Upcoming Clinic

Have a Heart Barrel Race and Poles

Mark your calendars for an exciting day of equestrian competition and community spirit! On September 28, 2024, Horses with Heart will host the highly anticipated "Have a Heart Barrel Race and Poles" at Olsen’s Arena in Chino Valley. This thrilling event promises to be a day full of high-speed action and heartwarming moments, all in support of a great cause.

The day will kick off at 10:00 am with a Grand Entry.

4-D Pole races begin at 10:30 am, offering an exciting start to the day's competitions. At 12:30 pm, the 4-D Barrel Races commence, including peewee riders, highlighting the youngest talents in the equestrian community.

In addition to the thrilling races, the day will feature a silent auction and raffles.

Themed baskets in the Silent Auction:

  • John Deere basket

  • Assorted games and toys

  • Western decor

  • Purina product basket

  • Olsen’s cat product basket

  • Breyer Seabiscuit horse with memorabilia

  • Western purse and accessories

We still need additional baskets for the silent auction. Anything goes, so let your creativity shine!
Contact Kris Vollrath at kristiev08@gmail.com to make a donation.

 

Have a Heart Barrel Race and Poles Raffle Items:

  • Amazon Fire tablet

  • Beautiful Native American eagle quilt

  • Breyer Horse collection

Raffle tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased at the Horses with Heart office, Olsen’s Equifest on September 14th, and at the Barrel Race.

Whether you're a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and family-friendly event, the "Have a Heart Barrel Race and Poles" is not to be missed. Come out to Olsen’s Arena in Chino Valley, cheer on the competitors, and enjoy a day filled with community, compassion, and competition.

We look forward to seeing you there and thank you in advance for your support in making this event a success!

If you are unable to attend, please consider being an Event Sponsor. Sponsorships are available to cover the event expenses so that all money raised can go directly to our programs and horses. To become an Event Sponsor and for more information, visit our event website at https://event.auctria.com/007308ed-6d22-48aa-93c7-c97c5391eda3.

To enter the race, go to https://saddlebook.com. Let's saddle up for a cause and make this event unforgettable!

Pete Sanders Memorial Service

All of us at Horses with Heart were deeply saddened in learning about the passing of Peter (Pete) Sanders in May. An incredible man, he was a volunteer and a part of our therapeutic riding team. We would like to thank all who joined us to celebrate his life and his memory. We miss you Pete.

The following poem was written by instructor Mickey Kissell in memory of Pete:

A Cowboy’s gone
But will not be forgotten
His legacy will remain
The kindest of hearts
Honest and true
But words left unspoken

A friend of mine from the day we met
I guess we had so much in common
We’d laugh at all the things we’ve done
And amazed we were still standin’

He’s always been a helping hand you can trust
Willing, smart and able
Never wavered - strong and robust
Whether on foot or in saddle

Remember keeping time
For all those barrel races
Competing to match the timer
We’d laugh so much in the sun and wind
With dirt all over our faces

My wild colts you never got to see
Or help me break em to ride
Makes me sad and a little mad
But I’m sure God’s got a plan for me

He brought you home to be with Him
I guess He needs you more

As His love shines over your hat’s brim
You’ll see the beauty in store

To Ride in Heaven and watch over us all
May our horses not stumble or ever fall

We’ll carry on as best we can
With Love in our hearts for you
Until the time we meet again
We’ll try not to be blue

And live our lives with no regret
But your Cowboy’s warm smile we’ll never forget

Sequins and Saddles

We continue to plan - and are very excited by the support we are receiving from our community for our Sequins and Saddles Gala, an exciting evening filled with fundraising and heartfelt purpose. Save the date, October 12th, 2024, at 4:30 pm, and join us at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Lower Hangar for a night to remember.

Our silent and live auctions and raffle will feature a wide range of valuable services, unique items and experiences, giving you the chance to bid on something truly special while supporting a great cause.

