HIGH HOPESHAPPENINGS
VOLUME4, NUMBER3, AUGUST 2000 Melissa Everett, Editor UP Coming Events - Put these dates on your calendar. More information inside .
Tuesday, August 22 - Instructor Training Course begins Saturday, August 26 - General Volunteer Orientation, 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 6 - Workshop on Sidewalking, -5:00 PM Thursday, September 7 - Fall Program Begins! Tuesday, September 19-General Volunteer Orientation , 5:00 PM Sunday, September 24- Family Day- 12 Noon to 3:00 PM Saturday , September 30 - lord Creek Farm Hunter Pace Wednesday, October 4 - Workshop on Grooming and Tacking, 5:00 PM Sunday, October 22 - High Hopes' Annual Meeting. Thursday, November 2 - Workshop on Horse Handling, 5:00 PM Highlights in this issue: ♦
School Children Adopt Ben
♦
Croatian Instructor Visits High Hopes
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Symphony In The Meadows
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A Rider's Viewpoint
♦
A Volunteer Speaks Out
♦
th
15 Annual Horse Show
HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING, INC. 36 TOWN WOODS ROAD, P. 0. BOX 254, OLD LYME, CT 06371-0254 (860) 434-19 74 FAX (860) 434-3723
HlGHHOPESBOARDAND STAFF Board of Directors Officers Roger Smith, President Jane Bolles, Vice President Jeffrey Ridgway, Vice President Elizabeth David, Vice President/Secretary Chery) Kelly Heffernan, Vice President for Development Charles TerreD, Treasurer lnrectors Sally Aubrey
Maureen 0. Augusciak Barbara Earle Ballard Linda F. Bierrie Jane I. Davison John C. Evans Geraldine U. Foster William D. Irving, M.D. Charles Kingsley Judith F. Lightfoot Rives Potts Ann Rice Wayne Southwick, M.D. Kelvin N. Tyler Gurdon B. Wattles
Honorary Board Members Lyttleton B. P. Gould, Jr. Frank Hamilton, Jr. Grace Hamilton
Staff Alison Zack Darren, Executive Director Kitty Stalsburg, Program Director Petra Shearer, Business Manager Kristin Elliott Leas, Bam Manager Helene Fenger, Campaign Associate Dawn Zomig, Program Associate Melissa Everett, Program Administrator Judie Driscoll, Administrative Assistant Barbara Abrams, Instructor Ann Bailey, Instructor Patti Coyle, Instructor Jonnie Edwards, Instructor BillNelligan, Instructor Holly Ridgway, Instructor Amara Alpert Cohn, Driving Instructor Carolyn Jagielski, Physical Therapist Carol Gilchrist, Barn Assistant Carol Brining, Barn Staff/Administrative Assistant Heather Rice, Bam Staff John Driscoll, Caretaker
PET REMINDER!
With all due effort to protect our riders , horses and volunteers, we can no longer allow pets to visit High Hopes . We have struggled with this decision, because we love our pets and yours. But in the interest of health and safety, we ask everyone to understand that while it is very difficult for us to not allow pets, it is also a serious responsibility for us, and we need to protect everyone who comes to High Hopes. Because we cannot discriminate among who can and cannot bring their pets - picking and choosing the animals we know are safe - we have no choice but to ask everyone to cooperate with our request, and not bring their pets to High Hopes . Thank you all for understanding! - The High Hopes Staff
ff'S EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS
PROGRAMNEWS by Kitty Stalsburg Our Fall semester begins September 7. Renewal forms and scheduling information have been sent to all riders . If you have not received your packet, please contact the office im.mediately to verify your participation . The schedule is similar to that of Spring 2000 , with classes occurring six days a week .
A significant number of students participate with their classes during the school day, and this necessitates a large number of volunteers needed to work with riders between 9 AM - 3 PM . Afternoon, evening and Saturday programs continue to be well attended, and volunteer support throughout the week is critical. Fall activities promise to be educational and new . In addition to traditional stable management and horsemanship themes, our curricular activities will encourage riders 'to expand their imaginative and communication skills. We look forward to seeing everyone in September, and hearing about their summer fun. The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association ' s Annual Meeting and Conference takes place in Minneapolis, MN from November 6-11. This is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers, riders and members to interact with individuals from all over the country who are involved in therapeutic riding. For more information, or to receive a conference brochure , please contact NARHA at l-800-3697433 . This summer, our horses and staff had only a short "down time" before launching into a busy weekly riding program. Based upon an overwhelming demand for services and the need to work with new riders, we began this summer activity in early June, conducting 7-8 weeks of lessons for over 40 participants . We were able to meet, assess and set up initial programs for 12 new participants from our wait list . In addition, we provided our summer camp experience to over 70 children from the community. The 10th International Congress on Therapeutic Riding met in France in April, with over 700 representatives in attendance . This year ' s theme was "It ' s The Horse lbat Makes The Difference." Papers were presented on such diverse topics as "An Experimental Study of the Effects of Therapeutic Riding with Chronic Low Back Pain," and "Group Psychotherapy With Horses. " There were many opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas . A large area devoted to videotape reviewing was a wonderful way to learn about programs in other countries. Poster presentations on many educational topics were displayed . Octavia Brown of New Jersey was presented as the new Presidentof the Federation Riding for the Disabled (FDRI) for a three-year term. The hospitality and exuberance of everyone in France created a warm and welcoming environment for this event.
