2001 (Spring) Newsletter

HIGH HOPES HAPPENINGS

VOLUME 5, NUMBER

2,

SPRlNG

2001

Metissa Everett, Editor

UP

Coming Events - Put these dates on your c alendar .

Wednesday, May 3 - Volunteer Training- Grooming and Tacldng - 5:00 PM Thursday, May 10 thru Wednesday, May 16 - Demonstration Days . Families welcome Wednesday, May 16 - Spring Program Ends Saturday, May 19- High Hopes Annual Student Horse Show. Save the date!

Wednesday, May 23 - General Volunteer Orientation - 5:30 PM Saturday, May 26- Barn Buddies Orientation -1:30 PM Saturday, May 26 - Barn Orientation - 2:00 PM Monday , May 28 - Lyme/Old Lyme Memorial Day Parade Wednesday, June 6 - General Volunteer Orientation - 5:00 PM Saturday, June 9 - The J<ingston Trio in Concert with High Hopes . Save the date!

Saturday, June 16 - General Volunteer Orientation - 10 :00 AM Saturday, June 23- Barn Buddies Orientation -1 :30 PM Saturday, June 23 - Barn Orientation - 2:00 Monday, June 25 thru Thursday , June 28 - Summer Camp Session I Monday , July 9 thru Thursday, July 1 2 - Summer Camp Session II Monday, July 16 thru Friday, July 20 - Summer Camp Session HI Monday, July 23 thru Friday, July 27 - Summer Camp Session IV Friday, July 27 thru Saturday, July 28 - Old Lyme Midsummer Festival Monday, July 30 thru Friday, August 3 - Summer Camp Session V Monday, August 6 thru Thursday , August 9 AND Monday, August 13 thru Thursday, August 16 - Summer Camp Session VI Saturday, August 25 - General Volunteer Orientation - 10:00 AM

Highlights in this issue : ♦

Kea Legacy Fund

♦

We 're Under Construction

♦

Benefit Event

♦

News From Croatia

HIGH HOP ES THERAP EUTIC RIDING , INC. 36 TOWN WOODS R OAD, P. 0. BOX 254, OLD LYME, C T 06371-0254 (860) 434-1974 FAX (860) 434-3723

HIGH HOPES BOARDAND STAFF Board of Directors

Officers Roger M. Smith, President Jane A. Bolles, Vice President/Secretary Jeffrey Ridgway, Vice President Elizabeth David, Vice President/Treasurer John C. Evans, Vice President Cheryl Heffernan, Vice President for Development

Directors

Sally Aubrey Maureen 0. Augusciak Barbara Earle Ballard linda F. Bieme Jane I. Davison Geraldine Foster Heather lei9h Harrison William D. Irving, M.D. Charles Kingsley Judith F. Lightfoot A. Rives Potts Ann Rice Gurdon Wattles

Honorary Board Members lyttfeton B. P. Gould, Jr. Frank Hamilton, Jr. Grace Hamilton Wayne Southwick. M.D.

Staff

Alison Zack Darrell, Executive Director Kitty Stalsbw-g, Program Director Petra Shearer, Business Manager Helene Fenger, Development Officer Kristin Elliott leas, Barn Manager Dawn Zomig, Program Associate Melissa Everett, Program Administrator Judie Driscoff,Administrative Assistant Barbara Abrams, Instructor Ann Bailey, Instructor Patti Coyfe, Instructor Jonnie Edwards, Instructor BffiNelligan, Instructor Holly Ridgway, Instructor Carolyn Jagielski, Physical Therapist Carol Gilchrist, Barn Assistant linda Almeida, Barn Staff Carol Brining, ¡Bam Staff/Administrative Ass't Kristin Mason, Barn Staff John Driscoff, Caretaker

Just a friendly reminder . ..

Please drive slowly when entering and leaving High Hopes. Nothing is more important than the safety of our riders, horses, families, friends, neighbors and staff. Thank you!

This newsletter is underwritten by

ff'S EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS

by Alison Zack Omre/1 We've begun our long-awaited journey into the realm of renovation and expansion of the Sis Gould Center for Therapeutic Riding. My message to all of our riders, families, volunteers and supporters is to please bear with us as we do our best to continue to provide our therapeutic riding program during what promises to be a very brief construction phase.

Our builders are committed to a schedule that will have the construction project well enough "buttoned up" to hold our benefit event, The Kingston Trio in Concert with High Hopes, on Saturday, June 9, and substantially completed by the time summer camp begins.

Please join us as we "keep our eye on the prize" and complete this project! It will bring significant improvements to the facility, including full accessibility - a wheelchair accessible van will at last be able to drive under the covered front entrance to drop off riders. They will then enter the building through automatic doors, where they will be greeted by Judie or Carol (our Administrative Assistant/Receptionists) in a reception area complete with a Volunteer sign-in area with cubbies for our volunteers' belongings and a place to post schedules and NEWS. The area we now refer to as the "lounge" will be completely remodeled, making it more comfortable and hospitable for riders, families andvolunteers.

