2001 (Winter) Newsletter

HIGH HOPESHAPPENINGS

VOLUME5 NUMBER4, WINTER2001 Melissa Everett, Editor 1

,ente - Put these dates on your calendar.

,cember 4 - General Volunteer Orientation, 5:30 PM. C!Cember 8 - Barn Orientation, 1 :oo PM. C!Cember 8 - Barn Buddy Orientation, 1 :30 PM. ~ber 8 thru Monday, December 10 - NARKA.Advanced Instructor cember 10 - First Day ofHanuld<ah. ecember 15 - Faff Program Ends. cember 24 - ·omcE CLOSED. ,cember

25 -

On-Site Certification

OFACE CLOSED. CHRISTMAS.

riuary 1 - OFACE CLOSED. HAPPY NEW YEAR.2002!

,uary 7 - Wmter Session Begins. ebruary 16 - Wmter Session Ends.

in this issue: ler Profile - John Sturges

♦

We Get Letters

:eedback

♦

Annual Meeting and Grand Opening

Campaign Update

♦

Dawn and Bill's Wedding

IDGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING, INC. 36 TOWN WOODS ROAD, P. 0. BOX 254, OLD LYME, CT 06371-0254 (860) 434-1974 FAX (860) 434-3723

HlGHHOPESBOARDAND STAFF Board of Directors

Honorary Board Members

Officers Jeffrey Ridgway, President Barbara Earle Ballard, Vice President John C. Evans, Vice President Cheryl Heffernan , Vice President for Development Elizabeth David, TreaSUf'er Jane A. Bolles, Secretary

Directors Sally H. Aubrey Maw-een 0. Augusciak Linda F. Bieme Jane I. Davison Geraldine U. Foster Heather Leigh Harrison William D. Irving, M.D. 'Katherine H. Gildersleeve Charles Kingsley Judith F. Lightfoot A. RivesPotts lee Pritchard Roger M. Smith J<elvinN. Tyler

Lyttleton 8. P. Gould, Jr. Frank Hamilton, Jr. Grace Hamilton Wayne Southwick, M.D. Staff

Alison Zack Darren, Executive Director J<ittyStalsburg, Program Director Petra Shearer, Business Manager Helene Fenger, Development Director J<ristin Elliott leas, Barn Manager Dawn Nelligan, Program Associate Melissa Everett, Program Administrator Judie DriscoD,Administrative Assistant Barbara Abrams, Instructor Ann Bc:n1ey, Instructor Patti Coyle, Instructor Jonnie Edwards, Instructor BillNelligan, Instructor Holly Ridgway, Instructor Carolyn Jagielski, Physical Therapist Carol Gilchrist, Barn Assistant Linda Almeida, Barn Staff Carol Brining, Barn Staff/Administrative Ass't J<ristin Mason, Barn Staff John Driscoll, Caretaker

Just a friendly reminder . ..

High Hopes now has four state-of-the-art handicap van parking spaces available to our riders and famffies.

This newsletter is underwritten by

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Servke &

},~n Bank ee 1851

ff'S EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS

PROGRAMNEWS

by Kitty Stalsburg

by Alison Zack Darrell By the time you receive this newsletter , we will have celebrated our accomplishments and "new begqmings " as a premier therapeutic riding center at our Grand Opening and Annual Meeting. As one of our Board members said, "High Hopes is 'raising the bar' once again. " What he means is that High Hopes is a LEADER ... and always has been a leader in the field of therapeutic riding. Throughout our twenty-seven year history, High Hopes has pioneered as a model to others in the ever-growing universe of therapeutic riding, always setting the standards for other programs to strive for excellence.

The latest enhancements to our facility are state of the art, and further distinguish High Hopes as ¡ a unique facility with a commitment to expanded programming in integrated therapies , and training and education. This means that High Hopes has begun offering programs that augment and enhance the riding component with Occupational , Speech, Physical and Our current program involving Psychological therapies. occupational therapist Janine Turner and her study of autistic children is an example of this integrated therapy concept. In partnership with instructors Erica Stachura and Patti Coyle , Janine's research study focuses on the sensory processing needs of children with Autism and Pervasive Developmental Delay, and the incorporation of sensory processing techniques into a successful therapeutic riding session. With the advent of this study, High Hopes now operates seven days a week!