by A6son Zack Dt:trn!H
Greetings of Summer - and what a Summer it is ! Each year , our Summer happenings are kicked off by our major benefit event, which is always held the second Saturday in June . This event alternates each year between the Concert in the Arena and Symphony in the Meadows . By alternating them, we feel better able to maintain the community ' s interest in these events and, most importantly, we are less likely to "burn out" our volunteers . YES , these benefits are completely volunteer driven, and happenonly by the incredible commitment and dedication of approximately 200 volunteers who come forward each year to execute an event that benefits High Hopes with approximately 25% of its operating budget funds . This is truly an extraordinary aspect of High Hopes' existence, and we could not operate without this volunteer force behind us - giving us priceless hours and talent to plan these events . High Hopes Board Members Judy Lightfoot and Jane Bolles began planning Symphony in the Meadows 2000 one year ago, masterfully leading a volunteer committee to bring this event to fruition on Saturday, June 10, at the beautiful home of Mark and Dorinda Winkelman in Essex . Their property, the former Chester Bowles estate, graces the banks of the Connecticut River. More than 750 High Hopes supporters enjoyed a most picturesque evening, dining on a gourmet dinner while listening to the New Haven Symphony Orchestra perform a concert program specially arranged for High Hopes by their acclaimed new music director , Jung-Ho Pak The entire evening was a sensational success in every way, and I extend my personal thanks to each and every one of you reading this now, for you must all be included in the magnitude of support that we received for this event. THANK YOU! Still glowing from the success of Symphony in the Meadows, we are busily turning to the orchestration of another event Family Day 2000 . This is a new one for us that we are cosponsoring with the Lymes' Youth Service Bureau. Connecticut ' s Family Day was established by state law in I 997 , and bas grown significantly since that first celebration. State agencies , municipal government, school systems, community service organizations and businesses have taken a great interest in promoting positive activities and events for all family members to enjoy . The third annual state-wide celebration of Connecticut's Family Day on Sunday, September 24, 2000 will continue to underscore how important families are to ch,ildren and their communities . In honor of our families, High Hopes and the Lymes' Youth Service Bureau will host a day at High Hopes depicting Rural Life in Lyme and Old Lyme at the Turn of the 2ff' Centwy . Our community is rich in tradition and history - arts, farming, local industry, ship building. fishing and the sea - with treasureswe can pass on to the families of
the 2l' t Century.
Please join us for Family Day 2000. You may participate in an activity by sharing a skill, a bobby, or memory relating to rural life in the good old days - or simply plan to attend, bring your picnic basket, and relax with your family. The event is free - and it's a wonderful way to thank families for supporting our organizations throughout the year. If you are interested in participating with an activity, or would like further information, please contact me at 4 34-197 4.
you can help will be coming in the mail and will also be available in the High Hopes multi-purpose room in the months ahead. We hope you will join us in this effort to improve our services for all of those who benefit from our programs.
HORSE SHOES - While we are in the midst of a capital campaign, our therapy horses continue to need hay, grain, shoes and medication. Just as you would feed your family , buy them shoes and provide for th~ir health care needs, we must care for our horses during the renovation and expansion project. The way we do this is through our annual appeal and other fund raising events throughout the year, with your loyal support anchoring those efforts.
Without you, the work we do would not be possible, and we will need extra help this year if we are to continue to offer excellent programs while making improvements to our facility. Please continue to support the annual appeal during the capital campaign effort , knowing that your gifts make a difference in the lives of our riders, families and therapy horses each and every day. Volunteer Tia Smith
al
th~ Silent A11clionat Symphony in th~ M~adows
Thank you for your generosity, loyalty and encouragement this year and every year.
TNREMEMBRANCE In June, we said goodbye to our long-time friend, John Roberts. John and his wife Jessie sold to LCVERA the property on which High Hopes now stands , but their involvement with us did not end with that transaction . Through the years, they showed unstinting support of our programs . In addition , John carved beautiful walking sticks which are for sale at High Hopes. (Please note that a very few of these sticks are still available for those who would like a tangible "something " to remember John by.) We miss him hugely, and will remember him always .
OF ROOFTOPS AND HORSE SHOES . .. THE HIGH HOPES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AND THE ANNUAL APPEAL by Helene Fenger
Special Thanks to . . . The Bafflin Foundation in Providence, RI, for a grant of $25,000 toward the Capital Campaign. This gift is in memory of two spe<..ial people: foundation founder and Director Lois Orswell and foundation Director Harry K. Knapp. The foundation trustees have requested that the memories of Mrs. Orswell and Mr. Knapp be honored with a plaque placed in the Volunteer/Staff Kitchen. The Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation in Greenwich, CT, for a grant of $5,000 toward the Capital Campaign. Their focus is on animal welfare, particularly animal shelters, and the Humane Society of the Unil.edStates conducts site visits for them as part of the application process. This is our first grant from this foundation and it represents a broadening of thtir giving focus.
ROOFTOPS - There is exciting news on the horizon for High Hopes. We are expanding and renovating our facility to better serve everyone who shares our space - riders , families. volunteers , members of the community , ln.struct0r Training students , interns , visiting faculty , and Staff. We are in the second phase of a $2.6 million Capital Campaign to build our endowment fund and improve our facility, and as of July I , 2000 we raised $1.8 million! A very special 'Thank you" to everyone who has participated in the campaign so far.
Another foundation supporting our work for the first time is the J. Walton Bissell Foundation in Hartford, CT. They have awarded us a grant of $10,000 toward our rider Scholarship Fund. They are particularly interested in helping organizations in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, and their focus is on the arts, care of blind persons, and the prevention of cruelty to children.
Oo June 6111we were awarded a $220,000 challenge grant
AND A llmE
by the prestigious Kresge Foundation in Troy, Michigan. This is both an honor and a mark of excellence for High Hopes, since the Foundation 's guidelines and application procedures are rigorous . The "challenge " component of the grant is that we must raise approximately THREE times the award amount by September 1, 200 I in order to receive the funds . Information about the project, the challenge, and how
CHIW SHAU LEAD THEM
"Thank you" seems scarcely sufficient words for what sevenyear-old Ian Moses Cannon and his classmates achieved on our behalf. Ian had the generous notion that, rather than birthday presents this year , he wanted his classmates to help him adopt a horse
at High Hopes . With his mom Liora as his willing accomplice , Ian began lighting the fire of enthusiasm among his friends and their families. Well , these amazing children raised over $900 , and are now the proud adoptive parents (for two years) of our "baby boy " Ben! We congratulate Ian and his classmates on their initiative , and thank them and their families for caring enough about High Hopes to make this generous donation. (And Ben says "thank you ," too!)
