November 2023
HwH is the Premier Accredited Center in Northern Arizona
Harnessing the proven benefits of therapeutic horsemanship, Horses with Heart (HwH)is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Chino Valley, AZ. We help transform the lives of disabled children and adults, U.S. military veterans, first responders, and seniors as they gain confidence, dignity, and independence by riding our trained horses under the direction of highly-credentialed staff.
Video: Obscura Digital Media LLC.
Introducing Horses with Heart’s New Executive Director ~ Anne Spiess
Anne Spiess has spent her career in the government affairs arena representing elected officials, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations. Upon graduation from college, she began her career in the San Diego home office of Federal Senator Pete Wilson, R-California, where she assisted with constituent issues. Anne then went to work for Governor Michael Dukakis, D-Massachusetts, in his Washington, DC office. She handled constituent communications and assisted with monitoring higher education issues for the Governor on Capitol Hill.
Due to a job relocation of her husband a few years ago, Anne and her family now reside in Dewey, Arizona. Anne is a native of Phoenix, however, spent her early years in Kansas as well. She attended the University of Kansas, majoring in Journalism, and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In a volunteer capacity, Anne has served as president of the Shawnee County Historical Society, Topeka, Kansas, and as vice-president of the Alzheimer’s Association, Topeka Kansas Chapter.
Anne's family received tremendous support from the Alzheimer's Association during her dad's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. After his loss, she was asked to join the Alzheimer's Association, Topeka Chapter Board of Directors. She moved into a leadership role with the Board serving as vice president and helped the Topeka Chapter Board and staff raise money in the community for others who were coping with the disease. Her family also participated in the Memory Walk, an event held not only in Topeka, but also across the United States. As her term on the Board ended and due to her background in government relations, she was asked to represent and lobby on behalf of the Kansas Chapters of the Alzheimer's Association before the Kansas Legislature. While she has legislatively represented numerous clients over the years, it was so fulfilling to see the efforts of their chapter staff, donors, and tremendous volunteers make an impact on the Legislature. Especially during Alzheimer's Day at the Kansas Capitol, they increased awareness of the disease and the resources available to citizens across the state. Legislators were always thankful for those resources as they too were trying to help their constituents dealing with Alzheimer's. Her service to the Alzheimer's Association was important not only to assist citizens in the community, but also to help heal her own family. Her dad had helped so many people throughout his life, they knew he would have been proud of their efforts on his behalf to better the lives of others.
Anne has enjoyed riding and owning horses over the years and has helped her son to win one of the Kansas Cowboy Challenges. Anne and her family -- husband Ed, son Nick and his family -- enjoy walking, hiking, and camping with their numerous adopted dogs. Welcome, Anne!
As president of the Board of Directors of Horses with Heart, I am joined by the entire Board, our staff, and volunteers, in welcoming Anne as our Executive Director. Anne brings to us her enthusiasm and a high regard for all the daily miracles that happen at Horses with Heart. We are anxiously awaiting her arrival on November 6th and look forward to a new year of goal setting and achievements. When you see Anne around the ranch and in the office, introduce yourself and let her know we are all here to welcome and support her. We are so happy you are here, Anne!”
Lisa Lucidi
HwH Merchandise Sale
During the month of November, all Horses with Heart merchandise will be half off! We have hats, t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Stop by the office to take advantage of these great deals!
HwH 30th Anniversary Book
Orders are now being taken for Horses with Heart’s 30th Anniversary History Book. Each book will be $30 and orders can be placed by visiting the HwH office or calling 928-533-9178.
Thank You to the Muckers and Feeders
I just want to say a very heartfelt “Thank you” to all of this year’s feeders and muckers. You guys and gals did such a great job. We had weather, wind, and heat but you all persevered. You made my job easy and the horses happy. Have a great winter!
-Kris Vollrath, Horse Care Coordinator
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
Volunteers, please join us for our free Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at 11:30 am on December 9th at First Southern Baptist in Chino Valley! We will be serving chicken enchilada pie, mango-avocado salad and apple crisp. We will be holding a fun, holiday gift exchange; if you’d like to participate, please bring a wrapped gift under $25.
PLEASE RSVP by filling out the form below and clicking submit or by signing up in the office. Must RSVP by December 1st.
Ativo. Photo credit: Mary Smith
TouchMark. Photo credit: Dusty Spitler
Marvelous Minis Update
October is a very busy month for the minis! As of this writing, we have visited Ativo Senior Living in Prescott Valley and TouchMark Senior Living in Prescott.
The rest of Session 5 has us visiting The Landings in P.V. and The Pioneer Home in Prescott. At Territorial Early Childhood Center in Chino Valley we presented our “Just Say Whoa to Bullying” program to 200 second-graders. The minis and two Arizona Rangers will talk to the kids about bullying, kindness and acceptance. Well, the Rangers will talk; the minis will be adorable!
Session Five Underway – Some Highlights
Session Five is well underway and will be wrapping up for 2024 mid-November. HwH held full classes Mondays through Saturdays consisting of Therapeutic Riding Lessons, our new Equine Assisted Learning Program, Competition Team, and Silver Saddle.