The Program Staff will have an expanded office space, and our Development Director will at last have a real office rather than a room in a temporary trailer. We will have a classroom for school groups, summer campers, Therapeutic Riding Instructor Training classes, unmounted equine activities, and educational and community gatherings, and a therapy room for pre- and post-riding therapies such as physical and expressive therapy (therapy through art, music, writing, etc). And best of all, we will have a new "roof over our heads," one free of leaks and ongoing structural problems.

Our new space will offer tremendous

opportunity for enhancing and expanding our programs in the future to meet the growing needs of our immediate community , as well as the needs of the therapeutic riding industry at large. These are very exciting and energized times for High Hopes, and it has all been made possible by the commitment and generosity of our wonderful Board of Directors and the many individuals , foundations and corporations who have given to the present Capital & Endowment Campaign to date . They have brought us within $200,000 of our S2.6 million goal! But we can 't stop yet . . . we have a CHALLENGE - the Kresge Foundation's challenge requires us to raise the remaining $200,000 by September 1, 2001 in order to receive their $220,000 contribution toward this goal.

With the monumental changes taking place at High Hopes, I can't help but reflect on all that came before us and on the joy the Board and Staff must have felt eleven years ago when the Sis Gould Center facility was finally completed. It was a

(continued on Page 2)

PROGRAMNEWS by l<itty Stalsburg It's been a busy Spring semester - welcoming new riders, surprise snowstorms , NARHA Accreditation, and construction! We're working with nearly 190 riders each week.

In addition to our vital volunteer corp, the ten candidates in our recent Instructor Training Courses have been instrumental in assisting our riders over the past few months.

Several interns are with us - Melinda and Megan are thirdyear PT students from Sacred Heart University, and Amanda is from Salem Teikyo University. Our international volunteer, Show Ogawa. has also been an integral part of High Hopes for the past six months. Show returned to Japan in April and will be missed by all.

We're pleased to welcome members from Fellowship Place in New Haven to our program this spring. Fellowship Place is a supportive community center fostering mental health . The five members and several staff join us on Monday mornings for a two-hour program that includes grooming, tacking , riding, and expressive therapies processing. This has been an enriching venture for all of us.

Spring activities will culminate in the week-Jong Student Demonstration Days and the Annual Horse Show . Through these events, riders share their accomplishments with family and friends. School groups will celebrate on the last scheduled class day for the Spring. We will make these days special for every rider. The Annual Horse Show is scheduled for Saturday. May I9. Our horses, volunteers and riders are at their finest for this very special event We experienced an OVERWHELMING response participation this year. Activities may be adapted during the final stages of construction. ln addition, summer riding program are in progress. participants should contact the Program Office.

for camp as needed plans for a Interested

Throughout the winter and spring, dedicated volunteers John Sturges and John Molochko have been busily improving the trail system . They are expanding the Bunny Trail , widening the trails to allow for carriage driving activities , and incorporating a broader , more interesting experience into the trail for many of our participants.

In March we were visited by representatives from NARHA for the purpose of Accreditation. These visitors reviewed the facility and program , utilizing national standards. I'm proud to report that we passed with flying colors. High Hopes scored l()()"/o in ali areas! Congratulations and many thanks to this great staff of ours who work so hard to ensure the safety and quality of our programs! Thank you!

ff'S EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS, continued: long-a waited dream come true, to actua lly ra ise th e fundin g and build a facili ty of our own . Now we' re expanding this wonderful facility, bringing to reality new dreams that will nurture an d foste r our fundamental mission to provide a

secure, challenging and companionable environment that brings the extraordinary benefits of therapeutic riding and equine activities to a wide range of individuals through the sharing of knowledge, compassion, experience and inspiration.

ANNUAL APPEAL l/PDATE NEED YOU/

WE REALLY

byHe/eneFenger Our annual appeal is still in progress and we are falling short of our goal of $80,000. Why $80,000? Because it costs appr oxima tely $60 to give one th erapeutic riding lesson to each of our participants . We have made a conscious choice to keep our fees low ($30 per lesson ) so people may participate in our programs . In essence , every single person who recei ves a therapeutic riding lesson at High Hopes is on a "natural" scholarship. The appeal also raises money for full and partial scholarships for people who cannot afford to pay our modest fees.

As you know , this has been a 1-o-n-g winter , and expenses have increased on almost every front. Your appeal gifts are greatly appreciated by the entire High Hopes family especially our horses . They have been able to count on you to help us feed them , keep them shod, and give them muchneeded medication to keep them healthy and comfortable as they do their work .

HIGH HOPESMOURNSA FRIEND Had we a flag , it would be flying at half mast to honor the memory of Charles Terrell .

Charlie was a man of the people , a gentleman (in every sense of the word) who unstintingl y shared the generosity of his spirit and the wealth of his knowledge with so many . He served on many Boards within the New Haven community , but it was his service to High Hopesthat was uniquel y tied to his life as an equestrian, his love of horses , and his burning compassion for helping those in need .

