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Therapeutic RidingTeam Orian Conquered the Bull in the Second Preliminary “Buck Off” and Teams Gear Up for This Week’s Competition at New Equestrian Village Megan Martin was a member of Team Orian, the winners of the Second Preliminary "Buck Off" held at the White Horse Tavern January 26, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Kerri Salter Loxahatchee, FL – January 31, 2012 – The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) held its second preliminary “Buck Off” last Thursday at the White Horse Tavern’s Patio. The fundraiser benefits the VTRC, an organization that witnesses countless miracles on a daily basis and truly lives up to its meaning, “to overcome.” The “Buck Off” consists of three preliminary rounds in which teams of four compete on a mechanical bull to earn the highest score. The winning team will move on to the final event held on February 10, 2012. The buzz about the event has been nothing but positive. “The conversations about the ‘Buck Off’ have been simply amazing,” said Bobbi Rottman, with Equine Solutions. “The energy here is about double what it was last year, and that’s impressive considering that the winners from last year said it was the talk of the town all year.” As Rottman’s “brain-child,” its success means the world to her. She had wanted to help the VTRC reach out to the younger generations and hold an event where everyone could come together and have a great time. The first time the event was held was at the annual dinner and auction three years ago. The response was so immense that the committee had to turn people away. Soon after, it was decided to make the “Buck Off” its own fundraising event for the VTRC leading up to the annual benefit. They have received overwhelming support from sponsors throughout the years, and this year Floridian Community Bank, Palm Beach Equine Clinic and White Horse Tavern Catering are to thank. Horses4Heroes
As you may or may not have heard, NARHA/PATH, the creator of the Horses for Heroes program, therapeutic riding for Wounded Warriors, has abandoned the use of the name Horses for Heroes and will be re-branding this therapeutic riding program. The other Horses4Heroes, our organization is able-bodied, affordable horseback riding for returning combat veterans and the entire family, which also needs healing and therapeutic interactions with horses! In addition, we serve all active duty military personnel, First Responders, critical care and hospice nurses and others who have physically dangerous and emotionally demanding jobs. Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Hosts First Palm Beach School for Autism Horse Show Students were awarded ribbons for their efforts during the PBSFA Horse Show hosted by the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. (From left to right) Ms. Nora, Ray S., Garron M. and Stephen A. Photo by Kendall Bierer/PMG Loxahatchee, FL – December 27, 2011 – The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) held its first Palm Beach School for Autism Horse Show on Tuesday, December 20, 2011. The students have been participating in a recently developed program by the VTRC and the Palm Beach School for Autism (PBSFA) over the last eight weeks, using the therapeutic effectiveness of the horses to assist the children with their sensory abilities. The PBSFA Horse Show marked the first event to take place in the VTRC’s Covered Arena. Executive Director of the VTRC Ruth Menor acted as the judge and announcer for the event. Each student, with the help of a volunteer, showed what he or she had learned over the past two months, completing pole bending exercises, holding two-point over cavelettis, and posting during the trot. “The parents are thrilled with this program,” PBSFA teacher Mary Muth said. “A lot of our parents have students who have sensory issues and are not very comfortable with animals. Our students have really opened up with the horses over the past eight weeks; they look very natural on the horses and they are totally comfortable. The horses are great at sensing the students, and knowing how to make them feel more at ease. I feel confident in saying that the staff and horses at Vinceremos are very skilled at working with children with Autism; it takes special skills to make it a success for everyone.” Grant a Wish! Donate Something Other Than Money?