We look forward to the continuation of this project in the spring.

We will continue to build our programs to teach and train professionals in the field of therapeutic riding, and make High Hopes an educational resource for parents, teachers, interns, therapeutic riding and students of equine studies, and the community at large. We will do this by expanding our offerings of educational workshops and seminars, NARHA trainings, and making our educational resources more available and accessible to the public.

In this way, High Hopes will once again "raise the bar."

We've taken on new challenges to meet the growing needs of our field and our community , and when we challenge ourselves, we effectively challenge others to reach greater heights in serving people with disabilities through equine assisted therapy.

Whenever I talk about meeting challenges and the accomplishments of High Hopes, I can 't forget the most important reason we' re able to succeed- and that 's because of the hard work and dedication of a truly committed and selfless Through your communi ty of volunteers and friends. generosity and support, High Hopes is a great leader! Thank you to all of you who give us the greatness we will share in our newly expanded andrenovated facility.

We are pleased to welcome many new participants from school groups , as well as individua ls and families to our riding program. And, of course , it was wonderful seeing the return of so many familiar faces.

During the first four weeks of program, the competent help of our instructor training candidates kept things running smoothly . Many thanks to Michal Vegmayster (Israel) , Michelle Suarez (NYC), Amanda Burgin (PA) and Tina Schmill (Ireland). They were a tremendous addition to our staff. Momoko Taira from Japan was an intern for two months this fall . She is studying Animal Assisted Therapy , and hopes to return to High Hopes in the future to gain her Instructor Certification.

The teaching staff is working hard to ensure that the communication needs between instructors and volunteers are being met. As our program grows, we struggle to meet the additional volunteer demands. All last minute cancellations and unanticipated needs for volunteers leave us scrambling. If you find yourself with some extra time (even a half hour is of great help), or know of someone interested in volunteering, please call us! We offer monthly Volunteer Orientations and on-going training sessions for volunteers.

As a program that incorporates training and education as part of our daily life, we are reaching out to you to share your needs and ideas. With the addition of our brand new classroom facility, we are anxious to host events that are of interest to our members. Please let us know if there are any topics that you would like to see presented, or workshops that you are interested in attending.

Our Tack-n-Talk-n-Tea sessions will be held every Tuesday during the Winter session.

We invite you to join us for these informative and interactive

talks.

We receive many inquiries each week specific to our NARHA Approved Instructor Training Course. The next courses will run concurrently for both six-week intensive students and the four-month extended weekend students, and will take place beginning January 2002. We also look forward to hosting the NARHA Region I meeting in April 2002 . Several of our staff will attend the NARHA Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington in November.

Our upcoming Winter lesson series will run for six-weeks beginning January 7, 2002 through February 16, 2002. If you are interested in participating as a rider or volunteer , please sign up with your instructor .

As we approach the end of another year, with our programs running at full gallop through the home stretch, we gratefull y acknowledge the many helping bands and hooves that enable High Hopes to Run (for the Roses) throughout the year . We thank each of you for your continuing support.

CONDOLENCES. .. . . . to the family and friends of rider Emily Harrison. Our thoughts and prayers are with Emily and those who loved her . . . . to the family and friends of George Christopher Cain .

George, brother to volunteer Erin Cain, was a member of the NYC Fire Department and one of eight firefighters from Ladder Company 7/Engine Company 16 who are missing and presumed dead after answering the alarm at the World Trade Center . . . . to the family and friends of Richard Pettit. Dick connected to High Hopes through his involvement with the Old Lyme Lions. He will be missed more than we can express.

Now we are receiving calls for campaign advice from other nonprofits both in our own community and from around the country. As we share our experience and knowledge with others we realize how far we have come, and that we can have a positive impact on the therapeutic riding profession in yet another way. We can be mentors - and in teaching others we learn about ourselves .

High Hopes is deeply grateful to The Kresge Foundation for its grant of $220,000 toward our capital project , and to the many friends who have supported this venture with gifts of time , money, talent , goods and services . Because of you, we can offer enhanced programs and fully accessible spaces to our participants , now and in the years to come . Thank you for all you have done to make our vision a reality.

SPECl4L THANKSTO: •

ANO CONGRATUIAllONS . .. . .. to Instructor Training graduate Michal Vegmayster (better known as "Vega") upon her marriage engagement to Yoav Kleiner. Right now , Michal andYoav are in Israel, but rumor has it that they may soon return to the United States. May they share many happy years.