Charlie was passionate about the special bond that can develop between horses andpeople. His belief in that bond, andin the good that can come from it, shone through in his involvement with High Hopes. He served on the Board from 1996 until his death , andwas elected to the Office of Treasurer of the Board in 1999.

Richard Lightfoot , a volunteer a High Hopes , expressed it this way: "Charles Terrell was one of those people who listened, never interrupted, but when he said something, it was right on target." Added Judith Lightfoot, "There was no ego involved .

He was just wise. " So, there will be no half-masted flags for Charlie , but we will continue to honor his memory today , and every day , by rededicating ourselves to the animals and people that he so loved . Goodbye , Charlie. You will never be forgotten.

What can you do? If you have not yet given to the Annual Appeal , there is still time for you to send in your gift for this fiscal year. Anything you can do would be an enormous help , and there are a number of ways you can give, including Adopt-A-Horse , Start-A-Rider , and The Sis Gould Carriage Driving Program . To everyone who has supported the appeal this year and in years past , THANK YOU/I/!

CAMPAIGNl/PDATE

by Helene Fenger So close , yet so far away ... ! We still have $200,000 remaining to raise in order to meet our Capital Campaign goal of $2 .6 million and complete TIIE KRESGE CHALLENGE . We have to raise ALL of that money by SEPTEMBER 2001 in order to receive the Kresge Foundation's Challenge Grant Award of $220 ,000 . Friends, neighbors , foundations and corporations have been responding to our requests for help , and we are grateful for their generous support.

With so little time left, I hope you will consider making a gift or pledge to our Campaign. Just think how much more we could do for our riders , volunteers , and horses with a therapy room , a classroom, a volunteer space , a new roof (no more leaks in the barn aisles!) and accessibility improvements throughout our facility. Please call me if you would like to talk about our plans or would like to discuss the different ways you can help . 'Thankyou!

~············································· High Hopes is deeply grateful to the following corporations , businesses,andfoundations for their recent gifts in support of our Capital Campaign:

• • • • •

1be Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation for a grant of $20,000. .

The Smith Richardson Foundation for a grant of $5,000.

1be Charles B . Allyn Foundation for a grant of $1,500.

Northeast Utilities for an in-kind gift of printing (Thank you, Gary Borla!).

Long Cat Graphics for an in-kind gift of design layout.

Pedro Jol,mon of~ Mahm,tuclm- P-,uot Tribal f\/tltion mtd High HOfMS~ DftctorAlisonz-:lc Dttrntl (Photo Creoit Mary Pullen)

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPBEGUNAT HIGH HOPES Emanuel "Mike" Hirth was a talented individual well-loved by his family , friends , and community. When he passed away recently , his family chose to celebrate his life by establishing at High Hopes the Emanuel Hirth Scholarship for Individuals with Special Needs. The purpose of this scholarship is to enable others to enjoy and benefit from the therapeutic riding experiences available at High Hopes .

Anyone choosing to contribute to this worthwhile cause may send their donation , payable to PO Box 254 , Old Lyme , CT 06371. Should you have any additional inquiries regarding this scholarship , please direct them to Alison Zack Darrell , at High Hopes .

WE WELCOMEA NEW STAFFPERSON Now that Heather Rice has left us to pursue Motherhood (and the rest of her burgeoning career), we'd like to introduce Kristin Mason, who has joined us as part of our Barn Crew.

A native Vermonter , Kristin moved to Connecticut in June 2000 to pursue her dreams of working with people and animals. A graduate of the University of Vermont with a BS in Animal Sciences, she worked for twelve years with the USDA For the past eighteen years, she bas been a part-time veterinary assistant. In addition to working at High Hopes, she is also employed at the Old Lyme Veterinary Clinic and at Marvel Farm.

Kristin is a Certified Canine Trigger Point Myotherapist and took an Equine and Rider Trigger Point Myotherapy Certification coursein March 2001. Kristin states that she is "very proud'' to be part of the Winter 2001 Th':I'apeutic Riding Instructor Training Course , as well as a volum ·er. At home, her "kids" include two horses , three dogs , one c. ' and two ferrets.

Please join us in making Kristin feel welcome as a part of the High Hopes family .

Kristin Mason & l,er new pol Ben (Photo Creoit l<ristin Elliott leas)

WHATACCREDITATTONIS AU ABOUT Successful completion of the NARHA Accreditation process is an achievement of which High Hopes can be proud, as Accreditation is an undertalring which is not gone into lightly .

The process involves education, preparation, and communication.

Accreditation is a voluntary process.

As the number of therapeutic riding programs grows, it benefits a program to have the Nationally recognized "Mark of Distinction. " A NARHA Accredited program receives national recognition .

The standards of the industry have been developed with the understanding that there is a huge amoun1 of diversity within the community of therapeutic riding . The standards are no t designed to ensure conformity , but rather to encourage safe and effecti ve programming . Accreditation is an evolutionary process designed to enable change with membership input and ratification.