HIGH HOPES' 1s71' ANNUAL HORSE SHOW IS A ROUSING SUCCESS! Rain threatened. Once or twice , it even made good on the threat, scattering drops over the frenetic activity as the final T's were crossed and I's dotted . Bill Nelligan and his trusty side-kick David Gilchrist put window boxes on the barn , while John Sturges , Melissa Everett and James Gilchrist erected tents and directed the folks who would be handling the sales tables and ground activities . The barn buzzed with activity like a hive . Meanwhile , Kitty Stalsburg. the hub to our wheel , moved from place to place and kept the work flowing. Then it was SHOW TfME! The first riders entered the arenas at 9:00 AM and for the next several hours something akin to a horse-rider-volunteer ballet took place as competitors participated in the egg and spoon race . bending poles , equitation , obstacle courses and barrel race. Events for the general public included the barnyard friends petting zoo . faccpainting, clowns , children ' s raffle and sales booths . Special mention must go to: Margaret and Heather Servies , event Co-Chairs ; Darcy Dickenson-Scoville and Chris Coyle , announcers ; Special Arts of Connecticut for teaching us how to make horse hats ; Lois Snyder for handling the bake sale ; Cis Matthiessen for the use of her miniature horses: the Connecticut Quarter Horse Youth Association for manning the ground games; the Good News Clowns: Lindsay Welles and Carol Wilkinson for handling the difficult job of judging: the Lyme/Old Lyme Lions for providing the lunch booth; Bob Knoll and Stephanie Knoll for contributing their photographic talents at the last minute: James Gilchrist and Emily Johns Ahern for handling the clothing sales: Jim Lewis for handling the signs ; ring stewards Helene Fenger. Sally Aubrey , Barbara Earle Ballard and Karen Milano: our very special ribbon presenters Sally Aubrey, Athana Catlett. Janie Davison. Greta and Jake Jacobs , and Jessie Roberts: and our WONDERFUL volunteers! High Hopes hosts many noteworthy events. but in its way the horse show is the pinnacle . an opportunity for each rider to display the skills they've learned and to leave the arena with a ribbon and a round of applause . More than that. it's a chance for our riders. volunteers. families, friends and the High Hopes staff to come together for an afternoon of competition and fun. And that ' s what High Hopes is all about - challenging oneself in a safe and friendly atmosphere .
AND THE WINNERS ARE . .. EVERYONE , when it com es to our Horse Show! Here are the results :
Command Walk/Trot I ' t - Christoph er Bushy 2 nd - Bobb y Dees . 3 rd - Hannah Consiglio 4 th - Andrew Hart 5 th - Casey Snyder
Equitation A 1st - Amanda Hoey 2 nd - Sarah Perkins 3 rd - Jolene Turner 4 th - Michael Grater 5 th - Dennis O ' Brien 6 th - Jordan Mann
Equitation B
Ponv Express Ribbon - Alisha Aldous Ribbon - Eilis Brake Ribbon - Danielle Ciccotti Ribbon - Evan Fox Ribbon - Marshall Wilbur
t
1' 2 nd 3 rd th 4 5 th 6tl' -
Whitney Viola Sabrina Catlett Lindsay Bolles Alexis Keeney Colleen Nickerson Seth Pellegrino
Barrel Race 1st - Thomas Banfield I st - Justin Herman st l - Zachary Targove 2 11d - Alexander Hine 211<1- Tyler Zuppe
Bending Ribbon Ribbon Ribbon Ribbon -
Poles Emily Dees Brendan McGirr Olivia Denison Ian Cannon
Egg 'nSpoon I' t st l 1st 2nd 2 nd 2 11d -
David Knopf Georgia Lawson Hannah Scholnick Amanda Aceto Evan Brookman Andrew Milnarik
Equitation - Wll/C 1•t - Kyle Mittlehauser 2 nd - Derron Lepoutre 3 rd - Lisa Boyd 4 tl,- Christopher Russo
ObstackA
ObstackB
1•t - Anne Chamberlain 2nd - Lisa Adrian :rd- Joan Shukis th 4 - Aisha Forrest 5th - Pat Watts 6tl' - Stephen Dunlap
1st nd 2 3rd 4 th th 5 -
Obstacle C
ObstackD
I" 2 nd rd 3 4 th 5 th -
1st 2 nd 2 nd 3 rd rd 3 th 4 .5tl' 6tl' -
Kelly King Li.nay Dibble Lara McGowan Larry Terwilliger Therese Popinchalk
Obstacle E 1st - Erin Doyle 2 nd - Anya Mwumert rd 3 - Shelley Kalinowski
Anne McHutchison Scott Stoddard Barbara Lee Heather Pacholski Laurie Seagull
Cory Zachos Cara Finan J.T. Picazio Justin Moore Lyla Stanland Jonathan Gobrogge Kelsey Fournier Jacob Kirschner
Dressage st 1 - Patricia Feltham nd 2 - Kcrrv Christianson 3rd - Michael Girard th ➔ - Jordan Thompson
Gl/MPSES OF THE HORSESHOW • ••
MEET THEBOARD OF DIRECTORS Continuing with our introductions to High Hopes' Board of Directors . .. ROGER M. SMITH
Roger is Board President. He retired from his job as President of Aetna Capital Management, the financial services division of the Aetna Life Insurance Company, in 1995 after 33 years of service. After his retirement, he started Beaux Pres Farm Ltd. with his wife Marcia . Beaux Pres grows organic vegetables and flowers for sale to a select group of customers. In addition to fanning, Roger and Marcia are active skiers, spending most of each winter in Vennont and out west. They also play tennis. Roger is currently playing in a number of 60 and over tournaments . ("Without, " he says, "much success. Yet!") In addition to his Board work at High Hopes, Roger is on The Musical Masterworks Board and was previously on the Board of the Lymes' Youth Services Bureau and the Connecticut River Museum. Roger and Marcia have three daughters - Katie, Lizzy and Sarah (and a pony named Niel who often represents High Hopes). MAUREEN 0. AUGUSCl4K
-. V '
~,, ..
A proud Kelly King m,d volunteer Nancy Kindel
,; Maureen is retired from the United . :.' ., i ..... . , ,, . States Trust Company of New York , where she was a Senior Vice President in the Asset Management Division. She co-managed the bank-wide administrative and fiduciary services function for all personal and institutional investment management clients with particular oversight responsibility in the endowment, foundation and philanthropic areas.
Her association with High Hopes sprang from her interest in the field of rehabilitation as a fonner trustee of The International Center for the Disabled (ICD) in New York City. Maureen 's activities at High Hopes include seats on the Development, Planning and Investment Management Committees . She also serves on the Boards of the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Public Library, and is a Cub Scout leader and a member of the PTO Cultural Committee at the Lyme Consolidated School, where her son Peter is a student. Prior volunteer activities in Manhattan include serving as a trustee of Audrey Cohen College, and as a
REW TRIPNEWS by Kitty Stalsburg On May 12, High Hopes was filled with the gleeful sounds of over 40 children and their aides as we hosted a field trip for a group of 4 th - 8th graders from all over Connecticut.