CAPITALCAMPAIGNUPOATE - HIGH HOPES MEETS THE KRESGECHALLENGE/

•

•

by Helene Fenger •

WE DID IT! On August 9, 2001, we officially met the Kresge Challenge and reached our Campaign goal of $2.6 million! And on October 6, 2001, we received a check from The Kresge Foundation for $220,000. This is a major milestone for High Hopes, and it speaks volumes about the commitment and generosity of our Board of Directors , Campaign Committee, the High Hopes family of riders , volunteers and Staff, and our community.

A Capital Campaign is the ultimate example of collaboration.

It requires time, talent, creativity and teamwork in order to be successful , and High Hopes has an abundance of all of these .

As we conducted our fundraising activities and set our sights on meeting The Kresge Challenge , we called upon each other and members of the community for advice , guidance and contributions , and we learned a great deal in the process. We took a long, hard look at High Hopes from many perspectives , identified our strengths and weaknesses , and made adjustments and improvements along the way.

The Kresge Foundation 's rigorous application process challenged us not only to meet financial and organizational criteria, but to reach new levels of professionalism . As our fundraising team worked toward each important milestone, we took a brief look back, and it became clear that together we are capable of achie ving significant goals.

•

• •

•

The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven's Crippled Children's Aid Society for a grant of$18,039 for a collaborative EFMHA (Equine Facilitated Mental Health Assocation) project with Fellowship Place of New Haven. Thank you to Wayne Southwick, M.D., High Hopes Honorary Board Member, for making this grant possible.

The Bissell Foundation for a grant of $15,000 toward a $35,000 pilot project for children with autism. (Note: We are still seeking funding for this important project.

H you can help, please contact Helene Fenger at extension 22.)

The Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation and the Humane Society of the United States for approving a grant of $5,000.

The Citigroup Foundation for a grant of $5,000 for audiovisual equipment for our training and education program. Special thanks to Mary Beth Wafer, Branch · Manager for Salomon Smith Barney in Essex, Guilford, and New Haven, and Elizabeth David, High Hopes Board of Directors, for helping to make this grant possible.

Citigroup Foundation for a gift of $500 as part of their volunteer incentive program, in recognition of the High Hopes volunteer service of Elizabeth David .

Dime Savings Bank of Norwich for a grant of $3,750 for Norwich area rider scholarships.

Carse Robinson Foundation for a grant of $3,500 toward the pilot project for children with autism (mentioned above.)

Essex Savings Bank for a grant of $2,500 through their Community Investment Program to underwrite High

Hopes Happenings.

• • • •

Georgiana Goodwin for a gift of graphic design workfor our 2002 Annual Appeal calendar.

Amanda Ogbome for a gift of $400 to help her favorite horse and good friend Dandy.

Shannon Printing of Deep River for layout and design services for donor recognition plaques .

Sign Lite, Inc. of North Haven for special assistance with donor recognition plaques.

â&#x20AC;˘HIGH HOPE$ IS APPFAl

â&#x20AC;˘

2002

CALENDAR

by Jklene Fenger This summer I asked some of our riders , volunteers and staff to help me choose a theme for this year's calendar' by writing down what High Hopes means to them, using one-word descriptions. The responses were quite varied, but there were some common themes, with confidence , companionship , achievement, connection and teamwork among the favorites chosen to express the High Hopes experience .

All of the responses were heartfelt , and some were paragraphs rather than single words. Several people said that they considered High Hopes to be their extended family - a place where they can come and just be themselves. Others stated that therapeutic riding offers them benefits unlike anything they have received in a doctor's office, clinic or gym, and that their family members feel they have a support network that can help them through tough times. Their comments helped me compile a list of simple, powerful captions that led to the creation of our calendar theme, "High Hopes Is .. ."

People of all ages and economic backgrounds have come to rely on our programs , and we depend heavily on our Annual Appeal to raise funds for rider scholarships so everyone who qualifies may participate . Appeal contributions also help us with horse care , including regular vet and farrier visits , hay, grain and supplements . Since many of our horses were given to us because they have physical limitations or medical issues , funds from the Appeal have a direct impact on their well being.

