October 2022
HwH is the Premier Accredited Center in Northern Arizona
Harnessing the proven benefits of therapeutic horsemanship, Horses with Heart (HwH) helps transform the lives of disabled children and adults—including U.S. military veterans—as they gain confidence, dignity and independence by riding our trained horses under the direction of highly-credentialed staff.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN from HORSES with HEART!
Meet Our New Board President
Welcome to Fall! Hopefully, we can say good-bye to storm clouds and hello to cool, breezy days and beautiful autumn colors. Next week we begin our last session of the year, and we couldn’t do it without all of you. We’ve had some challenges this year with Mother Nature, but she is in charge, and she doesn’t ever let us forget it! Along with the change in season, your Board of Directors of Horses with Heart, now has a new President; yours truly. I am humbled by the support and opportunity to serve and look forward to the challenge. We know all of you have ideas, suggestions, and abilities to make us more efficient, more transparent, and more in line with our mission and vision for our special needs community. I hope you feel you can bring those thoughts and comments to me any time. I will make sure they are addressed, and the right people are on the answer. We are all invested in Horses with Heart, whether it is our time, our talent, or our treasure. Let’s work together and see success together and a better Horses with Heart for everyone and our community.
Thank you again for all you do for Horses with Heart, and God bless you.
Regards,
Lisa Lucidi (Sam’s mom)
Thank You, Mary Smith
After several years of faithful service as HwH Board President, Mary Smith has passed her gavel and reins on. Mary’s dedication to Horses with Heart, our mission, our programs, our riders, and volunteers has been a blessing to all. She remains an active volunteer as HwH’s Marvelous Minis Program Coordinator, a regular Safety Support Team volunteer, a member of the board, and as a mentor to new volunteers. Thank you, Mary, for leading Horses with Heart with your heart and soul.
7th Annual Have a Heart Barrel Race & Poles Recap
Postponed to November 19, 2022
Rain. Rain. Stay Away! While in a normal year I would be reporting the success of our event and all the racers. This year because of the rain Wednesday, September 21st, we were forced to postpone our event. The arena was too wet to hold the event safely. The racers were set, volunteers were set, food truck was set, silent auction was set; we were ready! Now we are on hold until the new date, November 19, 2022. The number of entries had increased from last year which was our goal for this year. Please help us pray that the same number and even more racers enter for our race on the new date.
Even though we postponed our event, I don’t want to postpone thanking our many sponsors and donors. The barrel race is a major fundraiser for Horses with Heart. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks go out to the following companies and individuals. Please thank and support our sponsors and donors when you can.
Sally, Sam, and Kathleen
Volunteers of the Month ~ Sally Gray and Kathleen Williams
Q & A ~ Sally Gray
How long have you been with Horses with Heart? It seems like only yesterday I started! Time has really flown by, and each day I am at the ranch, there is a new adventure to be shared.
Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart? I wanted to volunteer at HwH for selfish reasons, my love of the horses!!! But I have ‘ become’ so much more after my short time here. I am not sure if it’s the influence of the staff, my fellow volunteers, our horse heroes, or our riders that has brought me so much joy!!
What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart? My favorite memory at HwH is the first time I ‘trotted’ with Sam! If any of you have short legs like me, you know when Sam takes off, Sam REALLY takes off!! I was surprised the first time, the second time I was able to keep up.
If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be? This is a life changing adventure, no matter what aspect of the ranch you choose to work in. Be sure you witness a class. Watch the looks on the students faces. You may see some frustration, but the joy they show when they accomplish their assigned task is priceless, well worth our time to witness this joy.
Q & A ~ Kathleen Williams
How long have you been with Horses with Heart? This is my first year with HwH. I went through orientation last February.
Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart? I had been at a horse rescue for the previous 5 years as a volunteer, and I was looking for a new place to get my "horse therapy". I needed a place less sad!
What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart? My favorite memory was Sunshine's retirement party. She was one of my favorites, and to see her decked out in flowers was so lovely.
If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be? I would say to any new volunteer that this is a VERY well-run organization. Everyone here is nice! Everyone appreciates each other! It is a great, happy, and positive place to be. I feel valued as a volunteer (even before this Volunteer of the Month honor!) Really - where do you find a place where EVERYONE is nice??
