Horses With Heart— October 2026 Newsletter

October “Bored Report”

Welcome to Fall. The cool weather and rain have been a welcome relief, but fighting these weeds has been tough. At the ranch, we have been fighting a good fight, but I think we are neck and neck with the weeds, slightly ahead. Since our last update, the big news was the unanimous approval to appoint Sandra Owens, our new Executive Director. Sandra is able to do this on a part-time basis, based on the outstanding job our staff and volunteers are doing. We also hired a Volunteer Coordinator, Patricia Rendon, who has been a volunteer. Welcome, Patricia. We have one last critical position to fill: the new role of Office Manager. We have several great candidates. Hopefully, we will have that filled soon.

The Program Team, with the cooperation of our instructors, has been working to revamp our schedule for the 2027 season. The big question is class session length: is a 4-week class session, 5-week, or 6-week the best for our clients? There are multiple factors, pros, and cons, in each, but our goal is to do what is best for the clients. If you have any input, please discuss it with Aireal our Program Coordinator. Speaking of schedule, winter break is coming soon. Marcia, our barn manager, is looking for a few more winter foster homes for our horse partners. Please contact her if you are interested.

On the financial side, cash flow and bank balances are good. The team has done a great job in keeping expenses under the budget. As fall comes, two of our biggest fundraisers are critical to keeping the cash flow positive. The Barrel and Pole Race plus Sequins and Saddles. Both are outlined in the newsletter if you are interested in attending or sponsoring.

As we move toward year-end, as a board, we will develop and revise priorities and a 2027 ground-up budget for Sandra. Then, start working in earnest on our 3- and 5-year business plans. That, along with a marketing-communications strategy. We are still seeking a volunteer Press and Public Relations professional? If you have any recommendations, please send them my way.

That’s enough boredom for today. Please enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving. Stay safe during the holiday season, and we will connect again before Christmas.

Thank you again. All the best,

Robert “RD” Davis
949.637.0133
Miataracer55@gmail.com

Staff Highlight: The Horses with Heart (HwH) Board of Directors (BOD) is happy to announce Sandra Owens as our new Executive Director.

Over the past ten-plus years, Sandra has volunteered and served as a sponsor/donor at HwH. She is a parent of two special-needs young people, Jeremy and Baylee, now in their twenties. Both have participated in our therapeutic classes and are a part of our Competition Team. That’s what originally brought Sandra to HwH – a need for our programs. She has seen and experienced HwH’s benefits firsthand. Most recently, Sandra led the charge in organizing and running our 2026 Brave Hearts and Heroes and Home Town Hero BBQ events in June. Her dedication, ambition, and positive attitude are contagious, and we are ecstatic that she has accepted this role with us.

Sandra and her family own and operate Drill Tech, a 30-year-old company here in Chino Valley, Arizona. Drill Tech has drilled over 6,500 water wells in the Southwest and has more than 80 years of combined experience in the drilling industry. They are experienced in air rotary, reverse circulation, mud rotary, core drilling, and exploration drilling, specializing in commercial and residential well drilling for the Quad Cities of Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt, and throughout Arizona.

We appreciate Sandra and the entire Owens family for sharing their time with us as she transitions into her new role at Horses with Heart.

Please join us in congratulating Sandra. And as always, thank you, the community, for your continued support of our events, programs, and overall organization.

Sponsor of the Month: Olsen’s

Olsen’s for Healthy Animals has been a major retail supplier of pet, livestock, and wild bird feeds since 1979. With deep roots in Northern Arizona, we started with the original location in Chino Valley. Olsen’s has now grown to five stores strong. We serve the communities of Prescott, Dewey/ Humboldt, Clarkdale, Flagstaff and surrounding areas. We are proud to say that our superior product offerings and service form the basis for our motto: “Good Enough, Just Isn’t.”
https://olsensgrain.com
https://olsensevents.com

GRANTS

Horses with Heart is incredibly honored and excited to share that we received two generous grants this month, totaling $17,500! These gifts from Dignity Health and United Way mean so much to our organization and to the people and horses we are privileged to serve.