Or~ed by the Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind, this annual event allows children with visual impairments to meet in a fun, social atmosphere . The field trip included vaulting, carriage driving, painting horseshoes , and riding. High Hopes volunteers were kept busy for three hours leading horses, working with groups in the barn, and helping in many ways . The Lyme/Old Lyme Lions provided a wonderful picnic lunch for all. After lunch, the group enjoyed interacting with one another in a game of "Millionaire ." This was a wonderful way to share the joys at High Hopes with a wide group of students. Many thanks to all who helped make the day a success.
J••··········································· OVERHEARD AT CAMP. .. "First I was afraid, but now I'm not afraid anymore. " - Harry, 4 years old "I had so much fun yesterday , and I'm going to have even more today!" - Nora, 4 years old.
•
: "After riding at High Hopes, he looked at me and said, "Mom, : I just gotta ride!" - James 's mom .
horse to move off my leg aides. I want to steer at a faster gait, and be able to watch a horse canter and pick out which lead he 's on. I want to improve my balance on the ground and mounted, maybe by doing vaulting . I want to ride bareback . I want to ride in parades in costume. It 's not acceptable to me to be this way. I want and demand the old me back ! But who was I? Where did I go? How do I get me back? If you have an answer to that, let me know.
SPOll/GHT ON . . . BEN/ Ben is a two year old Belgian/Haflinger cross gelding who came to High Hopes in the fall. He enjoys hanging out in the paddock with Petra (the horse, not the Business Manager). They always share hay from the same pile, and make a greatlooking pair with their golden flowing forelocks. Ben has begun his basic training under the tutelage of the barn staff. He is learning to take a bit in his mouth and a saddle on his back. Since his bones are still growing, he's not ready to take on a rider , so for now his training will be done from the ground His work includes being lunged and longlined. By fall, he should be ready to take the weight of his first rider. Ben has a quiet and accepting personality for such a young horse. High Hopes has chosen to start with a young prospect and invest some time and energy in order to get a horse that can work for a long time. Often horses that come to us have already retired from a show career and have only a few productive years left before they need to retire.
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A RIOER'SVIEWPOINT by Kathy Heller Becoming disabled was not in my plans, but I don't suppose it is in anyone' s plans. But life happens, so ... we deal with it. I don't like it, but I do my best. Not a day goes by that I don 't thank God for my love of horses . If it had not been for horses, my recovery to this point would not have happened! First , you have to do the physical therapy. Then there 's the therapeutic riding, which my first horse introduced me to back in 1975. He was an LCVERA volunteer! Now it's my turn on the other side of the fence. My riding goals seem to change all the time. My first goal was just to be able to get on a horse . It's a long, slow process. You can't make it happen. The body heals in its own ways. But having gotten through the first eight-and-a-half years of rehabilitative riding therapy, my goals in riding have again changed. I am going to canter . I want to build my endurance, trail ride, trot on the trails . I've started Feldenkrais Therapy . My dressage needs work, putting my body where it needs to be, getting faster responses from my body. I want to stop thinking and just do it, to be consistent in the way I ask my
Our fmnd,
Bm
SUMMERHORSE CARE by Kristin Eliott l£aS Bugs , heat, sunburn , and more bugs ... Summer is the time of year when people shed their layers of clothing, jump for joy and head to the beach. Unfortunately for our horses , the season is not so pleasant.
director of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Association .
needed .
Maureen is a graduate of Middlebury College in Middlebury, vr and maintains her ties through participation in the Alumni Admissions Program.
Dada threw herself whole-heartedly into the life and work at High Hopes. While her English is extremely good, she did find the language barrier a bit of a struggle from time to time as she studied for her examination. When asked by a visitor about her experiences here, she said, "It is nice and wonderful , the only words I know to express _my feelings ." Her beaming face and enthusiasm constantly underscored the heartfeltness of those words .
HANOS ACROSS THE WORLD It took 38-year-old Davorka Suvak four years to realize her goal of training in America as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor. A native of Croatia , Dada has been involved with horses for twenty-five years , first as a competitor in show jumping and, later, as an instructor . She received her instructor's license from the Slovenian Equestrian Academy . 1n 1988 she showed as part of the Yugoslavian representation team, and in 1990 one of her students was the winner in the novice class at the Yugoslavian National Championship. Dada began buying horses from slaughterhouses, training them, and then selling them to loving homes. Six years ago, she put her first therapeutic riding student, Filip Sostaric, on her mare for the first time. From that moment on, she was committed to expanding the use and impact of therapeutic riding in Croatia. At present there are only two locations that offer therapeutic riding, and neither of those offer Hippotherapy, as there are no physical therapists in Croatia. In 1996, Dada visited Atlanta, GA for the Paralympics and there met Marge Kittridge, founder of Windrush Farm Therapeutic Riding Center in Boxford, MA. They parted friends , and met again last year when Marge was invited to judge the world championships in Denmark At that time, Dada invited her to come to Croatia to present a paper on therapeutic riding. That conference was attended by 250 enthusiastic people from eleven towns. Because of Dada 's burning desire to expand her knowledge in the field, Marge suggested that she come train in America. While Dada was extremely excited by this idea, there were many impediments, not the least of which were the cost and the inability to take a great deal of time away from her job . But Marge was determined and, in Dada's own words, "She did it! When people asked questions, she said, 'It will work out!"' Several people besides Marge contributed to making Dada's dream a reality - Jonquil Solt, Sue Adams, and Inger Bryant of the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee; Mr. Soros, a well-known philanthrope in Dada's area whose foundation contributed financial support; and Ralko Kovacic, President of the Croatian Sport Association for the Disabled (}ISSI). Dada is quick to add that "At the end . . . my family, Boris, Ian and Leon pay the biggest cost of my activity in therapeutic riding, and I thank to God giving them patience and power to do it."