Horse of the Month ~ Rocky
Rocky has lived at HwH since 2017. He jumped right into the Marvelous Mini Program and learned the ropes from Buttercup prior to her retirement. He has built up a cache of Frequent Trailer Miles from his travels around the Quad-Cities area since then. He has taken his show on the road to senior living facilities, schools, community events, BB/BS picnics, church festivals, and even traveled to Sedona for a special appearance. He has entertained folks who come to HwH for ranch tours and amused youngsters in the pergola who come to watch their siblings ride in TR classes.
Rocky allows us to dress him up for special occasions and holidays. He performs tricks to awe his audiences. But what he does best is stand very still as the children in special resources classes brush him and pet him and giggle when they feel his whiskers on their hands. He does the same when the residents at senior facilities pet him and recount stories of the ponies of their childhood.
Rocky has had a very busy September with back-to-back programs and doing three special performances at the September CV Chamber of Commerce mixer held at HwH. And he has done it all with a panache that would make Buttercup proud!
Meet Our New Volunteer Coordinator
Chelsea has taken on another role at Horses with Heart. Not only is she the Administrative Assistant to our Program Director Jan, she is also the new Volunteer Coordinator. Chelsea is not new to Horses with Heart; she originally began volunteering here in 2013 and has been a volunteer on Safety Support Teams for many years. She looks forward to bringing her organizational skills, love of people, along with her love for Horses with Heart into this role.
You can reach Chelsea choose one of the buttons below.
Horse Sponsors Make a Difference ~ Can You Help?
Did you know that our hay and feed costs here at Horses with Heart have increased 60% since last year? That’s not all. Veterinarian and farrier care costs have also increased exponentially.
Horses with Heart loves our horse Sponsors!!! Thanks to each one of you, HwH has been able to soften the blow of these rising costs.
Most of our horses have been fortunate in having Sponsors helping defray their expenses; however, others need sponsors. Only $500 per six-week session will help defray the cost of their care.
Please consider sponsoring the following horses - Shadow, Jewel, eBay, Chili. HwH could sure use your support!
Sequins and Saddles Nov. 12 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Student Union
COMING SOON!
Annual Sequins and Saddles Dinner and Auction, Nov. 12, 2022 at Embry Riddle College, doors open at 4:30 pm.
Angelique has done a wonderful job working with sponsors for this event. Sponsorship includes seating; so, OPEN TICKETS ARE LIMITED again this year- what a wonderful problem to have! (As of today, there are only 26 tickets left.) Get your tickets quickly. They go on sale TODAY Oct. 1st from 9am-4pm in the office. Tickets can be purchased via cash, check, or credit card (there is a 5% surcharge for credit card purchase). The ticket price is $100.00 per person. (Office: 928-533-9178 or hwhexecdir@gmail.com)
Donations for auction items will be handled similarly to last year. For donation ideas, go to our wish list through Amazon. This list will be available after Oct. 5th. Items can be sent directly to the HwH office or to Horses with Heart, 852 N. Sycamore Vista Drive, Chino Valley AZ 86323.
Other donations, such as hotel stays, jeep tours, time shares are great ideas as well. This year, we will be creating Bourbon, Wine, and Tequila Baskets, so donations towards those would be great. If you know business owners who might like to donate, connect with them, or let Debi know and I’ll contact them.
A special thanks to those who have committed to be a Sponsor to date:
Diamond: Mike and Lee Cohn, Lisa and Zip Lucidi, Safeway/Albertsons, Henry and Donna Block, Prescott Animal Hospital, Celtic Windmill Trucking, Findlay Subaru, Blind Brothers Arizona, Drill Tech
Gold: Helen Collins, Tonia Fortner, Members of HwH Board
Silver: Frontier Financial of Arizona, Farmers Insurance - Jeff Champ Agency
Bronze: Bob's Complete Auto Repair, Fancy That, Sands Realty, Quality Trailers, All Natural Marj, Otwell Associates Architects, High Desert Buildings and Barns, Styles by Kathy, Jan Grise & Sue Jordan, Barrett Propane
Turquoise: National Snaffle Bit Association, Arizona Quarter Horse Association, W & C Marketing, Arizona Horse Connection, Olsen's Grain, American Barn Company, Dr. Jeff Stires, St. Michael's, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
Session 4 Classes Have Begun
This riding year is passing so quickly, and here we are in our last session of 2022. Our riders have made great strides this year. Many have ridden for the first time; some have returned to riding; some have continued to ride with us for many years. Whether a beginner or a more advanced rider, horses teach us so much. Not only do our riders learn riding skills, but every day at Horses with Heart, we see gains in physical strength, coordination, balance, mobility, confidence, trust, social skills, patience, and much more. We are already looking ahead to 2023. Please contact HwH’s Program/Riding Director, Jan Grise by choosing one of the button below if you are interested in registering to participate in the new year. .