We are especially grateful to Kimberley Christie for her continued commitment to Horses with Heart. Your belief in our mission and your ongoing support help make it possible for us to continue changing lives, one horse and one person at a time.

Every gift is more than financial support — it is a reminder that our community believes in the healing, connection, and hope that horses can bring. We are deeply thankful to everyone who continues to stand beside us and help our mission grow.

From all of us at Horses with Heart, thank you for believing in what we do and for being part of our journey. We look forward to continuing this work together and to all the lives we will touch along the way.

Horses with Heart welcomes our new Volunteer Coordinator : PATRICIA RENDON

Patricia grew up in California, spending most of her childhood in the Los Angeles area. Her love of horses began early–in fact, her very first job was driving the Griffith Park Pony Cart at 11 years old. That early connection with horses would become a lifelong passion.

At 28, Patricia finally got her first horse, and she has had horses in her life ever since. She pursued her education at Pierce College, in Santa Monica, CA majoring in Animal Science, while building a long and successful career in telecommunications. She spent 23 years with Pac Bell, followed by another 25 years with a different telecommunications company.

Patricia has always been a lifelong learner, with interests that reached well beyond horses. Over the years, she studied Horse Science, Administration of Justice, Crime Analysis, and GIS (digital cartography), always eager to learn something new and expand her horizons.

In 1995, Patricia combined her love of horses with her interest in their health and wellbeing by starting her own horse business, providing physical therapy for horses using infrared and visible red light. Then in 1998, she took on another challenge and attended the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy and became a mounted Reserve Deputy. Balancing the demands of the Sheriff’s Dept. and her horse business reached its peak in 2014 and at that time, Patricia decided to retire from both. She continued working in telecommunications until 2023.

In 2022, Patricia relocated to Arizona while working remotely and eventually settled in Chino Valley, where she is now enjoying a new chapter surrounded by the beautiful Arizona landscape. Patricia began volunteering her red light therapy services for our horses earlier this year and now, joining Horses with heart as a staff member, she is looking forward to this wonderful transition at this time in her life. We are so happy to have you on board Patricia!

Session News

Our final Session for 2026 is here! Our programs include Therapeutic/Adaptive riding lessons (ages 4+), Equine Assisted Learning groundwork experiences(ages 4+), Veterans riding or groundwork classes, Silver Saddles riding classes (45+), and Non-Mounted Horsemanship classes. If you are interested in upcoming Sessions or more information, please contact Aireal Dallam at adallam@horseswithheartaz.org or 928-533-9178

Winter Horse Fosters:

It’s not too soon to start thinking about fostering a horse for the winter break. If you have an empty corral and want to foster one of our horses get your name on the list now. There are some favorites and last year's fosters will have the first pick of the horse they had last year.

No corral, that’s ok. If you have it in your heart you can help sponsor a horse by donating towards their care for the winter.

We may also have a summer foster TBD.

Contact Marcia Gagnon for more information mgagnonhwh@horseswithheartaz.com 805-610-4851

Wrangler Raffle

Volunteers, we need donations for our upcoming Wrangler Raffle in January. So look around the house and see what you might want to donate. (A western theme is always popular but not necessary.)

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR!

It’s that time of the year again. Volunteer of the Year nominations are open, and we need you, our volunteers, to send in your nominations.

NOTE: The following past Volunteers of the Year may not be nominated for 2026.

Bonnie Moreau Helen Collins
Sherry Hoover Jan Grise
Mary Smith Kris Dockum
Kris Volrath Cindy Roche
Winkie Robb Lisa Cuthbertson
Marcia Gagnon Trudy Chapman-Radley

You may fill out a form in the office or just send your nomination via email to:

Patricia Rendon prendon@horseswithheartaz.org OR Debbie Hutchens dhutchens@horseswithheartaz.org

Volunteer Of The Month - WINKIE ROBB

Winkie has been a truly invaluable volunteer at Horses with Heart for 7 years.