Studentsin the High Hopes Therapeutic Instructor Training Course receive 200 hours of lecture and practicum. Because Dada could be in the U.S. for only two weeks, the course was especially adapted to allow her to receive the instruction she
While most of her time was spent intently working, Dada did find time to make her first visit to the ocean . As she walked along the beach at Harkness Park, she commented with delight over the flora and fauna , wanting to know the names of different birds and plants, happily greeting every walked dog, and stressing her pleasure in what she sees as America's desire to protect its out-of-doors . Besides pursuing her education, Dada's other goal while here was to show people that Croatia is not just a war-tom country, but a beautiful land of breathtaking beaches, lush vineyards, fascinating cities and rugged mountain ranges . "People have a strong desire to fix it up and establish a democratic way in my country," she said One of her students, Tatjana Bubalo, is a 30-year-old woman with Cerebral Palsy who was displaced by the war and lost her entire family. Tatjana, who was the best on the Croatian Team in the World Championships in Denmark, will represent Croatia in the Sydney Olympics . "She 's so nice, like an angel. When she 's riding, all of her problems have gorie away. Riding means a Jot to Tatjana. This is the strong part of her life." Before coming to High Hopes, Dada had begun to question her work and goals. "Without support, you can lose enthusiasm ," she said "Now my batteries are recharged . I've gotten a lot of support from home and friends here and our program will grow. Worlcing with Americans is a life experience . My experiences here mean more than just contact - they are connections between people with similar goals and experiences . Differences in people are only the differences in ideas ." ¡
HIGH HOPES ENTERTAINS V/SffOR FROM FARAWAY
ANOTHER
In June, we were fortunate to have a week-long visit from Luciana Ramos Rosa, a physical education teacher from Brazil. Luciana has worked in public schools with children and teenagers, was a swimming teacher , and took part in many social services in the recreation and leisure areas . Lately, she has been involved in Special Physical Education. She is a member of the interdisciplinary staff of Equotherapy , which serves children, teenagers and adults with special needs in much the same way as High Hopes serves its special population of riders . Luciana ' s trip to America was sponsored by Brasilia Centenario Rotary Club.
Horses easily regulate their body temperature when the outside temperature is below 65 degrees, but heat is hard on them, leaving them dull and lethargic . They are designed with a blocky body that conserves heat, a dense hair coat, and an inability to pant like a dog to disperse heat through their respiratory tract. Horses have more problems with high humidity in combination with high temperature. The horse's prime cooling mechanism is sweating. When humidity is high, the rate of sweat evaporation is reduced. We need to help the horse during the hot summer by providing free access to clean fresh water and a well-ventilated shelter or shade trees to allow for sweat evaporation and protection from the sun. You are not doing your horse any favors if you take them out of the sun only to put them in a stuffy stall with no air circulation. ¡
ever since . 1n fact, he 's the horse who taught her to longline! Her favorite part of volunteering at High Hopes is the opportunity to be with the horses . 1n her own words , "They are the one thing that touches my sense of spirit. I feel that there's a dual partnership going on. Cody looks forward to working with me as much as I look forward to working with him':"
Monitor your horse's comfort level when you are riding, so as to not over-tax them on a hot and humid day. After a horse works, they should be sponged down to help them cool off and to wash away any saddle marks. Apply fly spray and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes in the barn. Horses stomp at flies. and often leave the unsuspecting person reeling from the pain of a new imprint on their toes.
¡ In some horses, w,-ien you open their mouths to put in the bit, they will drool. This drooling is caused by a harmless fungus Rhizoctonia leguminico/a found on red clover in the pastures, that stimulates the salivary glands. Rest assured that it's nothing to worry about.
WHINNIES IN THE WIND (OR, K'HAT'S HAPPENINGIN THEBARN) by Kristin Eliott leas The big news is a switch in jobs. Carol Gilchrist is taking over for Heather Rice as Barn Assistant, and Heather is talcing on Carol's old job of Barn Staff so that she's free to pursue some teaching time here and elsewhere. Marius (our 17 hand giant) is now an official member of the High Hopes herd! He's developed quite an attachment to his paddock-mate, April. Wally is now officially retired, and has moved to his new home at instructor Barbara Abrams ' house , where he will give occasional rides-and spend most of his time as a companion to Barbara's young horse Nandor.
Linda Almwla and Cody
"High Hopes is a uniquely marvelous blend of riders, staff, horses, and volunteers, coming together at a wonderful facility. I've thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it all " Gary Borla, Volunteer.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIAllON WEEK. .. was a rousing success, and the tote bags were a big hit. The winners in our drawing were: Melissa Rowe (pin), Beth Crowley (hat) , Diane Eastman (sweatshirt) , Gary Borla (a photo with his favorite horse , Poncho), Sara Bushy (a lesson with the instructor of her choice) and our Grand Prize Winner was Marianne Byrne (a $50 gift certificate to the Bowerbird) . Congratulations, everyone, and thanks for participating in our drawing. (Note : if you 're a volunteer , and have not received your tote bag , please see Melissa Everett.)
BARN VOLUNTEERS WANTED. .. WE WELCOME ANOTHERBARNBUDDY! The second Barn Buddy to grace our stalls is long-term volunteer , Linda Almeida. She ',s earned a reputation for not only being a dedicated hard-worker , but being something of a wordsmith . Her poetic prose has been applied to several of our horses , most specifically Cody and Kea . (You may remember Linda ' s moving farewell to Kea which appeared in our February newsletter.) Linda has been volunteering with us for seven years. Cody was her first horse, in her first class, and they 've been together
to help with feedings , grooming , and pasture and barn work. If you 're interested in getting some behind-the-scenes experience , give Barn Manager Kristin Elliott Leas a call.