Horses will go on winter break mid-November, but our HwH Staff will be busy all winter getting ready for our 2024 Season. Please contact Program Director, Clarissa Donnelly for more information about the upcoming 2024 class schedule.
In The News
Tacks 5th Avenue
Horses with Heart’s new tack shop, Tacks 5th Avenue, is now open for business! Tack store hours are:
Wednesdays 9am-1pm
Thursdays 11am-4pm
Fridays by appointment
To set up an appointment, please call the Horses with Heart office at 928-533-9178.
Volunteer of the Year Nominations
It’s time to vote for Horses with Heart’s Volunteer of the Year. Who best demonstrates a strong commitment to our riders, our fellow volunteers and our programs? Who should be honored at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on December 9th?
Please fill out the form at the link below or stop by the office to grab a nomination form. Nominations are due no later than November 10th.
Please note that Volunteers of the Year for the last five years are not eligible to be nominated this year. These devoted past winners are Kris Vollrath, Mary Smith, Sherry Hoover, Bonnie Moreau, and Cindy Roche.
To Download Form, print and bring into HWH Office: CLICK HERE
Join Horses with Heart at “December to Remember”!
We will have a booth!
Horses With Heart trio of miniature horses reinforces Arizona Rangers anti-bullying lessons for Chino Valley second-graders
By Nanci Hutson
https://www.dcourier.com/news/2023/oct/26/horses-heart-trio-miniature-horses-reinforces-ariz
Originally Published: October 26, 2023 10:25 p.m.
Second-graders at Territorial Early Childhood Learning Center in Chino Valley were introduced to a trio of special, four-legged guests on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 26, to reinforce a “Just Say WHOA to Bullying” program.
Two members of the Arizona Rangers Granite Mountain Company teamed up with the nonprofit Horses with Heart in Chino Valley and its therapeutic “Marvelous Minis” program to highlight for the students how to prevent and protect against bullying.
Reinforcing their lessons with the three miniature horses — Rocky, Tess and Liberty — Rangers Sgt. Mickey Kissell and Bill Arsenault emphasized the importance of celebrating and respecting differences.
At the close of the lesson, the students had a chance to pet the horses, who greeted them with hoof shakes and bows.
Along with Horses With Heart miniature horse Program Coordinator Mary Smith, the rangers explained that miniature horses live in harmony in their agency barns with larger horse breeds. Though they may look different, all of these horses are intended to offer therapeutic benefit to children and adults and are all valued members of their equine community.
Calling up four children to hold up big red letters spelling out WHOA on the front with the words “We Help One Another” printed on the backs, the rangers encouraged
students to embrace that phrase in their schools and other activities. When students are committed to standing up against bullying, and seeking help from an adult when they see someone who is getting bullied, the rangers said the bullies lose their power.
Bullying can be physical — pushing, kicking or in any way touching someone against their will; bullying can be stealing someone’s belongings; or bullying can be a verbal attack, calling someone names or mocking someone in a way that hurts their feelings, Arsenault explained.
Physical attacks, theft and certain kinds of threats can be deemed crimes that can lead to arrests based on the circumstances, he said. Making fun of someone, or acting in ways that hurt someone’s feelings, might not be deemed criminal “but it’s not the right thing to do.”
Though bullying can occur in multiple forms, Arsenault was clear that “none of it is good.”
So what can be done to stop bullying?
The rangers were clear that it requires people to be brave; stand up against the bully by rallying around their victim; in the case of students, seek out a teacher or respected adult to report what they witnessed. The best weapon against bullies is to treat all people with respect, kindness, compassion and understanding; appreciating that every person is worthy of being a friend, the rangers said.
National bullying statistics suggest that such actions diminish in environments where tolerance and individuality is embraced rather than disgraced or dismissed.
Asked to identify ways to halt bulling in their schools, the students came up with lots of appropriate answers that are part of the anti-bulling program: compassion, respect, tolerance, understanding differences, kindness, acceptance and patience. One little girl, though, summed it up in a phrase that echoes the “Golden Rule.”
“Treat others the way you want to be treated,” she said.
Volunteer of the Month ~ Laurie Walker
Laurie is such a gift to Horses with Heart. This year she took on the important role of SST Substitute Coordinator and has taken it in stride. She makes volunteers feel welcome and is a wonderful asset to our team. Thanks, Laurie, for all that you do!
1. How long have you been with Horses with Heart?
Time flies! It’s been 6 years!
2. Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart?
I was introduced to HWH when I started taking riding lessons in the Silver Saddle program in the Fall of 2017. I felt so supported and welcomed that I went to the next SST training and enjoyed working with the horses and riders over the next few years. I keep volunteering because this is such a wonderful program and I want to continue to help in any way I can.
3. What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart?
I thought about this for a while and came up with many wonderful memories and moments over the years. My newest favorite moment was watching my grandson ride and seeing the joy and happiness in his face as he’s taking his lesson!