When you receive the High Hopes calendar in the mail this fall, please think about what High Hopes means to you or someone you know, and make a contribution to help keep our programs going strong . Thank you.

ANNUALMEETTNGAND GRANDOPENINGA ROUSINGSUCCESS Two hundred High Hopes family and friends gathered on October 21 for our annual meeting and to celebrate the grand opening of our newly renovated and expanded facility.

Then came the part that we all love best - the Annual High Hopes Awards . Recip ients were : Patrick Moreno Sportsmanship Award - Therese Popinchalk Paul Burkarth Rider of the Year Award - Jacob Kirschner Anne Wright Instructor Award- Tina Schmill Program Volunteer(s) of the Year - The Gillette Family : Trudy, Lindsay and Whitney Office Volunteer of the Year - Ted Crosby Barn Volunteer of the Year - Christopher Coyle Horse of the Year - Domino The Sally H. Aubrey Award was presented to Tia Smith, for her unfailing (and unflagging) dedication to High Hopes. To know Tia, to experience the vibrance of her spirit, is to love her.

Our program concluded with a riding presentation by NARHA award winners Cody (Region I Horse of the Year) , Kathy Heller (National and Regional Independent Rider of the Year), and Tia Smith (Volunteer of the Year). While Kathy put Cody through his paces, Tia narrated, telling us about Cody 's relationship with physical therapist Carolyn Jagielski, and Kathy 's re-development as a rider after undergoing a traumatic injury .

Business concluded, we retired to the wonderful hors d 'oeuvre buffet created by Gourmet Galley of Quaker Hill. Special thanks to Judy Lightfoot , Penny Nelson, Pauline Knoll , and Suzanne Tyler for their hard work on our behalf . To all who attended, thank you for being part of this wonderful evening .

PRIZE WINNERS/ High Hopes extends thanks to the Pawing Ponies 4-H Club in East Haddam for adding to their horse show a division specific to riders with Special Needs. Thank you Debi Thomas and Robyn Fortier . High Hopes riders Lindsey Bolles of Essex and Michael Grater of Mystic participated in three classes apiece . Lindsey won two of her three classes , and was awarded the Division Championship . Michael , riding High Hopes's own Norm , won a blue ribbon in the trail class.

GIFTSCOME IN All SHAPESAND SIZES

by Helene Fenger

Our guests were delightfully impressed with the changes and additions. Not only has the facility enjoyed a general face-lift , but we've added a staff/volunteer kitchen, a copier/supply room , new offices , a resource room , a therapy room , and a huge classroom.

After general business , there was a special recognition of Jane Davison and Gurdon Wattles for their Campaign vision and support, and the Campaign and Building Project Committees .

The re was a vote on incoming Board members , and a salute to outgoing members Ann Rice and Gurdon Wattles . Both Ann and Gurdon were gifted with High Hopes umbrellas.

One sunny afternoon , Kathy Heller - High Hopes rider and carriage driving student - remarked in passing that she had a present for me. She had a little grin on her face, and wouldn 't give me a hint , so I couldn 't imagine what she had up her sleeve. A few days later, she arrivedwith a HUGE jar filled with loose change that she had stockpiled over the years . In the past, the money had been used to cover some essential expenses when times were tough . But Kathy has come a long way since those days, and now she wanted High Hopes to have the money she saved for emergen cies to help with our facility renovation project.

Needless day, and for High coin was Finan.

to say , this gift and the thought behind it made our

was typical of Ka thy 's generous spirit and affection Hopes . The coins added up to $261.69 , and every painstakingly counted by another good friend, Paul

There is an important detail about the timing of this gift that I want to share with you . It arrived on September 11, that day of intense emotion and sadness that none of us will ever forget. As we were reeling from the news comirtg in from New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, Kathy delivered the jar to our doorstep , and we were instantly reminded of the kindness that still exists around us - and grateful that we were among such good friends. Thank you , Kathy , for a gift that is priceless.

Vaulting (gymna stics on horseback ) is very helpful for many of our riders . Come dressed in your woolies and ready to ride !

We will experience various vaulting moves using the mats , vaulting barrel and the horse. This is a fun class with time for questions and play .

February 5 - VolunteerTips Presenter: Patti Coyle, NARHA Advanced Instructor This week, we discuss some of the critical issues facing our volunteers , and examine the roles of the leader and sidewalker .