WELCOMENEW VOLUNTEERS! Please jo in me in welcoming these new members of the High Hopes volunteer family : Nicole Amendola, Faith Baldwin, Ben Ballard, Oliver Becker , Thomas Becker, Charise Berghaus , Leah Bernacki , Joseph Bianco , Suzanne Birks, Jackson Driscoll, Brenda Dubin, Amy Durinick, Emily Estabrook, Kate Estabrook, Gwyn Gahagan,
David Gilchrist, Elise Gilchrist, James Gilchrist , Arnold Gonzalez, Paula Gonzalez, Kim Hartmann, Abby Jacobson, Emily Johns-Ahem , Leslie Jones, Dan Levesque, Kate Levesque , Kristin Meuselbach, Joe Migliaccio , Marie Migliami , Anya Mummert , Margaret Mummert, Kate Murphy , Mary Nelson , Heidi Nottelman , Lauren P'adula, Kate P'aquette, Jenna Pecoraro, Krispin Phillips, Lauren Price, Calla Hartmann Riccio, Susan Rimkie, Michelle Sadarangani, Amy Salemo, Nick Saraceno, Stephanie Schmitt, Kim Stone, Janine Stoner, Calyn Storo, Rosalind Barr Streeter, Amy Sullivan, Katie Tolliver, Gail Albino Winter, Jessica Wronowski , Ashley Zalewski , Devin Zalewski, and Kayla Zalewski. (If you're a new volunteer , and your name has been inadvertently left off the list (or misspelled), PLEASE LET US KNOW!)
VOLUNTEERTRAININGOPPORTUNITIES by Kitty Stalsburg Our volunteers are very special people! Their time, dedication and commitment are vital to our program . We recognize that they have a choice of where to volunteer, and we want them to enjoy their experience at High Hopes to the fullest possible extent. Our staff feels a strong responsibility to providing them with an area of volunteer service that meets their individual needs. Likewise, we want to provide them with the knowledge and training that will enable them to be an invaluable part of our therapeutic riding team. The educational experience begins at the General Orientation . During this 2-3 hour introduction to High Hopes, volunteers gain an overview of our programs, facility, and volunteer roles. Many volunteers return to a general orientation session periodically to review the basic information. Additional educational opportunities for volunteers include:
Grooming and Tacking: This session provides volunteers with an in-depth, hands-on opportunity to discover the howto ' s of grooming and tacking . Commonly asked questions such as "What is that brush for?" and "Is that how the girth goes on?" are addressed in an informal, small group setting. Time : I hour. Pre-requisite : Attendance at a general orientation session. Horse Handling: Volunteers gain a better understanding of equine behavior, and review various horse handling techniques. We address general ring safety, arena etiquette, and emergency procedures . Emphasis is on understanding how horse handling affects the rider, and ensuring the comfort of the program horses . Time: l hour. Pre-requisite: Attendance at a general orientation session and familiarization with High Hopes grooming and tacking methods. Advanced Horse Handling: This session provides volunteers with additional horse handling skills such as longlining (lunging can be addressed as requested) . We also explore the movement dynamics of Therapeutic Riding and rationale for choosing longlining as a handling technique . Time : 1-2 hours. Pre-requisite : Recommendation from Instructor. Sidewalking Techniques: Volunteers are introduced to a variety of sidewalking techniques. This session includes hands on, role playing , and small group discussion .
Volunteers have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of disabilities , develop handling and communication strategies , as well as increase their awareness of safety concerns . Time : I hour. Pre-requisite: Attendance at a general orientation session.
Tack 'n Talk 'n Tea: This wint.er series of weekly meetings is a fun social activity where volunteers are invited to join a tack cleaning session. Tack 'n Talk ' n Tea is typically offered as a mid-morning break while listening to a variety of speakers on a wide range of topics.
If you have suggestions for workshops and educational requests, please let us know . If you would like to arrange for training, or have questions, please contact Dawn at 860-4341974, extension 16.
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VOLUNTEERTRAININGSESSIONS Wednesday, 9/6/00- Sidewalking. 5:00 PM Tuesday. 9/19/00 - General Orientation . 5:00 PM Wednesday, 10/4/00 - Grooming and Tacking. 5:00 PM Thursday , 10/26/00 - General Orientation . 5 :00 PM Thursday , 11/2/00 -Horse Handling. 5:00 PM Tuesday, 12/5/00 - General Orientation. 5:00 PM ..............................................................
A SPECIALTHANK YOU • •• to Dow Chemical. Through the auspices of the United Way Day of Caring, the folks at Dow adopted High Hopes, and on June 3 dispensed a little 1LC to our soon-to-be Memorial Garden . Our heart-felt appreciation to Becky Grew at United Way, and the following folks from Dow: Karen Brooks, Dan Buchman, Sean Buchman, Don Eldridge , Elizabeth Jones, Greta Jones, Jonathan Jones, Jonathan A Jones, and Dennis Murphy.
MY EXPERIENCEBEING A VOLUNTEERAT HIGH HOPES byr10Smith When I was asked what it was like being a volunteer at High Hopes, four things came immediately to mind: I have always been interested in the effect that animals have on humans, and know that I calm down just touching a horse, cat or dog. I have always been sort of a loner and have rather longed to be on a team. I have always been interested in Biography - how we human beings get on in this world And I have also always loved problem-solving and being on the "fix it" side of a situation . On every level of those interests, High Hopes has taken an important place in my heart . It is extraordinary that one organization can touch so many bases with a volunteer , and it certainly has with me. Let me describe how volunteering at High Bopes underscores each of my four interests. One of our horses, Honey, actually reaches back to touch the shoe of her favorite riders when they have mounted. She, like others in the herd, makes a great effort to stay under the riders , which means that she tries to compensate when they get off
balance. Being a volunteer alonggde this dear horse speaks directly to my feelings about "Pet Therapy" and the effect animalshave on us.
arrived a week and a half late on June 14, 8 lbs. and 11 O'Z.
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Each rider has a team working with himtber. Often it is a horse leader, two sidewalkers, either an instructor or a therapist and, of course, the horse. We have to work together and communicate with each other to keep the rider safe and balanced.This teamwork is unique in my experience. My riders are living their lives with disabilities. But they do not just exist. They are really LIVING and growing and improving. Being a small part of that process is inspiring. It hasmade me very aware of what a luxury and gift it is to have the ability to just get up and go, or to sit and read Being present as our riders live their lives has given me far more appreciation for health and time. As far as problem-solving is concerned, I have seen Carolyn Jagielski, our Physical Therapist, relieve pain (both physical and emotional) in the ring. She can't make someone well, but she can make it better - she can be part of the solution. And, by being on the team, I, as a volunteer, am part of that very positive, hopeful process. So, what is it like being a volunteer? It is a moment in the week when I really stop and remark (sometimes silently) on how healthy we all are when we hit 36 Town Woods Road. We watch more carefully, we feel calmer and pass that on, we listen to each other, we help each other and we are grateful . That's not a bad way to spend time. I know it has changed me and I am told that I am helpful in the process. That is what I call a successful volunteer experience.
