event at Chino Valley Equestrian Park. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hometown Heroes BBQ at Horses with Heart. 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The afternoon event will feature vendors, ranch tours, an honor parade, food, drinks, dancing to a DJ, and much more.

We’ll need lots of volunteers for both events. Please reach out to Debbie Hutchens, Sandy Owens, and Kris Vollrath to find out how you can get involved in this heartwarming event at (928) 533-9178.

Volunteer Of The Month - BILL ARSENAULT

Over the years, Bill has been a dedicated SST member and Kris Dockum’s partner in Wednesday AM water tub scrubbing. More recently, he has taken on the role of overseeing the Maintenance Crew (along with RD). He has worked on the horse panel project, put siding on the Hospitality shed, and other facility improvements and repairs. Bill also joined our Board of Directors this last year! We can’t thank you enough, Bill, for all you do. Your dedication and heart exemplify what Horses with Heart is all about.

1.      How long have you been with Horses with Heart? 5+ years
2.      Why do you volunteer at HWH? First and foremost, it is a very rewarding experience. Second, I enjoy seeing the bond that develops between riders and horses as they go through classes.
3.      What is your favorite memory? I worked with a disabled Veteran all of last year. I promised him a trail ride if he worked hard at his horsemanship skills. We were able to do that trail ride in December. The smile on his face was amazing.
4.      What would you share with new volunteers? All of the folks at HwH are a pleasure to be around. Come join the fun and continue the 30+ year legacy of providing a caring environment for the community.

Miter Foundation Sponsorship

On April 9th, Horses with Heart was invited to share our story with the local team of the Miter Foundation. The foundation is affiliated with Milgard, a prominent national corporation with a factory in Prescott Valley. Our volunteer, Brian Picard, recommended HwH for this opportunity. Thank you Brian!

Sandra, RD, and Aireal attended the event and presented our organization, programs, and goals. Among the three organizations that made presentations that day, we were fortunate enough to be chosen to receive a sponsorship. They requested that our “Rocky” attend to receive the check. With the assistance of Mary Smith and Lisa Cuthbertson, who kindly transported Rocky, we were presented with a generous donation of $2,500.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Miter Foundation and Brian Picard for supporting our organization with this wonderful contribution.

United Way Visit

Horses with Heart extends our sincere gratitude to United Way for their generous $5,000 contribution in support of our programs. This meaningful investment strengthens our ability to serve our community and advance our mission. We deeply appreciate your partnership and commitment to making a lasting impact.

Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Program

We are pleased to announce that Horses with Heart (HwH) successfully raised over $106,000 in tax credit funds this year. We extend our sincere gratitude to all individuals who contributed tax credit donations on behalf of HwH. Your support was instrumental in achieving this remarkable milestone.

As you plan your tax strategies for 2026, please remember Horses with Heart. The tax credit donation opportunity will remain active on our website.

DONATE

Inspirational moments at the HWH Ranch

I thought I would never be on the back of a horse again. I have ridden most of my life and really missed my horses… The brushing, the feeding, the hugging. Then on Mother's Day 2025, my daughters gave me a session with Horses with Heart. My world changed. Suddenly I was on the back of a horse again, having fun and feeling very safe doing it. Not only was I surrounded by friendly volunteers, making sure I felt secure and safe, but also offering me fellowship in the love of horses.

The horse I rode on my first visit was a gift! A gift of confidence, security and joy! He isn’t an old nag or a tired, used up good old boy… no, he is a finely trained, sweet natured gentleman. On those days my legs were not strong, he took great care to balance me in the saddle and do things perhaps a little more carefully than on days I was gripping with my legs as I should. I have ridden other horses since my first mount and each has been as caring and careful with me and my Parkinson’s Disease weakened body. The wonderful volunteers and instructors add the depth of safety and offer friendship that enhance my life to a degree I only hope they realize.

If you are in some way handicapped and long to ride a horse again or for the first time… Horses with Heart could fulfill that longing! It provides health benefits for not only your soul, but our body. I am again among the dreamers and loving it!