Take part in role playing and hands-on activities .

February 12 - Dis11bility Awareness Presenter : Heather Leigh Harrison, Disabilities Advocate This week's discussion focuses on disability awareness issues , emphasizing the need to respect the individual, and the "people first'' aspect of working with individuals with special needs.

THEJOURNEYHOME

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Join us as we take a weekly "journey home" in this series of evening workshops presented by women for women (or for those brave, secure men who want to get in touch with their feminine side).

We meet W$esday evenings in the classroom, specific days and times TBA Cost is $10 per workshop or $50 for the series . Preregistration is required.

For a registration form, please call 860-434-1974.

Kml,yff.Jkr.mdthe

famous jar

2002

TACK'N TALK'N TFA SCHEDULE

Topics include :

This weekly series will keep our volunteers and friends returning to High Hopes even during winter's cold . Please join us on Tuesday morningsat 11:00 for the chance to talk, listen and learn. These are informal sessions during which we will be helping to keep the High Hopes tack sparkling clean, so dress accordingly.

January8 - The Mysteriesof Tack Revealed!

Presenter: Kitty Stalsburg, NARHA Master Instructor We review various equipment used in therapeutic riding, the basic parts of saddles and bridles, and the associated care .

Opportunities to assist in routine maintenance , safety checks and cleaning are provided.

January 15 -A Parent's Penpective Presenter: TBA This session explores the parenting issues associated with raising a child with special needs.

January22 - What Our HorsesCan Do Presenters: High Hopes Staff Come watch the High Hopes herd in action! Did you kno w that Marius is an accotnplished dressage horse? Did you know that Latino was used as a fox hunte r? These are just some of the secret lives of our four-legged friends .

NutritionConsiderationsfor Women Nutritionist Liz Archambault provides us with information specific to the nutritional needs of women . This is an overview with time for questions and answers.

Stretchingand Toning Personal trainer and exercise instructor Helene Fenger shares ideas for stretching activities and hints for maintaining tone .

This is a fun evening to explore some basic movements to keep us in shape.

Books to Live By Liz Clements reveals her best picks to help fight the bad moods and elevate the soul. These are books that will bring a smile to every woman's face .

Meditationand Relaxation Expressive Therapist Barl>ara Abrams guides us as we experiment with simple suggestions to help relieve stress. We will learn ways to facilitate relaxation for a less hectic existence,

Yoga Presenter TBA.

Womenand Riding - An AnatomicalViewpoint January 29 - Vauhing and Movement Explorationon the

Horse Presenter : Dawn Nelligan, Program Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Associate

and

Presenter TBA

THEEVEN"(OFA llFE-llMEl The consensus is universal: They are the handsomest (and happiest) couple anyone ever saw.

On October 6, the High Hopes family attended the wedding of instructors Dawn Zornig and Bill Nelligan. The ceremony took place at the Congregational Church of Old Lyme, with a reception at Griswold Point.

Here's a birdseye view of the happy couple. Dawn and Bill, we love you both. Congratulations! May you have many, many, MANY happy years together. (Did we mention that twins run in Bill's family ..... ?)

mom told me, I was so excited I got the goosebumps! Every time I think ofit, I get a smile on my face! I would love to be there to receive the award, but I am having a wish granted by the Starlight Foundation. I am in Florida swimming with a dolphin! Two great things happening to me in one day!

Thank you.

Love, Therese Popinchalk

Dear High Hopes,

•••

It is so wonderful for us to have a place for Ben to go and feel independent. He feels safe at High Hopes and has no anxiety about going there. (He experiences anxiety in other situations and has difficulty separating from us.) It is such a change to talk to people who can tell me positive things about Ben's behavior and /earning. He is motivated to listen and follow directions, to follow through on activities.

He even participated in some art/craft activities which he tends to avoid because it is so difficult and frustrating and embarrassing to him in other settings. Thank you so much for giving us this experience, it has been a gift for our whole family! Dawn and the other instructors are so wonderfa/.

They have such a positive attitude with Ben. It makes him feel wanted and capable.

Kim Abraham

••• I wanted to thank you guys so much for letting me volunteer there this summer and for teaching me everything I know about horses. I definitely made some wonderful friends , both people and horses. I feel that I would like to be a large animal vet as a result of my experiences at High Hopes.