Right now, she’s the lead with the Supplement Team, which is a super important role! Our horses need the right nutrition to stay in top shape, and since our herd is getting older, supplements are especially crucial.

Winkie also helps out on our grooming team every week. She has such a deep love for our horses and knows each one so well. She’s trained in the Masterson Method, which helps reduce anxiety and ease aches and pains. When the lead groomers can’t make it, Winkie is always ready to step up and lead the team.

Winkie is so dedicated to Horses with Heart, and it really shines through in everything she does.

How long have you been with Horses with Heart? Seven wonderful years!
Why do you volunteer at HWH? I promised the horse crazed little girl I once was that someday I’d work with horses. I also wanted to help other people once I retired. Volunteering at Horses with Heart allows me to do both.
What is your favorite memory? I watched one of our riders roll out of the covered arena in his wheelchair, after class, with Jazz’ following. She had her muzzle nestled on his shoulder following along. That moment is as fresh in my mind now as the day I saw it. It showed the tremendous bond our riders & horses develop.
What would you share with new volunteers? Volunteer to do what you love. Everyone will share their knowledge with you. Little miracles happen here every day! You will make wonderful horse & human friends. We are all happy you’ve joined us.

Fundraising:

You can help in two ways. We are looking for monetary sponsorships/donations, and items to be included in our live and silent auctions.

We are gathering items for our Sequins and Saddles Gala that will be held on November 7, 2026, at the Lower Hangar of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Our community is always very 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. Procurement letters and donation forms are 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

Marvelous Minis Update

On the Road with the Marvelous Minis

September programs began with Frosty and Dance traveling to one of our favorite schools, Abia Judd, where they visited children in the school’s Secret Garden area. Although most of the students are non-verbal, they have no trouble expressing their delight when the Minis arrive. Their smiles and enthusiasm say it all!

Next, the Minis made a visit to Haven Health Assisted Living, where Rob and Michelle Whan’s Tessa and Pirate took center stage. The senior residents enjoyed spending time with the Minis and sharing fond reminiscences with our volunteers about their good old days with horses. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect generations through a shared love of these special animals.

The Minis brought a lot of equine charm to SNAP’s annual Mexican Fiesta dance. Rocky and Brady dressed for the occasion in colorful serapes, ready to entertain the crowd. Alongside Papa Joe Jaramillo, who provided guitar music and song, the Minis greeted and entertained dancers as they lined up outside the Grace Sparkes Activity Center, waiting for the doors to open. A highlight for us volunteers is seeing several of our current therapeutic riders, along with a few former riders, in the crowd. These reunions are always a special part of this event!

More Adventures Ahead for the Minis

We have two more events scheduled for September, but you’ll have to wait until our next newsletter to hear how they go. Those adventures haven’t taken place at the time of this update, so stay tuned for the next installment of On the Road with the Marvelous Minis!

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!

All ENGLISH SADDLES are 50% during the tack sale!

Hi all! We have what you have been waiting for, our denim shirts are back (if you don’t see your size, we can preorder) as well as a new tote which will be for sale at our Barrel race event. We also have backpacks available! Stop by the office and check the new items out as well as all the other items we offer at Heart and Hoof Mercantile.

We’re also expanding our collection with some adorable tees. We know we all have HWH tees (which we adore and we will keep buying), but this will give us even more options. If you have any other items you’d like to see in the merchandise store, please reach out to the merch team (Kris D, Nancy B, or Elizabeth G).

HwH Honor Wall

Honor a veteran or first responder with a special tribute on our Honor Wall. This meaningful recognition is a wonderful way to celebrate someone who has served and show your appreciation in a visible and heartfelt way. After your purchase, someone will reach out to gather the necessary information, or you may include their name and how they served in the comment section at checkout. Contact Bonnie Moreau with questions.

Contact Bonnie Moreau with questions. bmoreau@horseswithheartaz.org.

HONOR WALL

Competition Team Update

September 19th was an awesome day of competition and teamwork! Diana Goddard came to HwH for a make-up show due to the rain at Brave Hearts. Our riders competed in Showmanship, Ranch Rail, and Trail. It was tough competition but at the end of the day, our Division A Champion was Sutton King with Lilly Dyndur as Reserve Champion, and in Division B, Landry King was Champion with Taylor Elliott as Reserve Champion.

