September 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 Labor Day Weekend from the Team at Horses with Heart

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

7th Annual Have a Heart Barrel Race & Poles       

Mark your calendars for the 24th of September to come out to cheer the racers, bid on the wonderful silent auction items, enjoy lunch at Penny’s Place food truck, and have a lot of fun. The Grand Entry is at 10:00 am. Jim Radley will be there with his tractor and wagon, our HWH riders will be on the wagon, and there will be a special entry by members of each branch of the armed services.

Things are coming together nicely. Our generous community has been sending in sponsorships for our event as well as cash donations and items for the silent auction and gifts for our “every 5” riders. A small gift is given to the fastest time per every five racers. We can always use more, so be sure to ask for donations from your friends, businesses, doctors, dentist, etc. Donation forms/receipts are available in the office, or we can email them for you. The Barrel Race is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. The money raised is used to keep our programs going for our Therapeutic, Veterans & First Responders, Competition Team and Silver Saddle riders.

The prized “Horse with the Most Heart” saddle has arrived and can be seen in the HWH office. Every year the rider and horse with the fastest combined time in the 4D Barrel race and Poles race receives this beautiful saddle. The prize buckles will arrive soon.

Exciting News! The NBHA has co-sanctioned our race and will be bringing riders from all over Arizona. This is a huge honor and benefit for our race. See you there!

Bonnie Moreau is your contact person for this event.

Volunteer of the Month ~ Kay Lyons

Kay contributes to the strength of Horses with Heart in many ways. She is a faithful Horse Leader during therapeutic classes. She schools our current horses to improve their performance in our classes. Kay often offers to help train the horses to load into a trailer. She also works with our horses on trial to help evaluate their potential for becoming therapeutic horses. Over the last several months, she went the extra mile and took Lil Blackie to her home to work with him daily. In the end, Lil Blackie showed his love for being a trail horse. Kay also rode Sam in the Parade of Breeds at the Chino Chamber Mixer at CVEP in August.

What a talented horsewoman! Horses with Heart is so fortunate to have her share her talents.

Q&A

1. How long have you been with Horses with Heart?

   I have been a volunteer for over seven years

2. Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart?

   I love being around horses and other people who love horses.  It is so great to share my passion with our wonderful riders and be able to see them enjoy riding and relating to our special horses.  I really believe that horses have amazing healing powers and can comfort, calm, and bring joy to all who interact with them.  They teach us trust and acceptance and the meaning of being a true partner.  I also enjoy the team spirit of all the volunteers.

3. What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart?  

   Just recently we had a rider who was fine with Jazz on the ground but was terrified about riding.  After walking next to Jazz with her team reassuring her for most of the lesson, instructor Kate lifted her up on the horse.  We all held our breath, but as soon as she was sitting on Jazz she burst into a big smile and said, “I DID IT!” It was a moment of great joy for all of us.

4. If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be?

   I would let all new volunteers know to ask questions because everyone will help you in any way they can.  It takes a lot of volunteers to care for all the horses and riders, so pitch in however you can and you will always go home feeling great.

Volunteer Opportunities

Whether you are a new volunteer, or you’ve been volunteering for a while, please check out what volunteer opportunities are available this month by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator, Kelly Holiday by clicking one of the buttons below.

Horses on Trial

eBay, a handsome bay Quarter Horse gelding, is 16.2 hands tall and is 20 years old. He is on loan to us by his loving owner, Carol Gora. This big boy is already a favorite with our Veterans.

Melva (Mel for short) is a sorrel Quarterhorse mare, seven years old and 14.1 hands tall. Just new to HwH, she is being introduced to the ranch, our volunteers, and the steps it takes to become a therapeutic horse. As you can see from her photo, she loves attention!

Horse Sponsors Make a Difference ~ Can You Help?

Did you know that hay and feed costs have increased 80% since 2021? 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, Mel. HwH could sure use your support!  

Sequins and Saddles Nov. 12 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Student Union

This year we will have seating for 152 guests!  Event sponsorships and donated items are being accepted as you read this.