THANK YOUSARE DUE TO •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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CONGRATUIA noNS • .. •
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to volunteer John Sturges. As you may recall , we congratulated John last time around on the birth of his first grandchild, Samantha. Well, not to be outdone, his other daughter gave birth to TWINS in May! Hunter and Casey are doing well , and John's as proud as can be. to volunteers Claudia Goodrich and Arin Doherty upon graduating from Connecticut College. We 'll miss them, but we wish them well as they pursue their chosen fields, Claudia in Animal Behavior and Arin in Veterinary Medicine. to volunteer Jennifer Parsons on the birth of Charles Day Parsons (better known as Charlie) , who made his appearance on April 20, weighing in at 7 lbs. and 11 oz.
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to instructors Bill Nelligan, Jeanna Franklin, Janice Gregory , Erica Stachura, Ann Yacovino, and Patti Coyle on receiving their Advanced Instructor Certification . ' Way to go! We love you guys!
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to barn manager Kristin Elliott Leas on placing First in Novice at the King Oak Horse Show in May.
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to instructor Jonnie Edwards on placing Second in Restricted Novice at the Mystic Valley Horse Trials .
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to Mary Fischer (former High Hopes Instructor and now a teacher at Norwich Free Academy) and her husband Peter , on the birth of their first child, Carlie Jennifer, who
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to volunteer Becky Epperson and her husband Jim on the birth of their TWINS! Jack James and Lauren Grace arrived May 31, weighing in at 5 lbs. 4 oz., and 5 lbs. 9 oz. respectively.
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Erica Bloomburg for Stage Road Trading. Lara Zimmerman for a leather bridle. Cooperman Fife and Drum Co., and Richard at New England Woodturning for sawdust. Jim Lewis for hauling away manure. Melzen Farm Supply for providing our riders with numbers to wear for the Horse Show. Kathy Slocum and Irma Brandt for books. Barbara Longo for a horse picture. Sue Lardner for a walker. The Bowerbird for the Grand Prize for Volunteer Appreciation Week. Gary Borla for a bug-zapper, adding machine, disc holder , medical references, and for cleaning our truck. Carol Gilcrist for 'The Pagemaster' video. Janice Gregory for I Will Sing Life - Voices From the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and great Hole in the Wall T-shirts. Foxledge and the Vitaflex Division of Farnam for one 8# tub of Vitaflex. Elizabeth Haartz for apple & oat treats for the horses. Bill Smith for toys, books and puzzles. Nonnan Cavallaro at North Cove Outfitters for tent spikes. Carey Lowe at Mountain Spring Water for bottled water. Jenny Stallard for a new 'Bunny Trail' sign . Edith Griswold for stirrups, pads and whips. LEARN for a horse book. Bob Keim for toys and books for the Memorial Day toy sale, and for a semester-end pizza party. Patti and Chris Coyle for donating and installing a water purification system on our sink. Frank Marchese Photography for black and white prints of our program. Saybrook Office Supply for a display case . Mark and Rita Rohrberg for toys for our toy sale. Suzie Birks at Source for Focus SR and a bucket of micromin . John, Judie , Jackson and Joel Driscoll for the stereo speakers in the lounge , and a new pet feeding system for Cappy. , Gail Morris for miscellaneous horse gear . Jim and Jill Childress at Centerbrook Architects and Planners for a watercolor rendering of our facility expansion. Cis Mathiesson for using her miniature horses to promote High Hopes in the Memorial Day Parade . Bill Nelligan for the horse-shoe windowboxes he made for our barn. (See? He's not just a pretty face!) James Gilchrist and Emily Johns-Ahem for stepping in at the last moment and taking over the clothing booth at the horse show.
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Nutramax, sponsors of the Cosequin Horse of the Year Award, for the purchase of Kea's memorial bench and placard Harry Slifer and Sandy Mulligan for donating printers. Jan and Jane Cornelius for weekly batches of cookies . Richard W. Gates for three as-built location surveys. James Joanou for boots. Janie Davison for generously allowing our Instructor Training students to stay at "Mary ' s House." Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale Drive-In in Madison for designating High Hopes as the Charity of the Day at the Magical Charity Carousel on June 29 . Beth Watts for two bottles of Skin So Soft. Patricia Feltham for curry combs , a hoof pick, and chaps .
KUDOSARE DUE. .. to Petra Shearer and volunteer Joline Grieder for creating a WONDERFUL float for the Memorial Day Parade. After lots of intense planning , those ladies built an absolute masterpiece , as you can see for yourself.
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Our parade ~r a(from fronttb back): Elise Gilchrist, David Gilchrist, Bil Smal, Carol Gilchrist, Kate Fox and Anna Fox
WHERETHEY ARE NOW We've received some inquiries as to what our former Instructor Training students are up to now. As you can see, they 're a busy bunch of folks.