Sheila M

Session News

Session 3 and 4 to begin the weeks of June 22nd and 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:

Tuesday, June 2nd @ 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 22nd @ 10:00 a.m.

Fundraising

We’re getting ready to gather items for our upcoming fundraisers: Brave Hearts, 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

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, bchere58@hotmail.com, 360-421-7166.

DOWNLOAD FUNDRAISING PACKAGE

SAVE THE DATE! ~ 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, and we will need lots of help on the day of the parade and with the planning process.

Marvelous Minis Update:

Debra photos are in the photo folder

The Marvelous Minis participated in the Polara Health Walk and Roll for Autism picnic. That is Pirate and Tessa at the fire truck having a great time! Frosty and Dance were entertaining the residents at Las Fuentes Resort Village. And look at Rocky’s cute face after being body clipped, what a handsome guy!

Until next time,

Mary Smith

Shop at Heart and Hoof Mercantile!

Shop at Heart and Hoof Mercantile! Come by the office and check out our store. Besides what we've got now, we're thinking of adding some new summer T-shirt colors -long and short sleeves, plus a new cap. 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.

May Vendor Introduction

We are delighted to introduce Nancy Blaz as our new “May Vendor” at our “Heart and Hoof Mercantile.” Nancy has been a valued member of our team since February of this year. She actively participates in various programs, including feeding, mucking, grooming, and mini’s, ensuring that all horses receive thorough groundwork before she leaves. Additionally, Nancy is an integral part of the Horse and Hoof Mercantile board.

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

Ellie May Cox Memorial Pool Tournament

Each year, Ellie’s Girls organize the Ellie May Cox Memorial Pool Tournament, and the proceeds are presented to Horses with Heart, as directed by Ellie May Cox. This year, the donation amounted to $530. We express our gratitude to Ellie’s Girls, and the late Ellie May for their unwavering support of Horses with Heart.

Prescott Valley Republican Women

May 6th, the Prescott Valley Republicans Women held their monthly meeting. Horses with Heart was once again invited to present to the group. We appreciated the opportunity and their continued support for Horses with Heart. Members in attendance contribute to the various groups invited. This year, HwH received a generous gift of $610 from the supportive Republican Women of Prescott Valley. Thank you!

Competition Team Update:

The HwH Competition Team has had a great spring riding session, working on our ground work, trail obstacles and horsemanship skills. We will wrap up this session with a competition in conjunction with our Brave Hearts event on June 13th at CVEP. We are excited to announce that thanks to two of our sponsors, W&C Marketing and Bucking Burro Apparel, we will be sporting new show shirts at this event. We hope you’ll all come join us as we honor our local military veterans and first responders.

Following the Brave Hearts event, the Team will take a break for the summer, returning to practice on September 5th.

Blue Ribbon Moments Winners:

Week of April 27th ~ Debbie Gray
Week of May 4th ~ Nancy Blaz
Week of May 11th ~ Lynn Valenti
Week of May 18th ~ Kate Adams
Week of May 25th ~ Landry King

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!

Volunteer Needed

We’re looking for a volunteer to help keep our office clean! We’d love for someone to vacuum, dust, and tidy up the kitchen and bathrooms each week. If you’re interested in teaming up with someone else, that would be great too! Please reach out to Debbie Hutchins, our volunteer coordinator, at the office if you’re interested. We’d be so grateful for your help!

Wranglr

If you need assistance with Wranglr, please contact Annette DeMarco at cyngrrl@gmail.com or Debbie Hutchens at hwhvolcoord@gmail.com

Heart Hay Wagon

We now have our very own hay wagon that will be used in the Frontier Days Parade and for the Barrel Race Grand Entry.

Trudy and Jim have been very generous to provide their tractor and wagon for our use at these events in years past, but it is becoming harder for them each year.

Trudy was able to negotiate a good price for us to purchase our own. We are asking for donations to cover that cost. We already have donations in the amount of $700. Please consider donating to cover the purchase of our Horses with Heart Hay Wagon.

Donations can be made in the office or you can visit https://horseswithheartinc-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1398771the website (insert link) to donate online.

Yeehaw , and thank you to all who support Horses with Heart.