4. If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be?
Jump in! Some of us feel a little out of place when we first start to volunteer, however the support and appreciation is there for everything you do. There are so many opportunities, stick with it and find what you love!
In Memory of Popcorn
Many of you “Oldtimers” with HwH will remember this face. Popcorn was the favorite for many of our riders (and volunteers) while we were located at the Whistle Stop Ranch in Dewey. Her size was perfect for TR and she was very loving and gentle, but she had plenty of spunk for our more advanced riders as well. This photo was taken a few years back when Pam Berry went to pick up some donated items. She was 38 years old when she passed recently.
Blue Ribbon Moments Winners: ~ Kelly
Please join us in recognizing the following volunteers who were nominated by their peers for going above and beyond at Horses with Heart! A new winner is chosen each week that we are in session, so make sure to nominate your fellow volunteers!
Week of October 9th: Jeremy Owens
Week of October 16th: Butch Pederson
Week of October 23rd : Izae Vaca
Week of October 30th: Sally Gray
Barrel Race Recap
The 8th Annual Have a Heart Barrel Race and Poles was held on September 30th. There were 54 racers in the 4D Barrels, 22 in Youth Barrels, 9 adorable Peewee racers, and 23 racers in the 4D poles. Despite the wind and dust, it was a wonderful day of racing.
We presented 12 buckles and prize money to the 1st and 2nd place racers in each division. The saddle certificate was presented to the horse and rider with the “Most Heart” with the fastest combined time in both 4D Barrels and 4D Poles. This year the saddle certificate was presented to Ashley Hall of Chino Valley, AZ on her horse Rip.
We would like to thank Olsen’s Events, Mike Olsen, and Shyan Ingrao for hosting the event. Their generous support of Horses with Heart makes our event one of the biggest fundraisers we hold. We couldn’t do it without them.
The committee would like to thank our magnificent sponsors who contributed money and items. Our volunteers did their part to make the day run seamlessly smooth. The participants/racers who came out to participate. And the individuals who purchased items in the Silent Auction and tickets for the Raffle items. It was a fun and successful day for all.
Once again, our kind sponsors and volunteers enable Horses with Heart achieve our mission of being the place where special-needs individuals, veterans, and first responders experience the healing power of the horse to gain confidence, increase independence and improve social skills with the support of caring and credentialed instructors and dedicated volunteers.
Please support and thank the following sponsors:
Sequins and Saddles 2023
Tickets for our fall fundraiser, Sequins and Saddles, are on sale now. Tickets cost $125 apiece and can be ordered by stopping by the office or calling 928-533-9178. This is a wonderful event with dinner and live music, a raffle and auctions - and all proceeds go to support our programs!
For questions or additional information please contact Lynn today: sscoordinator23@gmail.com
Our heartfelt gratitude to our 2023 Sequins and Saddles sponsors!
Diamond level
Lisa and Joseph Lucidi
Prescott Animal Hospital
Edward and Joyce Karkalik
Michael and Traci Zenner
Celtic Windmill Trucking
Gunsite Academy
Barry Barbe and Torme/El Gato Azul
Mike and Lee Cohn
Gold level
Randy and Karen Kay Foundation
Eye Boutique of Sedona
High Desert Barns and Buildings
Tonia Fortner
Henry and Donna Block
Silver level
Frontier Financial of Arizona
Fann Contracting Inc.
Glenn and Sherry Daiutolo
Bronze level
Capital Canyon Club
Drake Cement
Turquoise level
Olsen's Grain
Granite Mountain Stables
Prescott Shooting and Gun Club
Raskin's Jewelers
Independent Therapy Dogs/Kim Pagones
NOAZ Pest Control
Dana Renee Mills Trust
Mary Miller
Great Expectations
Vix Flooring
Sleep Better Southwest
Lifestyle Chiropractic
The following additional sponsors support Horses with Heart throughout the year
Olsen's Grain
W&C Marketing & Designs
Tom's Print and Sign
Otwell Associates, Architects
Dava and Associates, Inc.
Where to Find HwH News?
HwH website horseswithheartaz.org
Newsletter HwH Connection – published monthly
Wranglr emails for HwH volunteers
Social Happenings HwH Friends https://www.facebook.com/groups/922295924909116
Around Our Center
The good news is you no longer have to worry about burning your hand on the arena fence. Now that our days are shorter and cooler, there are other things to remember: If you used the hose, please disconnect it from the faucet when you are done. At the end of the day, if you’re the last one to leave the tack building or barn, please make sure the windows are closed and the lights are turned off. And, if you arrive with a jacket, please be sure to take it home with you.
Thanks for all you do to support our riders, horses and facilities!
Calendar of Events
November 4th ~ Competition Team Play Day
November 10th ~ Volunteer of the Year Nominations Due
November 11th ~ Sequins and Saddles
November 22nd-November 24th ~ HwH Office Closed for Thanksgiving
December 9th ~ Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
December 25th -January 2nd ~ HwH Office Closed; Merry Christmas!
February 10th ~ Bowl-a-Thon
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Stay tuned for more information on #GIVINGTUESDAY - Nov. 28th, 2023!
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