Accreditation asks for a variety of written procedures and policies. This is an opportunity to thoroughly think through the work that is done every day , and identify any trouble spots .

Written policies and procedures provide a tool for trnining and education of staff and volunteers . These guidelines help increase the longevity and consistency of the operating center by making it less reliant upon the memory aJld variability of individuals by establishing protocols on which they can rely at anytime.

Most emphatically , Accreditation is not the accomplishment of one individual, but of the therapeutic riding program as a whole .

•KFA IEG4CY RJN D • ESTABLISHED

by Lisa Munm1csma Tnwman Commllfialtions

CONGRATlllA nONSI We are CRAWLING with babies around here, and we are THRILLED! ►

~

In honor of Kea , the inaugural Cosequin Equine Exemplary Service Awards Horse of the Year for 1999, Nutramax Laborato ries, Inc., has established the "Kea Legacy Fund " at High Hopes Therapeuti c Riding . This fund is designed to assist High Hopes with the purchase of additional horses for their program so that more people may experien ce the benefits of therapeutic riding and the special bond between humans and horses .

The Cosequin Equine Exemplary Service Awards were designed to recognize horses whose careers symbolize the immense and giving spirit of the horse . Ten honorees were selected in the inaugural year , as well as the Cosequin Horse of the Year . A customized award was designed for each winner .

Congratulations to volunteer Koko Gildersleeve on the birth of her grandson Dylan. ► Congratulations to volunteer Erin Bauer and her husband Kurt on the birth of Anna El izabeth in February. ► And, not to be outdone, congra tulations to instructor Jonnie Edwards on the birth of her TWIN grandsons, Came ron and Cullen ! ► Congratula tions to Kristin Elliot Leas and Empress Ella on the birth of . .. well, he doesn 't have a name yet, but the chestnut colt made his appearance on March 10. ► And in the "Tops 'Em All" category , congratulations to volunteer Linda Siusan and her husband Kevin on the birth of daughter Morgan and sons James and Sean, who arrived on the scene in late February . Mom and triplets are all doing well , and we hope to see pictures soon!

Kea was chosen as tne inaugural Horse of the Year out of 4 50 nominees by a 45-m ember Selection Commi ttee representing various sectors of the horse industJy . For 24 years , Kea's life was testi mony to his versatility and extraordinary service .

The staff at High Hopes feels that the "Kea Legacy Fund' ' is an appropriate award in memory of this remarka ble horse . In addition, Nutramax donated a bench for a garden to be designed at High Hopes.

n,, only baby~ - ~ (Photo Credit J<ristin Elliott leasl HORSES AND HFAl/NG CONFERENCE

by BarbamAbmms This year 's Horses and Healing Conference , held in Temple , NH at Horse Power, proved to be another successful conference for equine facilitated mental health . Over 200 individuals , including visitors from Germany and Japan. attended the three-day conference , as well as the post/pre conferences .

Ket1 (Photo credit

Kristin Eliott leas l

(Editor's Note: For information on contributing to the Kea Legacy Fund. please contact Alison Zack Darrell at High Hopes. For more information about the Cosequin Equine Exemplary Service Awards, contact The Trueman Communications Group at J-800-622-6393.)

Boo MacDaniel , Horse Power's Executive Director , outdid herself this year . Because there is such hunger in the therapeutic riding community for information , simultaneous lectures , workshops , and demonstrations were run for two of the three days . The hardest decision became which event to attend!

The first day of the conference was held at Monadn ock Country Club with a keynote address entitled "Animals as Guides for the Soul," given by Susan Chernak McElroy . Her talk was a wonderful way for us all to feel our bond with the equines and other animals that we love, without actually

having them in the room with us! Other sessions included : Ideas and Methods for Instructing Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , and How to Prevent Lawsuits at Your Farm or Mental Health Practice .

On Friday , demonstrations were held in Horse Pow er 's new indoor arena addressing techniques for assessment of the hof5e, behavior and training recommendations for horses in equine facilitated mental health programs, and acupuncture for equines. An experiential workshop ran at a nearby lodge for a ')ourney to a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world, " centering on our natural connection to animals .

There was also a workshop entitled, "Engage and Inspire!

Understanding and Responding to Troubled Children and Youth."

Saturday 's sessions were held at the local high school, with three different tracks running simultaneously . Even though the day 's sessions were interrupted by a power outage due to a wind storm, most sessions were held without a hitch . Subject matter ranged from clinical assessment for therapeutic intervention , to the role of men in therapeutic riding, to Medicine Horse Therapy: A Bicultural Model of Treatment for Navajo Youth.

In addition, all three days sported exhibits , displays , vendors and book sales. It 's safe to say that everyone who attended found something new and worthwhile to take home to their programs. The Horse Power Conference improves each year with new ideas and speakers to listen to and learn from .

Thank you, Boo McDaniel , for another wonderful conference.

I look forward to attending next year!

