DEFHR Volunteer Newsletter - August 2024 by DEHFR

Looking Back at June

Making the Difference

Back in February, Hykie and Kate embarked on their journey to earn their Girl Scout Bronze Award. Their mission was to raise awareness and funds for Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

We are thrilled to share that they raised over $1,000 to purchase many needed items from our Amazon wishlist. Additionally they significantly advocated for horses in need by sharing not only the work we do at DEFHR, but that every horse deserves kindness.

The future looks bright with young people like Hykie and Kate reminding us that it’s our responsibility as a community of horse advocates to give voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.

Thank you, Hykie and Kate, for your incredible dedication and hard work! Your efforts are making a real difference in the lives of the horses we care for. We look forward to spending more time with you both as you volunteer at the farm!

Court Case Updates

Jefferson County, WV

13 charges of failure to provide. The trial is set for November. (Gallant, Hobbit, Iffy, Jackpot, Khaleesi, Letty, Mochi, Nifty, Offelia, Poppy Seed, Qelty, Rosa, Scooter)

Cabell County

The neglect charges were dropped. (Winnifred, Xackery, Yara, Zafrina, Auntie Ann, Billy Bob, Colton's Creed)

Queen Anne’s County

Active Investigation & probate. Charges are pending. (Ipsy, Julius, Kelpie, Lennox, Moose, Nicolette, Odessa, Penny, Queen, Ronald)

HORSE SPOTLIGHT

Hometown Halsey

Hometown Halsey came to DEFHR last year as a neglect case from West Virginia. Her registered/racing name is ‘Deputized’. Halsey has been working hard in her training program to prepare for adoption. She is ridden both western and English because we want to prepare our horses for anything that their future adopter wishes to excel with them! Halsey has shown that she can do a little bit of everything… From trail rides, dressage, jumping… She loves it all! Halsey is a fun ride and equally as sweet on the ground. She loves bath time, pampering, and getting her post work-out carrot stretches. We are excited to share that Halsey was recently placed up for adoption and we don’t think it will take this special mare long to find her forever home!

“Halsey has shown that she can do a little bit of everything...”

Comings and Goings Comings

Satta

Tito

Utah

Veronica Whimsy

Xanadu

ZiZi

Azula’s Allure

Brite Bodie (pictured)

Corn Chip

Goings

Blue Bell (adopted, pictured)

Poppyseed (adopted)

Rikki (adopted)

Valiant Victor (adopted)

Yellow Yuzu (adopted)

Yemin

Volunteer Spotlight

Liz Banach

How did you initially find out about us?

We live nearby. Driving by DEFHR, I'd always been intrigued by the beautiful farm and the horses.

How long have you volunteered with DEFHR?

I've been volunteering with DEFHR since the summer of 2023.

What's your favorite part of volunteering with DEFHR?

My son and I were looking for an activity we could do together. He is an incredibly bright young man on the autism spectrum. Sometimes it is difficult for us to connect. He'd happily lecture me on foreign policy, Greek mythology, or genetic coding but just talking is often difficult for us. He loves animals. DEFHR has been the perfect place for the two of us. He loves the connection with the horses and I love to see his guard drop and have the opportunity to speak with him as we groom horses. DEFHR has also helped him gain confidence. DEFHR has given the two of us so much more than we could ever return.

I’m grateful to the amazing staff for creating this environment for the two of us. Everyone from the interns to the barn assistants to the program directors to the grounds crew are clearly so committed to the horses and the cause. I ran a nonprofit that relied heavily upon volunteer support. Managing volunteers is a skill. I have limited experience with horses and the learning curve has been steep for me. However, the staff has never made me feel embarrassed or inept. Everyone is so encouraging and helpful. The DEFHR staff should be proud of the support you provide not just for your equines but for your human volunteers as well.

Do you have a favorite DEFHR herd member, past or present? If so, who?

This is a bit like trying to pick your favorite child. It is impossible to name just one! I'm certainly drawn to fan favorites like Officer Barney. His bearing is so stately and impressive but he is a sweetheart. I also feel drawn to O'Malley. While he doesn't have the stature of Officer Barney, I love his gentle spirit and understated poise. I recently met Hickory for the first time. He is a wiggly worm and so sweet.

Did you have any previous equine experience(s) before volunteering with DEFHR? What was it?

My Grandfather loved horses and bred them. I can remember him taking me into his stalls and telling me that horses were often better judges of character than humans. He told me that if I ever met someone a horse didn't like, to trust the horse's instincts. My aunt has taken over my grandfather's business. I'm in awe of the work she has done. Not only does she love her horses but she has expanded her operation to help support children with disabilities. She offers therapeutic riding lessons to individuals with down syndrome. It is amazing to see the difference a few hours with a horse makes for these children and young adults. They leave the barn happier and more confident in their abilities.

Volunteer Needs

Volunteer Group Leaders

We need help with making sure volunteer groups have a fun, educational and safe time when they visit our farm to help out. Email Mattie at volunteer@defhr.org if you can help!

Tuesdays, Repeat group (12:30-2pm) - Arc of Carroll County

Wednesdays, Repeat group (10:15am-1:15pm) - Community Options, Inc.