Diana was pleased with the improvement she’s seen in our riders and is coming back on October 3rd for a clinic to help us prepare for the upcoming CVEP horse show. Thank you Diana for all your support!

Also a BIG Thank You to Bucking Burro Apparel and W&C for our new competition shirts! If you’d like more information about the HwH Comp Team and how you can help, please contact Pam Berry hwhcompteam@gmail.com or 928-899-4759.

11th Annual Have A Heart Open 4-D Barrel Race and Poles
OCTOBER 10th, 2026
OLSEN’S GRAIN, INC: 344 S. Hwy 89, Chino Valley, Arizona 86323

Please join us at the Barrel Race! It’s happening in 2 weeks. It is one of the largest fundraisers Horses with Heart hosts each year. We rely on support from the community and many volunteers to ensure the event is successful.

Proceeds raised are used to support our Therapeutic Riding program for individuals with special needs, Veterans, first responders, and our senior community.

Our next planning meeting is set for October 7, 2026 at 10:00AM.

We encourage you to attend our Barrel Race. We have a beautiful and heart warming Grand Entry at 10:00, that includes an antique tractor pulling a hay wagon carrying our special needs riders and instructors. Also, we will have riders on horseback carrying flags from each branch of the military.

Ashley Hall has carried the American flag for us for most of the 11 years of the race. She is a former volunteer with HwH and one of the most talented Barrel Racer’s from our area. Thank you Ashley for your continued support of our annual Barrel Race and Poles.

Come out to see the talented racers and the amazing horses they ride. Bid on our wonderful Silent Auction items and purchase raffle tickets. It is really a family fun and exciting day.

For inquiries regarding our event please contact Bonnie Moreau at bmoreau@horseswithheartaz.org .

Learn More

BARREL RACE RAFFLE

Each year we conduct a raffle in conjunction with the Barrel Race. This year we have 2 wonderful items. Stitches in Camp Verde has again donated a beautiful Cowboy Quilt. This quilt is one of the best they have donated. Our 2nd item is a Ranch Cooler, donated by Olsen’s Grain in Chino Valley.

The competition will be stiff as both items are wonderful! Tickets were available at Equifest and there was a lot of ticket sales made.

The items are available in the office to see and will be displayed at the Barrel Race on October 7th, 2026. Raffle tickets are available both places.

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 Week Winners

Volunteers, this is your chance to honor a fellow volunteer! Simply fill out a Blue Ribbon card, now provided in our tack room and barn as well as the office. This is a volunteer driven program to encourage each other with the wonderful work you do.

Week of 8/31 ~ Linda Talcott
Week of 9/7 ~ Jeanie Sharp
Week of 9/14 ~ Jerry Znetko
Week of 9/21 ~ Kimberly Christie

Sequins and Saddles
November 7, 2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Lower Hangar

The Sequins & Saddles Gala is coming to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on November 7, 2026! We’d love for you to join us for a fun evening and help us raise money for Horses with Heart. Our next planning meeting is on October 7th at 11 a.m. in the conference room.

Sequins and Saddles is HwH’s biggest fundraiser, and it takes a whole team to make it happen! We’re looking for volunteers to help with auction items, sponsorships, menu planning, decorations, data entry, or packaging auction items. If you have any of these skills and are interested in working with a fantastic group of volunteers, please come to the planning meeting or reach out to Sandy.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Sandy Owens at sowens@horseswithheartaz.org .

Ranch Visit:

If you are interested in scheduling a Ranch Visit for your organization or class please contact Aireal Dallam at adallam@horseswithheartaz.org 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!

We also are looking for a used riding mower to maintain our property. We have some large spaces that can always use grooming.,

LOST AND FOUND

If you are missing any items that might be here, we will be donating all of the remaining lost and found items at the end of Oct. So swing by the office to take a look; you’ll have until October 30th.