Auction highlights include Phoenix Symphony, Verde Canyon Railroad, London Bridge Jet Boat Tours, Raskin’s Jewelry, Milwaukee Packout Complete System, Oak Creek Golf, Founding Fathers Collective Membership, Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trip, Insurgent Brewery assortment, Owens Armory Custom Rifle, art, bronze sculptures, wine opportunities, and much more.

Our guest speaker, Sandra Owens, will share her inspiring story and connection to Horses with Heart. Sandra is the proud parent of two long-time participants and a dedicated advocate for our programs. Her words are sure to resonate deeply with all in attendance.

All proceeds from Sequins and Saddles will directly benefit Horses with Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic programs for individuals with disabilities, veterans, first responders, and seniors. Your support helps us continue to offer these life-changing programs and services.

Tickets are $125 each. About 160 guests will fill the Embry-Riddle hall and make the event a resounding success. Our fundraising goal is $50,000, which will significantly impact our ability to serve our community. Please purchase your tickets early.

Sponsorship opportunities provide valuable exposure for your business while supporting a worthy cause. Sponsorships are crucial to the success of our event, and we offer various levels to accommodate your budget and interest.

To purchase tickets or become an event sponsor, please visit our event website at https://event.auctria.com/b7ed7f08-2b72-4493-a1fc-4c4e7ff570f0/09480e501ee611eaa945bb9e2ddcf87f. For more information, feel free to contact our Event Chair, Bonnie Moreau, at hwhsequinsandsaddles@gmail.com.

We would like to thank the following sponsors who have already pledged support for our event and Horses with Heart:

  • Bonita Cattle Ranch

  • Findlay Subaru

  • Drill Tech, Inc.

  • Kirkland Canyon Properties

  • Beckner Building Company

  • Karen and Randy Kay

  • Peter Vasquez, MD, and Kimberly Christie

  • Mary Smith

  • Chino Valley Lioness Club

  • Helen Collins

  • Jill and John Underwood

  • Mike and Laurie Young

  • Great Expectations

  • Dignity Health

  • High Desert Buildings and Barns

  • Tonia Fortner 

  • Frontier Financial of Arizona

  • Great Expectations

Join us for an evening of sequins, saddles, and community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We look forward to seeing you there!

 Thank You, Volunteers!

Rocky here, making my meal choices for the day. Decisions, decisions!

August was a slow month for the Marvelous Minis program, so I was asked to talk about whatever comes to mind. Hmmm. Since meals are on my mind right now, I’ll send a whinny out to my wonderful meal preparation and wait staff! You know them as the HwH feeding and watering crew. We, the HwH herd, appreciate these palate pleasers! They take great care weighing out our various vittles and accommodating those among us with dietary restrictions and special requests - always with a smile, a kind word, and a gentle pat. They come out in good or yucky weather, are punctual, and are dedicated to us. We LOVE them! They deserve a pat on the back! But after they’ve served our dinner, please!

Summer Recap

Although there were not Adaptive Riding (Therapeutic) classes this summer, we were very busy around the Ranch this summer!

All the summer classes were for independent riders. We had six Veteran riders, three Silver Saddle riders, three Non-Mounted Horsemanship participants, and 10 riders going through the Gaining Independence classes.

We also participated in Prescott’s Frontier Days Parade and held a Masterson Method Clinic, a presentation on Autism & ADHD, and a presentation on horse hoof care. We also held two Memorial services, plus a huge tack sale!

Artwork by HwH participant Autumn

Support Horses with Heart

  • We now have an Amazon wish list! Visit this link to support Horses with Heart by donating supplies that we need.

  • Please consider donating to Horses with Heart. HwH is a Qualifying Charitable Organization in the state of Arizona and all donations made to Horses with Heart are tax deductible. Our programs depend on the support of donors like you!

BARB STUCKEY

Volunteer of the Month – BARB STUCKEY

Barb has been an energetic and personable volunteer at Horses with Heart for the last four and a half years.

Barb is a Horse Leader and a regular sub on several Safety Support Teams, always ensuring the safety of her riders. She is also on the supplement team and participates in special events. Barb is a dependable and loyal volunteer for her assigned rider(s) on the Competition Team.