Classy Pony Resale Boutique Update
The Classy Pony Resale Boutique's opening day was September 3rd and the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was September 14th. In its first month of operation, the Boutique has made $1760. One hundred percent of its profits benefit the Horses with Heart Therapeutic Riding Program. With the exception of Horses with Heart's merchandise, all items in the Boutique are donated. HwH Fall short sleeve T shirts are currently available in the Boutique. One shirt - $20 and two shirts - $30. Whether you are buying, donating, or volunteering, you are making a difference for a great cause.
Speaking of Classy Pony Resale Boutique shop keeper volunteers, a BIG shout out goes to Laura Jaramillo, Sandy Gesswein, Laura Lucas, June Townsend, and Gloria Reid. Come join us.
Classy Pony Resale Boutique Volunteer Experience
I have been working in the Classy Pony Boutique and enjoying my time in there. I can catch up on my emails, Facebook or read a book while I’m sitting behind the counter. You do not need to have any retail experience; everything is priced, and we do not charge sales tax, so it’s easy. It’s nice when people come in and you can tell them all about Horses with Heart, and what a great organization we are. I volunteer on my days that I am volunteering anyway, so I don’t have to make an extra trip out. I just plan my time in the boutique before I help with classes. Helping in the Boutique can be for one hour or more, if you like. Would you consider giving some time to help keep the shop open? “Many hands make light work.“ - Gloria Reid
Gas Card
Our August winner of the $25 gas card was Cindy Roche. Congratulations!!!!! The September winner will be announced on October 1st.
Please put your new ticket in for October’s drawing starting on October 1st. (Please, only one ticket per month.) The container and tickets are on the volunteer shelf in the office.
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
(aka Pam’s Pet Peeves)
Fall is in the air and we are starting to see changes around HwH, not only in our facility but in the horses as well. The cooler temperatures can bring on sudden bursts of energy that we haven't seen in a while. Were you there the day eBay played so hard in the round pen that he literally "threw" a shoe? With the increased energy and more distractions like grasshoppers, falling leaves, etc. there is more potential for horses to spook. Please keep that in mind when you are taking horses out of their pens; be ready for the unexpected. The other change we see in some of our horses this time of year is that they are tired and looking forward to winter break. You may notice they are more grumpy or less willing to pick up their feet; some may be having some aches and pains that they are not used to. Although we won't allow them bad behavior, we do ask that you be cautious and patient. And please let me or an instructor know if one of our horses is unusually grumpy or acting out.
On the subject of winter break... I am working on arrangements for winter homes. If you (or someone you know) are interested in adopting one or more of our horses for the winter, either at your home or by financially supporting them at a boarding facility, or just have questions about our Winter Adoption Program, please contact me as soon as possible.
Calendar of Events
October 3 ~ Session 4 Therapeutic, Veteran & First Responder, Silver Saddle classes begin
October 7-8 ~ Appaloosa Meadows Tack Sale (to benefit HwH)
November 5 ~ Competition Team End of Season Play Day at HwH
November 5 ~ Horse Sponsors Celebration
November 12 ~ Sequins and Saddles, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 4:30 pm
November 19 ~ 7th Annual Have a Heart Barrel Race
November 24-27 ~ HwH Office is closed
December 5 ~ Volunteer/Wranglr Hours Event and Christmas Luncheon, Grace Church, Chino Valley, 11:30 am
HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR OTHERS
From donations to sponsorships to SHOPPING for holidays, birthdays or weddings you can make a difference for others and Horses with Heart.
A BIG thank you to Patrick Baize of Baize Storage Solutions in Chino Valley and Weather King for our new 10 x 16 Toy Shed. And to Brad Miller for making the shed good as new!