NEWS FROM CROATIA (Editor's Note: We received the following letter from Dada Suvak upon her receipt of the High Hopes Anne Wright Instructor of the Year Award) "Dear Friends , "Words cannot explain my feelings about this Award I received today. Thank you is not enough. Only thing 1 can do is to try to use all you teach me here, in Croatia. And I do it best as I can.

"Here in MOGU we realized my dream , employed a nice woman to take care about horses , made good contact with elementary schools which bring us a children with special needs , and all, teachers , parents , and childrens are delighted with all what we do. We get the nice financial support from local government . We founded in December 2000 the Croatian Therapeutic Riding Association, with five member organizations , which are interested in to initiate with therapeutic riding programs. Krila from Zagreb , my friend Vlasta, and MOGU and me initiated that, and we will try to make standards and education system for this small country .

All of that happened, because you help, teach and support me.

"For all in High Hopes , NARHA organization, and personally to all of you whose spirit touch me so much, thank you again. Send you all my love, Dada "

THANKSFROM AN INSTRUCTOR TRAINING STlf[)ENT "Dear Kitty, "Please excuse n~y long delay in writing this note. I want to thank yo u and everyone at High Hopes not only for all I learned, but f or a wonderful experience.

"Your spirit, commitment and professionalism came thru in every moment of the six weeks. Your staff reflects your standards and 1 hope to keep them with me as long as I'm involved in TR. I learned a great deal even from the things I didn 't want to happen, but most of all I learned caring people working together can make a difference. Thank you .

Rich Cowan"

NEW BOARDMEMBERJOINSHIGH HOPES High Hopes is pleased to welcome Heather Leigh Harrison to our Board of Directors . Heather is an independent contractor who focuses on issues concerning the ADA and inclusion of people with disabilities . Her work as an Independent Living Mentor at the Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut, and her personal experience as a person who is now wheelchair-mobile. has given her insight into the barriers which can occur for people with disabilities .

Heather is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking , and the Connecticut Access Monitor Training. She currently teaches at the University of Connecticut Health Center as part of their Children with Disabilities curriculum for pediatric residents , and the Early Intervention Credential Certification Program.

Heather is also a High Hopes rider and volunteer. Please join us in welcoming her into our family!

MEET THEBOARDOF DIRECTORS Continuing with our introduction to High Hopes ' Board of Directors ...

JANE BOLLES Jane left Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in 1985, and moved with her husband Keith to Essex. CT. They have three children - Lindsey , Kara and Keith .

Due to her equestrian background and the demands of a special needs child , Jane was curious about how High Hopes helped children. In I 988 , she became a volunteer , and she ' s been with us ever since .

Lindsey began riding at High Hopes when she was nine years old and now , as a teenager , she shines when she is on the horse . In Jane ' s words , "It has been wonderful for both ofus , because when Lindsey rides I am able to volunteer with her or with another rider."

Jane wears a variety of volunteer hats at High Hopes sidewalker , horse leader , barn helper . Chairper son of the Personnel and Program Committees , past Co-chair for Symphon y in the Meadows , and current Vice President/Secretary on the Board of Directors . "Whatever area I volunteer in, it is always a rewarding experience ," says Jane .

Her other interests include tennis . jogging. skiing and golf .

She is proud of her work for C .P.A.C. (Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center) in Niantic as a Parent Educator /Consultant.

She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs .

being a Board Member , Linda is a program volunteer , and a Co-Chair of the Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Committee . She has also volunteered for Child and Family Services , the Connecticut River Museum, and St. John ' s Episcopal Church .

Linda's favorite ways to spend free time are singing, boating with Peter , and visiting with their combined collection of children and grandchildren .

AN ENORMOUSTHANKyou . .. .. . to Girl Scout Troops #3030 and #2135 who chose to donate the proceeds of their cookie sales to High Hopes!

L/BllARYOPENFOR BUSINESS Many of you may not realize that High Hopes has a very active library on site .

Our lending library (in transit during construction) contains horse-related story books for children, non-fiction books about horses , and books of interest to parents and families .

The reference library is divided between the Program Office and the trailer. These items may not be taken from High Hopes without permission from Kitty , as they are often needed by more than one person at the same time. Here you will find a wealth of information.

In addition , we have a comprehensive video library (also to be used on site) with information on horses , riding , and disabilities.

If you ' re interested in borrowing or using something from our library , please stop in and see Melissa.

LINDA BIERRIE

HIGH HOPESBIDSA FOND FAREWELL Linda started her family right after graduating from Wellesley College .

During the years of being a "stay at home" mother. she volunteered extensively , primarily with children with special needs and with adults with mental illness.

When her children were teenagers. Linda returned to school full time , earning a J.D . from Hofstra Law School. She worked for two years as a fledgling attorney for the Federal Aviation Administration in the Office of the Regional CoW1sel at Kennedy Airport.

After moving from Long Island to New Jersey. Linda worked for eight years in the environmental claims departments of Traveler 's and Crum & Forster , where she became a manager .