These qualities, as well as her skilled handling of horses, make Barb a perfect choice for Volunteer of the Month!

  • How long have you been with Horses with Heart? I've been around since Fall of 2018. So that'd be about six years.

  • Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart?  I've loved horses all my life, so when I heard about the HwH program and its mission, I couldn't wait to be a part of it.

  • What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart? It would be impossible for me to pick one favorite moment or memory. Joys have included the horses and their different personalities, the amazing accomplishments of some of the riders, and working with such a wonderful group of people.

  • If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be? As a volunteer, you are valued and appreciated no matter how much or little you do. Find your niche. Keep an open mind and heart. Try new things and learn from those around you. There are so many opportunities. From the horses, riders, staff, and volunteers, know that you make a difference and are lucky to be part of such a wonderful organization

Blue Ribbon Moments

Horses with Heart has a volunteer appreciation program called Blue Ribbon Moments to recognize all the great day-to-day accomplishments of our volunteers. Nomination cards are located in the office, so when you see a fellow volunteer who is going above and beyond, please write down their name and a couple of sentences about what they have done and drop it in the Blue Ribbon Moments container in the office. We will hold a drawing each week, and the winner receives a $5 gift card to Overflow Coffee in Chino Valley.

  • Week of August 5th Winner: Dusty Spitler

  • Week of August 12th Winner: Chris Kavanaugh

  • Week of August 19th Winner: Madelyn Melchiors

  • Week of August 26th Winner: Parker Minnick

Upcoming New Volunteer Orientations & SST Trainings

If you or someone you know would like to explore volunteer opportunities with Horses with Heart, please join us at the next Volunteer Orientation on Wednesday, September 11th at 3:00 p.m. (No SST)

October Orientation:

Tuesday, Oct 1st at 3:00 pm with SST following

To register, please contact Debbie at hwhvolcoord@gmail.com or 928-533-9178.

Thank You, Sponsors!

Please join us in thanking the following businesses who support Horses with Heart! For more information on becoming an HwH sponsor, please contact Anne Spiess, Executive Director, at hwhexecdir@gmail.com.

  • Findlay Subaru Prescott

  • Drill Tech

  • Randy and Karen Kay

  • Beckner Building Company

  • Helen Collins

  • Mary Smith

  • American Pacific Industries

  • Great Expectations Business Services

  • John and Jill Underwood

  • Mike and Laurie Young

  • Peter Vasquez, MD and Kimberly Christie

  • High Desert Buildings and Barns

  • Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center

  • Tonia Fortner

  • Chino Valley Lioness Club

  • Frontier Financial of Arizona

  • Great Expectations

  • OneAZ Credit Union

LASER Fundraiser

Mark your calendar! Plans are underway for a fantastic fundraiser to help support the mission of Large Animals Shelters & Emergency Readiness (LASER).

On Saturday, October 26th, four gorgeous homes in Prescott's Williamson Valley will open their doors so you can enjoy their beauty. Then join us for a light lunch, purchase some raffle tickets, and take home some fantastic gifts. Tickets are on sale online: just print the flyer, share it with your friends, and watch the LASER website for the link to get your tickets. We'll also send you another email with that direct link.

You share our vision: that every barn animal has a safe haven in disasters. Please support LASER so we can help our communities in times of crisis.

Calendar of Events

  • September 7th ~ Longevity for Our Special Needs Horses Clinic, American Ranch Clubhouse, 9:00 am

  • September 11th ~ New Volunteer Orientation (no SST), 3:00 pm

  • September 28th ~ Have a Heart Barrel Race and Poles at Olsen’s Grain, Chino Valley

  • October 1st ~ New Volunteer Orientation and Safety Support Training, 3:00 pm

  • October 4th ~ Tack Sale, 7:00 am

  • October 5th ~ Tack Sale, 7:00 am

  • October 12th ~ Sequins and Saddles at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  • October 26th ~ LASER Fundraiser

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