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Diane Mrozowski (Class of 6/96) operates Great Strides in Middletown, CT. Maria Blackstone (Class of 6/96) operates In Harmony Therapeutic Riding in Hopkinton, RI. Barbara Abrams (Class of 6/96) is an instructor at High Hopes . Amara Alpert Coho (Class of 10/97) is a driving instructor at High Hopes. Kristin Elliott Leas (Class of 4/98) is Barn Manager at High Hopes. Sherrell Grean (Class of 4/98) is an instructor with Pegasus. Marianne Fivek (Class of 4/98) teaches a 400-level course at Penn State in Equine Facilities Therapy . Jeanna Franklin (Class of 4/98) is the Executive Director of Equistrides in North Granby, CT. Bill Nelligan (Class of 4/98) is an instructor at High Hopes, and also helps at Manes in Motion, Equistrides , and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Karen Bailey (Class of 4/98) operates Upreach Therapeutic Riding in Goffstown, NH. Ano Bailey (Class of 4/98) is an instructor at High Hopes, as well as at Rising Stars andIn Harmony. Darcy Dickinson-SCoville (Class of 4/98) is an instructor with Pegasus. Summer Sheets (Class of 6/98) is an instructor and volunteer coordinator at Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Petaluma, CA. Lee Justice (Class of 6/98) owns and operates Giant Steps with her husband andpartner , Robert Pope. Karen Williams (Class of 10/98) instructs at Horses Help in Cave Creek, Arizona . Mdaoie Magilton (Class of 10/98) works at the Virginia Therapeutic Riding Center at Madcap Farm in The Plains , VA. Amy Day (Class of I0/98) is an instructor at Upreach Therapeutic Riding in Goffstown, NH. Rio Watanabe (Class of 4/99) returned to Japan to continue teaching at the Shikaoi Riding Park in Hokkaido. Erica Stachura (Class of 4/99) is a full-time teacher , has taken over the reins (no pun intended) at Manes In Motion, and volunteers at High Hopes and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Heather Rice (Class of 4/99) is on the Barn Staff at High Hopes, instructs at Manes in Motion and Pegasus, and volunteers at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Beth Pastor (Class of 4/99) will soon leave Pegasus for the wilds of New Hampshire and new therapeutic riding horizons. Rene Gagnon (Class of 4/99) is the Barn Manager at Equistrides in North Granby, CT. Patti Coyle (Class of 4/99) continues to spread her special brand of light among the High Hopes and Pegasus riders as an instructor. Robin Augustadt (Class of 4/99) instructs at Pegasus . Roy Ramot (Class of I0/99) instructs at a therapeutic riding facility in Israel. Amy Thimsen (Class of I0/99) works for Upreach Therapeutic Riding in Goffstown, NH. Emily Lawrence (Class of I0/99) returned to Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville, WA
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Tamatha Gorman (Class of 10/99) is Program Director at Pegasus. Carol Gilchrist (Class of 10/99) is Barn Assistant at High Hopes .. Teri Furr (Class of 10/99) bas set aside her therapeutic riding pursuits for the moment, and is currently touring in a road production of Les Miserables.
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information on disability-related issues for families and professionals. •
ABLEDATA (www.abledata.com) bas a data base of 24,000 disability-related products from nearly 3,000 domestic and international manufacturers and distributors. There's a classified section where you can buy or sell used special-needs equipment.
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National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and (www.n ord.rdb.com) provides information networking for persons with any type of rare disorder . Literature, infonnation and referrals are available . Networks persons or families with the same disorder for support.
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For general information on www.medlineplus.nlm.nih.gov .
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To explore an online medical www.medlineplus.adam.com.
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Winners on Wheels (WOW) is a club for children who use wheelchairs. WOW's goal is "to help children in wheelchairs be all they can be, and to show them that there are no limits to what they can do." To find out more about their Circles, Kids Club, Pen Pal Program, Mentor Program, their nearest location or how to start a Circle in your area contact: The WOW Connection, Winners on Wheels, 2842 Business Parle Avenue , Fresno, CA 93727 . Or call 800-969-8255 . Their homepage is: http://www.wowusa.com and their e-mail is: wowtalk@earthlink.net
WELCOME NEW INSTRUCTOR .CIASSES nd
June 22 saw the start of our first-ever summer Instructor Training Course. We welcomed Laurie Gagnon and Rebecca Cahill of West Granby, CT; and Katie Beaugard of Stamford, CT into the High Hopes family. And no sooner will these instructors have graduated, than the next group will arrive at the end of August. We'll be joined by Pat Wilson of Talkeetna, Alaska, Linda Crabtree of Bolton, MA, and Shari Wolf of Brooklyn, NY .
MEMORl4l GARDENPIANNED High Hopes is planning to construct a Memorial Gardennear the far end of the pond. This garden will stand as testimony to our love for our horse companions and riders who have left us. If you have perennials or shrubs that you'd like to donate to the garden, give us a call. Please note that all plants should be indigenous to this area. Thank you.
sYMPHONY IN THE MEADOWS LOSTAND
FOUND Several items were left behind in the enthusiasm of Symphony. If any of these belong to you, please contact Melissa to claim them: • Several pairs of glasses/sunglasses • Pillowcase • Webbing "harness" (for a blanket? basket?) • Quilted purse • Keychain that locks/unlocks car • Lipstick • Basket
NOTEWORTHYNEWS (with thanks to Winslow Therapeutic Riding Unlimited) •
Help NARHA (the North American Riding Handicapped Association) by using their Amazon.com . NARHA receives a percentage purchase . Just go to www .narba.org - select Click on Amazon .
for the link to of your Links -
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SafeTech, a division of Troxel , bas started a new equestrian helmet program You can order the Troxel Trainer helmet for ONLY SlO (plus a minimal shipping fee)! To find out more,call SafeTech at l-800-270-2526 .
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National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) (www.nichcy.org) provides
disabilities,
contact
dictionary,
contact
HELPOUT HIGH HOPES Heroes of Pets.commitment is a program that celebrates and supports the important role that animals and people play in each other's lives . Their mission is to provide more than Sl million annually to organizations in which people help animals and/or animals help people . Submit a story about your volunteer experience and qualify High Hopes to be considered for a special Heroes of Pets.commitment award. Each month, Heroes of Pets.commitment will feature stories about volunteers and the organization where they volunteer . Story submissions also help determine the grant award recipients at the end of the year . Visit their web site at www.pets .com and click on the Pets .commitment link to learn more . You can also email them at heroes@pets.com or call 800-948-3130 .
EVERYBODYHASA STORY Share yours with the folks at lmpactOnline , a nonprofit organization whose mission is to use the powerof the Internet to help people reach each other . VolunteerMatch, its online service, is dedicated to matching volunteers with nonprofit organizations around the country. They 're looking for inspirational or motivational volunteer stories. Please email to jwillett@impactonline.org . your experiences
Nm-Profit Organizxioo
U.S. Postage PAID Old Lyae, CT 06371
PermitNo.1 High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. 36 Town Woods Road
P.0.Box254 Old Lyme, CT 06371
LORD CREEKFARM HUNTER PACE
Saruraay, September
30, 2000!
Save the date!!! THE HIGH HOPES ANNUAL MEETING TAKES PLACE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
FAMILY DAY 2000 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER24/
FALL PROGRAMBEGINSSEPT. 7 Sign up to volunteer and join in the fun! There are many areas of need, including horse handling, sidewall<ing, and barn and office positions. An orientation will be held Saturday, Aug. 26 at 10:00 AM. All new volunteers should attend. Returning volunteers are encouraged to come and get reacquainted. See you there!