Linda and her husband Peter moved to Essex seven years ago .

They both volunteered in the International Special Olympics , and that is how they discovered High Hopes . In addition to

It seems like the instructor training students had just arrived, eager to learn, filled with anticipation (and maybe a little trepidation as well .. .) , and now they ' re gone . Sounds like we have empty nest syndrome , but we're prouder than we can say of our graduates: Carolyn Bane (Brevard, NC) , Carolyn Beekman (Middletown , RI) , Kimberly Carrafa (Nashville , TN), Richard Cowan (Stamford. CT), Sophie de Theux (Belgium) , Kristin Mason (Colchester , CT), Beth Norton (Guilford, CT) , Catherine Piscitelli (Stockbridge , VT) , Mary Ellen Sencer (Ossining , NY) , and Rebecca Sullivan (Southington, CT) . Congratulations , everyone!

And a special goodbye to our volunteer from across the sea, Shozo Ogawa , who contributed six months of his life to High Hopes.

A NOTE FROM SMOKEY'S MOM "Dear High Hopes (this letter is for everyone who makes it happen), "I feel honored that my pony, Smokey, is part of such an inspiring organization. I'm certain he thinks he gels more than he gives - except food - he never gets enough of that (but PLEASE don't give in. I see in the newsletter he's still chubby!)

"Anyway, I was so proud to see that Linda Almeida is working to get Smokey certified through the Delta Society to do pet therapy. It's wonderful for me to know that yo u are trying to fulfill his po tential, no matter how challenging! I enjoyed reading all about it.

"I miss Smokey underfoot, however, I think he 's having a heck of a good time.

"Enclosed is my quarterly sponsorship. I know you appreciate it at least half as much as I appreciate you taking care ofmy munchkin!

Regards, Johanne Mangi

SMOKEY'S OEBIJT!

Smokey scopes out 11,e front steps (Photo Credit Kristin Elliott leas)

With Smokey 's visit to Carol's a resowiding success, the next step was his first actual pet therapy visit. Physical therapist Carolyn Jagieski has a terrific client name Zach Lockwood, a nifty kid who fractured his left femur while playing basketball.

He 's had to spend a lot of time flat on his back and itching to be active , and Carolyn thought that a visit from Smokey would be just the ticket to put a smile on Zach 's face . And, as you can see by the evidence , she was absolutely right!

It seems appropriate to insert this little bit of BIG news right after Johanne ' s terrific letter.

As you recall from last time , Linda Almeida has been working with our plucky Shetland to become a pet therapy animal .

Part of that training has involved daily visits to the High Hopes lounge and offices, in order to get Smokey used to being (and behaving!) indoors. He 's been great. He always uses his "compa ny manners" and he ' s never had an accident even once.

The next step , of course, was to get him acclimated to visiting places other than High Hopes. Our first inclination was to have him visit the Caretaker's Cottage out back , but Judie and John Driscoll were understandably hesitant about having a four-hoofed critter in the middle of their living room. Our second choice was arowid the comer at barn assistant Carol Gilchrist's house . So that 's what they did!

Smokey m-'5 ms,_. friend Z.acl, Loclcwood.

(Phot.o Credit: Kristin Elliott leas)

SPOll/GHT ON . ..

IAOY! There are mares , and there are mares ...

Lady , who truly lives up to her name.

and then there 's

A 17 year old dark bay Morgan , Lady came to us through the generous heart of Jennifer Ward. When Jennifer gave birth to her son Patrick, she knew that her horse time would be limited (at least for awhile). Not wanting her beloved horse to go unworked, Jennifer contacted High Hopes - and we all promptly fell in love with this sweet-natured mare.

Off 11,qGol Smokey and ms~m.rage (Carol Gildtrist, koder Linda~ and Camfyn /agit!lski) (Photo Credit Kristin Elliott l_eas)

Although she has a background in pleasure and trail riding , she auicklv learned her iob as a theraov horse . Ladv has the

innate ability to know just what her riders ~ She ~ quite happily in the Blue Paddock with her frien~. Dorruno, Marius and Apple Jack. When Jennifer comes to vtStt her, ~e whistles from the barn, and Lady neighs from her paddock m

response, and comes running.

Lady bas an upside-down heart on her forehead. We all ~ that it's not really upside-down, but is directed at all the nders who climb onto her back.

WE RECEIVEA NICE LEI /ER "Dear High Hopes Riding Academy, .

"Enclosed please find a donation to your pogram m memory of our dear friend's horse - "Nick" - w~ passed away recently. Our friend Kay Rosenfeld and family lov~ and cared for him deeply and we felt this would be a special way to remember him. Please direct the donation to_benefit the horses in your very special program. Good luck with your program. 1bank you.

Sincerely, Rosemary Tyskiewicz"

(Editor's Note: Thank YOU, Rosemary. Our condolences to Kay and her family on the loss of their old friend Rest assured that Nick will always be remembered at High Hopes.)