Thursdays, Repeat group (10am-12:30pm) - Spectrum Support

Fridays, Repeat group (10-11:30am) - Linwood Center

Education Volunteers

We have a few big days coming up with lots of students eager to learn all about horses! We need all-hands-on-deck in the following areas: Grooming, Leading, Educational Talk, Farm Tour and directional aid. Email Mattie for details! We also have some off-site education events coming up that could use volunteer support! If you’re interested, email Mattie!

Saturday, August 24th (10:30-11:30am) - MD Stiro Homeschool Group - 10 students ages 5 to 10 years. Volunteer must be willing to wear a mask per request of the group.

Feed Maker Voluneer

We do everything we can to make feed for our horses at least ONE day in advanced to help the flow of the barn! If you’ve reached your 20hoursandareinterestedinlearninghowtoassistthebarninthis specialwaybyorganizingfeed,reachouttoMattie!

Emailvolunteer@defhr.org ifyou‘reinterestedingettingtrained!

"FOT" Volunteers

Asaworkingfarm,there'salwayssomethingbreakingorneedingthe attentionofafixinghand!Especiallynow,we’regettingintothebusy season of mowing, weed whacking, gardening and simply keeping all vegetationin-check!

Consider joining our Facilities Operations Team "FOT"! The only requirement we have is that you have a desire to keep our farm lookingfabulousandawillingnesstogetdownanddirty!

EmailMattieatvolunteer@defhr.orgtofindouthowtogetstarted!

Administration Volunteer

Our office staff need an assistant on Mondays and Fridays to assist with filing, scanning, organizing, and any other tasks as assigned.

If you’re interested in assisting with the background work of our organization, email Mattie at volunteer@defhr.org!

Graphic Design Voluneer

Do you have a talent for design? Experience with Adobe InDesign projects? Our Development Department is looking for a flexible, outside-the-box thinking graphic designer who can help us with someofourmarketingpieces.

Emaildevelopment@dehfr.orgifyouareabletohelp!

Signature Event: Benefit Concert 2024

We will need volunteers for the following positions:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th

Clean & Set-Up: We’ll have various cleaning & set-up tasks to do all throughout the day. If you can spare a couple of hours, your help will be greatly appreciated!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th

Admissions: 3-6 p.m. – 6 volunteers

Admissions: 6-8 p.m. – 1 volunteer

Tours: 3:30-5 p.m. – 12 volunteers

Tours: 5-7:30 p.m. – 12 volunteers

See Page 17 for additional event details!

Calendar of Events

To register for events, go to www.defhr.org/calendar.

August 1st

August 9th

August 10th

August 10th & 27th

August 15th

August 16th-17th

August 17th

August 22nd

August 23rd

August 24th

Farrier Day

Visit DEFHR horses at the Howard County Fair Equine Exhibit at the Equine Education Tent 3-7 p.m.

Last week of Legacy Camp: Summer Volunteer Rules END!

The Scoop: Parasites and Deworming (see page 16 for details)

Education Tour - Olney Assisted Living (see page 11 for details)

Tink’s Tack Sale

Visit DEFHR horses and watch the drill team perform at the Montgomery County Fair Horse Rescue Day 10 a.m. – 5 p.m

Farrier Day

Horsemanship Clinic w/ DEFHR Trainers

(see page 15 for details)

Education Tour - MD Sitro Homeschool Co-op

(see page 11 for details)

THE SCOOP

“Parasites &

This Scoop session is aimed at those whom are interested in learning more about the deworming process: what it is, why we do it, etc.

Saturday, August 31st 12-1pm Wednesday, August 7th 12-1pm AND Sign-up in

Shop #4thehorses

All donations are tax-deductible!

If shipping directly to our farm, please ship: "Attn: Lynn" (horse-related) or "Attn: Sarah" (office-related)

Be sure to include your name and contact info in a note or separate email so you can recieve your donation receipt.

Thank you in advanced, and always, for your ongoing support of DEFHR's herd!

Donate #4thehorses

Many employers offer matching funds and paid time off to volunteer and give back to the community? Corporations and businesses are getting on board with matching donation amounts for their employees. For example, you donate $10 each paycheck (via automatic payroll deduction) then your employer matches your amount to your chosen charity!! Your employer may also offer paid time off to volunteer with your co-workers. Businesses partnering with local non-profits is a great way to show their support and give back to their local communities. Plus, employee group volunteering serves as a team building experience.

MCCORMICK SPICE, UNITED HEALTH CARE, T. ROWE PRICE, HOME DEPOT, RAYTHEON, CLOROX, CONSTELLATION

ENERGY AND CVS HEALTH ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MANY COMPANIES GIVING BACK THROUGH THEIR EMPLOYEES.

Check with your employer’s human resources department for the give back programs they offer or about starting one! For corporate/business group volunteer opportunities, please email Carrie at welcome@defhr.org.

Shop #4thehorses

Our horses' needs are constantly changing and their Amazon wish list is constantly being updated. Check out what's what they need to stay healthy and happy!

Amazon Wishlist

For every NEW customer referral, we receive $15 directly from Chewy. Be sure to use the referral link below to make the first purchase and donate to the farm!

Chewy Wishlist

MERCH DEFHR

DEFHR's Online Store

Refresh your wardrobe and support DEFHR, all at the same time! Each design is offered in a range of colors and styles, so there is something for everyone to wear while supporting the horses. Happy shopping!

Shopify Online Store