These are just a few of the wish list items of the over 400 organizations on The EQUUS Foundation carrots4acause network, most of which are directly involved with horse rescue and welfare, or are providing equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) to the public. The EQUUS Foundation launched the carrots4acause network last fall to bring together interested individuals with equestrian and horse-related organizations across America and build a support base of equine advocates. Each organization has its own profile page with contact information, website address, a mission statement, and logo, along with the ability to post volunteering opportunities and wish-list items of needed products and services. It’s easy to grant a wish – click www.equusfoundation.org/wish and then enter your zip code to find an organization near you. Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Picked for the Great Charity Challenge Drawing
Loxahatchee, FL – December 14, 2011 – The 2011 Holiday HorseFest held in Downtown West Palm Beach, FL, on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at the Meyer Amphitheatre was a huge success. Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) emerged victorious as a nominated charity to be represented at the 2012 FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments on the evening of Friday, February 17, 2012. As one of the 32 selected charities, VTRC will be randomly assigned to one of the sponsored teams competing for the top prize money at the Great Charity Challenge. The Challenge is a competition consisting of two junior/amateur-owner riders combined with one Olympic or world-class rider. This year, $1.5 million is the goal, and all proceeds will directly go to the participating charities, with the least amount received being $10,000. VTRC also had the honor of participating in the opening ceremonies of Holiday HorseFest. Juan Burbano, A. J. Zembrzuski, Carrie MacMillian, and Jason Legato performed a color guard routine to represent the VTRC and the Special Olympics. Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center to Host Annual George H. Morris Educational Seminar in November Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center will host George Morris at their Buffalo, NY, facility to teach an educational seminar this November. Photo © Kenneth Kraus Buffalo, NY – October 21, 2011 – The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) is pleased to announce their annual educational clinic with the renowned George H. Morris will be taking place the weekend of November 11, 12, and 13, 2011. Held at the BTRC facility in Buffalo, NY, the opportunity to partake in this event will be open to three groups of eight riders (Intermediate, Advanced, Jumper), as well as auditors seeking to gain knowledge from the esteemed Morris through observation. Spots are available for auditors at $75 per person per day or $200 for all three days. Applications for auditing are available by contacting the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center at (716) 877-9295. A legendary horseman and current Chef d’Equipe of the United States Show Jumping Team, Morris has played an integral role, not only in the development of countless renowned horses and riders, but also in the development of the current equestrian sport. He has often been referred to as the founding father of hunt seat equitation. Second to none, his teachings, technique, and style are revered around the world. Over the course of his career, Morris has been highly successful as a rider, coach, clinician, author, and judge. His insight and guidance are invaluable to anyone looking to further their riding skills, whether as a participant or as an auditor. The clinic will focus as much on horsemanship as it does on riding, offering attendees firsthand knowledge for success. The daily clinic schedule will include the first group of intermediate riders from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by advanced riders from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The final group of jumper/demo riders will commence at 2:30 and run until 4:30 p.m. Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Receives Gray & Jerry Fadden Horse Whisperer Grant Students at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. Photo Courtesy of the Client. Buffalo, NY – September 6, 2011 – The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) is pleased to announce that it recently received the prestigious Gray & Jerry Fadden Horse Whisperer Grant from the EQUUS Foundation. Each year, the EQUUS Foundation awards grants to charitable organizations that promote the positive use of the horse for the benefit of the general public. BTRC strives towards this goal as it promotes the unique bond between horses and people that can be particularly meaningful to children with disabilities. The grant was presented to the BTRC in the amount of $5000, which was based on the EQUUS Foundation’s knowledge and understanding of BTRC and its unique program. “We are just so grateful for their generosity,” commented Susan B. Schoellkopf, Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. “We can’t do the program without the support of a foundation like EQUUS. Lynn Coakley and Jenny Belknap Kees have been so supportive of the program, and it continues to grow by leaps and bounds every year. Over the last year, this grant allowed our program to serve about 80 more children, and we hope to see the same growth during the coming year.” Based in Buffalo, New York, BTRC provides a safe, relaxing and non-academic environment for children with physical and mental disabilities to interact with horses, volunteers and peers. The grant will be used for scholarships, as approximately 80% of the children who participate are economically disadvantaged and unable to afford the lessons. BTRC is a PATH International Premier Center, which is the highest level of certification available to charities providing therapeutic riding to individuals with disabilities. Operating out of Buffalo, New York, BTRC is a non-profit organization that promotes and teaches horseback riding – noted for its social and therapeutic benefits – to disadvantaged and emotionally challenged children. Since 1990, the center has provided the experience of riding and caring for horses to children with a variety of disabilities. The program has expanded steadily and currently serves more than 170 children annually. For more information on Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org. Media Contact: Mason Phelps The EQUUS Foundation Announces 2011 Grant Awards