Do you know a business owner who is interested in donating an item or items for our auctions?  Do you have a timeshare timeslot that you might like to donate?  Perhaps someone you know in the hotel industry, within a four-hour drive of the Quad Cities area, might donate some room stays?  Do you have a great suggestion for auction items?  Are you interested or know someone who is interested in sponsoring the event? Please contact me, Debi Covington.

Every September HwH gear ups for this event. There is much to do and we would appreciate your help. This year our silent auction will be done in a way that will have various price points, please watch for the announcement on how to help with this. Our team members and fundraising committees are always grateful for your help and dedication.

Session 4 Classes Begin the Week of October 3rd

We are wrapping up our Session 3 classes this month and looking forward to our last Session of 2022 beginning the week of October 3rd.

Classes fill quickly, so please contact Jan Grise by choosing one of the buttons below – if you are interested in riding in Session 4.

Competition Team Fall Session

Fall session begins with a team meeting on Saturday, September 3rd, at 10:00 am.  We will spend some time getting reacquainted with our teammates and horses, reviewing our practice session guidelines, and having lunch.  Then the following week we get serious about horsemanship and riding skills.  We will have practice every Saturday (except Have A Heart Barrel Race day, September 24th) and finish up our fall session with a Play Day on November 5th.  If you’d like to know more about the HwH Competition Team, riding, or volunteering, please contact Head Coach Pam Berry.

 Horses with Heart Staff Updates

Sherry Hoover, after serving HwH so effectively as Assistant Riding Director for over a year, is stepping down from this position so she may focus on her passion and first love – teaching therapeutic riders at HwH. She has done such an amazing job serving as the Riding Director’s right hand. We thank her for countless hours of unwavering dedicated service to the riders and programs at Horses with Heart. Please be sure to thank her when you see her next!

Chelsea Barth is taking the position of Administrative Assistant to the Program/Riding Director, Jan Grise. Please welcome her as she begins this important support role on September 1st.  Chelsea is not new to HwH; she has been a Coach on Safety Support Teams for several years and an Office Volunteer this past year.  

Horses with Heart on KQNA Radio

On Monday, September 12th, from 4:00PM to 5:00PM, tune in to TALK OF THE TOWN, KQNA. You can also log on to https://www.kqna.com/shows/kqnas-talk-of-the-town/. This a great opportunity to find out more about Horses with Heart and the exciting special events on tap for this fall.

Where to Find HwH News?

• HwH website              horseswithheartaz.org

• Newsletter                  HwH Connection – published monthly

• Facebook                    https://www.facebook.com/horseswithheartaz

• Wranglr emails           for HwH volunteers

• Social Happenings     HwH Friends  https://www.facebook.com/groups/922295924909116

Around our Center
(aka Pam’s Pet Peeves)

I so appreciate (and the horses do, too) all of you who come out to muck stalls daily. Your dedication to our herd and facilities is amazing!  BUT, please be cautious when you are here in stormy weather. Remember that horses get nervous and can be just as unpredictable as the weather. So, when there’s rain, thunder, and lightning nearby, please take care of yourself first and know that someone will be here to pick up the poop when the weather clears. Thanks for all you do!

Calendar of Events                                     

• September 3 ~ Fall Session of Competition Team begins. Team Meeting, HwH, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

• September 3 ~ Soft Opening of Classy Pony Resale Boutique

• September 5 ~ HwH closed for Labor Day

• September 12 ~ HwH on radio, KQNA, 4:00-5:00 pm

• September 14 ~ Chino Valley Chamber Mixer & HwH Open House, HwH, 5:00 – 6:30 pm

• September 14 ~ Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Classy Pony Resale Boutique, HwH, 5:00 – 6:30 pm

• September 24 ~ Seventh Annual Have a Heart Barrel Race, Olsen’s Arena, 10:00 am

• October 3 ~ Session 4 Therapeutic, Veteran & First Responder, Silver Saddle classes begin

• 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 24-27 ~ HwH Office is closed

• December 6 ~ Volunteer/Wranglr Hours Event and Christmas Luncheon, Grace Baptist 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.