CONDOLENCES• •• . . . to rider Laurie Seagull, whose grandfather passed away. . . . to volunteer Suzie Birks, on the death of her husband . .. to volunteer Mary Bombaci, whose daughter passed away. . . . 10 staff member Carol Brining, on the death of her uncle. . . . lo everyone who knew and loved Charlie Terrell. . . . 10 rider Ian Moses Cannon and his family, on the death of his grandfather. . . . to volunteer Anita Dees, whose mother pas.sedaway.

Lady (Photo credit: Kristin Elliott leas)

A 11PO' THE HAT TO OURADOPT-A-HORSE "PARENTS* Eleanor L. Bonafonte Carroll A. & Anne H. Boynton Marilyn Conklin Geraldine U. Foster Kelsey Fournier Dr . & Mrs. Goldblatt • Lyttleton B. P. Gould· Elizabeth HaartzGrace and Frank Hamilton, Jr. John E. & Joan N. Hamrick Abbey Holstein Kristin KarabeesRichard J. & Johanne M. Mangi Joan Mulkey Robert E. & Penny J. Nelson • Cynthia R. Palmer Quintin, Oliver & Charlie Parsons • Susan Peacock • Jeff & Holly Ridgway Bonnie & Phil Seagull • Petra Shearer Victoria & William Winterer -

Petra Marius Grace Buddy Poncho Apache Julianna Apple Jack Grace Apple Jack Fred Doc Smokey Latino Lady Honey Smokey Dandy

Domino Marius Cappy Cody

n

VOLUNTEERSBEING SOUGHT!

you already know that we have an ongoing need for people to volunteer in the Riding Program. What you may not know, however, is that we are also eagerly seeking people inteiested in volunteering in other areas as well: • • • •

Assisting the office staff Greeting people and answering phones Working in the barn , cleaning stalls, sweeping aisles, watering horses and swiping cobwebs Being a general handiperson with light carpentry, clearing trails, landscaping and mending fences

Newcomers are ~ welcome, and current volunteers are urged to bring their. friends and neighbors. Orienta~ons .are available for a more in-depth look, and to enhance one s skills.

And don't overlook our special event talks throughout the year. These informational sessions r~e no e~cnce, are open to the public, and are wonderfully mfonnative aboutthe many aspects of therapeutic riding.

All of us at High Hopes look forward to having you join us in the incredibly rewarding job of volunteering.

,,

VOLUNTEER TED CROSBY IS OW

LYME

CITIZENOF THEYFARI

Down Under in Griswold, we can 't help but shed a tear or two . Their gain is definitely our loss. We'll miss you, John.

Don 't be a stranger .

Are we PROUD or what?!

Our very own Ted Crosby (who, by the way, is loved and revered by everyone at High Hopes) was named Old Lyme Citizen of the Year by the Board of Selectmen . The criteria includes activity in many aspects of town affairs . They couldn 't have found anyone more appropriate. Not only is Ted a volunteer (and fonner trustee) at High Hopes where he talces on any job that needs doing , he is also involved in creating web pages for the town and Chamber of Commerce , setting up a closed circuit TV system for the Congregational Church, and picking up garbage at a waterfront picnic site maintained by the Old Lyme Conservation Trust. In addition , he has rebuilt a 1924 wooden boat now used by the Connecticut River Museum for fundraising, hosts a holiday party for the Lymes ' Youth Service Bureau , serves on the Open Space and Republican Town Committees , volunteered in local classrooms and on softball fields , and has done charitable work in museums and boardrooms .

Congratulations , Ted! We don 't think that the town could have picked anyone finer for this award 'Gentleman /ol,n• Molochl«, done up in his finery

(Photo Credit

Kristin Elliott

Leos)

WELCOMENEW VOLUNTEERS! Please join us in welcoming these new members of the High Hopes volunteer family:

Ta/0-,,,,«tMri-

(Photo Credit Kristin Elliott

Leas)

BOOHOO! Well, we are not happy about this at ALL! Long-time (and long-hourcd) volunteer John Molochko has left our fair facility for other pastures. And while we wish him the best in his new role as a leader of trail rides at Stables

Gary Ahlsen, Jaime Almeida, Scott Anderson , Wendy Anderson, Patricia Bandzes , Paula Bateman, Barry Bernier , Anne Bizub, Matthew Bolden , Patricia Boyles , Robert Camey , Carolyn Caton, Becky Czlapinski , Alan Dumont, Claire Giannecchini . Timothy L. Green, Molly Gregson, Kimberly Grzyb, Kate Hamilton , Allie Hanford, Robert Harringer , Nicole Johnson, Meghan Kalisz, Kimberly Kanabis , Mary Katsiaficas , Rachel Klass, Dawn Kondratowicz , Anne Knauff , Pepper Lumina, Rajive Malhotra , Kelly Malinowsky , Elizabeth Marek, Laura Meuselbach , Mary Molitor , Mallory O'Connor , Barbara Pickett, John Pizzoferrato , Susan Pogozalski , Diane Randazzo , Candice Reavis, Ryan Richard, Christopher Robinson, Kate Robinson , Alina Schneider , Terry Schreiber , Esme Singer, Betsey Stevens, Halsey Stevens, Mara Strader, Laura Stroehlein , Alyssa Thomas , Deanna Thomas , Kathy Thomas , Megan Todt, Kaity Turley , Jean Upton , Caitlin Wade, Laura Wang, Heidi Waterson , and Sarah Whitney.