“Each year, the number of worthy charities applying for grants has increased, and this year was no exception. The selection process was very difficult,” said Jenny Belknap Kees, Board Chairman. “Organizations complete an extensive application to insure that the donations we receive from individuals and organizations, event attendance, and our named grant program, are well spent.” The Michele E. Arnhold Grant was established by the family of Michele E. Arnhold in 2008 in memory of Michele’s life-long passion, her pursuit of excellence and her commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport. The EQUUS Foundation selected the American Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development to receive the 2011 grant to underwrite the cost of providing therapeutic riding instruction to students with neuro-biologically based learning and developmental disabilities at the Giant Steps School in Southport, Connecticut. The program, which started as a pilot in 2007, is held at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, Connecticut, which donates the use of its facilities and horses. The Bridgeport Police Mounted Unit also supports the program by donating larger horses for the older children involved. Dressage at Devon and Thorncroft, Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc. Celebrate 20 Years
Devon, PA (August 24, 2011) – 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the selection of Thorncroft Therapeutic Riding Inc. as the beneficiary of Dressage at Devon. Since 1991, Thorncroft has received more than $1,000,000 from Dressage at Devon. These funds have been used to support students with disabilities who have shown a dedication to the sport and the horses. Steven Reed (left) is one such student. In 2004, when Steven Reed was 8 years old, his mom Linda, wanted to find an activity for her son that would help him grow and reach his goals. Knowing that Steven was an animal lover, Linda thought riding might appeal to him. Steven was hooked after just one visit. For the next several years, Steven took weekly, then twice weekly lessons – first on a pony (Blossom), working his way up to the horses he rides (and jumps!) today. Steven’s dedication to the sport and the animals continues to grow. He volunteers in the barn in exchange for one of his lessons, a job he took on at age 13. Sundays, Steve can often be found cleaning stalls and doing other necessary barn work. “Thorncroft is an amazing place. From the moment he started riding, Steven has not only learned horsemanship but has made many friends,” said Linda Reed. Steven received his first scholarship just one year after he began riding. And, among other honors, this year Steven was the recipient of the Grace Levin Scholarship Award. His weekly lessons include individual training as well as practice sessions with the Thorncroft Mainstreamers. Equine Therapy: NAHRA No More, Now PATH, by Claire DorotikThe North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, also known as NARHA, originally formed in 1969, is now the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). The association tagline is “Ensuring excellence and changing lives through equine-assisted activities and therapies,” and is designed to reconstruct the now outdated NARHA model. Because equine therapy is such an evolving modality, there are now a myriad of ways in which horses can be helpful in the therapeutic realm. Yet NAHRA focuses mainly on programs that are designed for handicapped riders. However, NARHA is the oldest organization for any form of equine therapy, and therefore creates guidelines for all other equine therapy activities, including those produced solely for mental health benefit. Recognizing the obvious constriction of this setup, the NARHA Board of Directors voted for the name change for several reasons. Primarily, PATH is a much broader based organization, allowing for regulation of many types of equine therapy, including equine assisted psychotherapy, and learning. Secondly, the term “handicapped” is no longer considered correct, and those who are restricted to a wheelchair prefer to be referred to as “wheelchair bound.” |
As the president/founder/executive director of Horses4Heroes, Inc., I am pleased and proud to introduce our horseback riding organization to all troops, combat veterans, and military families!
WESTPORT, CT – December 16, 2011 – Halters, lead ropes, hay, horse feed, shampoo & conditioner, salt blocks, grooming brushes, fly spray, ink cartridges, supplements, blankets, saddles, bridles, riding helmets, postage stamps, saddle pads, shavings, buckets, boots, duct tape, rakes, clippers, fly masks, gift cards to supply stores, and more.
WESTPORT, CT – August 31, 2011 – The Board of Directors of The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the award of over $270,000 in grant awards to 72 charitable organizations that are improving the quality of life for horses and the people who benefit from their unique ability to empower, teach, and heal.