(If you're a new volunteer , and your name has been inadvertently left off the list (or misspelled) , PLEASE LET US KNOW!)

THANKYOUSARE /JUE TO. ..

NOTEWORTHYNEWS (~th thanks to Winslow Therapeutic Riding Unlimited)

•

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• •

Chris Coyle for "hot packs," four pair of work gloves , a pulley system for the Emergency Kit , installing "scald safe" detectors on our sinks, a fire extinguisher and two smoke detectors, and a flashlight and mounting bracket.

Bill Nelligan for a soap refill bottle, paper towel dispenser and rolls, and block for the motmting ramp.

John Rexroad for an electronic labeler.

Penny Nelson for Christmas decorations.

Bob and Penny Nelson for spring flowers for Founder's Day. Harry Slifer for candy, Ovaltine, and innumerable bags of carrots and apples.

Jane and Jan Cornelius, and Mary Mille for cookies.

Kathy Heller for M&Ms. The ladies and gents from AIC who helped unload hay: John Bach, Michael Blevins, Renee Chester, Nathan Coffey. Stephen Crescimanno, Jr., Michael Geysen: James Harper,Jeffrey Horget, Sabria Levine, Christopher Mason, Kevin McCoy. Andrew Miedzinski , Deanna Miezejeski, Chris Roselli, Karla Sweeper, Rochard Watkins, Dave Watson and Jeremy Wiggs.

Heidi Worcester for photographs of Family Day 2000.

Walter Engel for a saw horse and a tin horse.

Kenny Melzen for food for the Blue Seal evening lecture .

Valerie Stelzner and Patti Coyle for catfood.

Elaine LaPolla for carrots.

The folks at Source for fifty pounds of Source Nuggets.

Abby Jacobson for a saddle pad Susan Strait for three lbs. of engage powder.

Show Ogawa for a video of a Japanese paraplegic rider.

Dee Doolittle for a bitless bridle.

Mary Mille for funny hats.

Cooperman Fife and Drum for sawdust.

All Waste for transportation of sawdust .

Bob Vankiersbilck at Long Cat Graphics for the layout of the Family Campaign mail piece.

Northeast Utilities in Newington for the printing and paper for the Family Campaign mailing.

Ted Crosby for snowplowing our driveway. parking lo! and courtyard three times.

Holly Ridgway for three VHS tapes of our Positively Connecticut spot.

Jeff Manges at Horse Country for a blanket. sheets . and saddle pads .

Joan Mulkey (Latino ·s barn buddy!) for two hoof picks . a curry comb. horse treats. and for spoiling that big boy with lots of TLC. Phil Darrell for a heavy-duty staple gun.

Petra Shearer for a riding helmet.

•

Help NARHA (the North American Riding Handicapped Association) by using their Amazon .com. NARHA receives a percentage purchase. Just go to www.narha.org - select Click on Amazon.

for the link to of your Links -

•

SafeTech, a division of Troxel, has started a new equestrian helmet program. You can order the Troxel Trainer helmet for ONLY $10 (plus a minimal shipping fee)! To find out more. call SafeTech at l-800-270-2526.

•

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) (www.nichcy.org) provides information on disability-related issues for families and professionals.

•

ABLEDATA (www .abledata .com) has 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.

•

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) (www .nord.rdb .com) provides information and networking for persons with any type of rare disorder .

Literature. information and referrals arc available.

Networks persons or families with the same disorder for support .

•

For general information on www.medlinep lus.nlm.nih .gov.

•

To explore an online medical WW\\. mcdlincplus .adam .com .

•

Winners on Wheels (WOW) is a club for children who use wheelchairs . WOW· s goal is "lo help children in wheelchairs be all they can be. and lo show them that there arc no limits to what they can do." To find out more about tJ1cir Circles. Kids Club. Pen Pal Program , Mentor Program. tJ1cirnearest location or how to start a Circle in your area contact: The WOW Connection. Winners on Wheels. 2842 Business Park Avenue. Fresno. CA 93727.

Or call 800-%9-8255 Their homepage is: http ://www.wowusa.com and their e-mail is: wowtalk 1a,carthlink .nct

disabilities,

contact

dictionary.

contact

Non -Profit Organizat ion

U.S. Postage PAID Ohl L~me, CT 06371

Permit No. 1 High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. P.O. Box254 Old Lyme, CT 06371

SA~EOJEbA'Ce! THE 16THANNUAL

HIGHHOPESHORSESHOW IS MAY 19, 2001

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