Mr. m1d Mis. WimamS. Nelligan (PhotoCr~ KristinEltiottlaas)

WE GET LETTERS! DearAlison, Kitty and all, I can 't tell you how touched I was by the Annual Meeting. I was overwhelmed with the support and encouragement from the community and all the staff I am very proud to be an "old timer" parent of High Hopes. You all have done a marvelous job with the facility, but seem to remember that the most important component is how you teach your students. It really does take a community to raise a child. Thanks for all your hard work.

Love, Diane Fournier

*** Dear High Hopes, I am so honored to get the Sportsmanship Award. When my

Kristin, thank you for letting me ride and for teaching me some basics. Ann, thank you also for teaching me some basics.

Carol G., thank you for teaching me most of my knowledge about horses, and for teaching me how to do Dandy's inhaler and Periwinkle's medications. That was the most interesting task that I learned to do this summer. To all the barn staff, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to teach me.

Love, Amanda Ogbome

••• Dear High Hopes, On Saturday, September 15, 2001 I rode in the 4-H Horse Show in East Haddam, CT. I was so happy because I won two blue ribbons and one red ribbon.

I also won the Championship ribbon for the Special Needs Division for the day.

I was able to trot all by myself on my horse named Nutmeg. I really had to listen and think about what I had to do when I

was m the ring. I thought I was going to be scared. but I wa.sn't. I really listened to my instructor and my horse listened to me.

I also really liked watching the other riders in their classes. I would like to ride in more horse shows. It was so much fun and it made me very happy. Thank you, High Hopes, for teaching me how to ride a horse. I love it!

From your friend, Lindsey Bolles Dear Kitty,

•••

Thank you so much for everything you have done to get Lara riding. Last week, Patty and Erica took her outside which she loved. But, you have a friend for life - when Erica introduced herself Lara said. "No thank you, I'd like to ride with Kitty!"

Hopefully this will be the start of a lifetime of ridingfor Lara.

Fondly, Marybeth & Lee Ellison

••• (Editor's Note: The following comes from one of our former ITC students. As you may recall , Laurie and her daughter went through a harrowing time over the last year as Hayley battled leukemia.)

A Special Note to all our Friends at High Hopes, A year has passed since Hayley was discharged from the hospital. She is in.fall-time kindergarten. She loves riding the bus and being at school We still go for monthly bloodwork at the hospital and she still has her port in her chest for her direct line. Hayley doesn't love the visits, but she has done fine. Shefeels great!

Summer 2001 has been very busy. We had to make up for last summer! We went camping, vacations at Block Island, and lots of time in the pool. And then we moved into our own apartmentjust before school started.

We think of you often and see you are having your grand opening on the new expanded building. Congrats!! I bet it looks great. You all deserve it. Hope to see everyone in the Spring!

Laurie Gagnon

••• To the High Hopes Staff, Board of Directors, Volunteers, Riders: I would like to share my reflections on the Internship experience that I completed at High Hopes this summer. It was an incredibly valuable personal and educational experience for me. I am what is considered a "non•

traditional" student at St. Andrews' Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC, majoring in therapeutic riding. Lorrie Renker, the former director of this program, connected me with Alison Zack Darrell regarding an opportunity working at High Hopes on the strategic planning process.

Fortunately for me, I was offered this position and arrived at High Hopes the day before the horse show. From the moment of my first meeting with the Strategic Planning Board members and observing the horse show, I knew that High Hopes was truly a unique and caring place. Throughout my 300+ hours, I was extremely fortunate to have conversations with riders, porents, teachers, administrators and other therapeutic riding center staff, which touched me in so many ways. I've learned a tremendous amount regarding the success.fa/operation of a therapeutic riding center.

I was blessed to be able to work directly with riders in the summer camp, the evening riding program and numerousfield trips. Those memories will forever be port of me and have touched me deeply. Thank you to those students (and their family members) who allowed me the chance to grow and learn from them.

The level of knowledge, expertise, compassion, concern and enthusiasm is evident in each volunteer, barn staff, office staff, administrative staff, instructors, and executive and program directors. Thank you all for contributing to my experiences.

Since I wasn 't from the Connecticut area, housing was a concern. My appreciation to Matt and Barbara Abrams for providing me a lovely cottage for my first month In Old Lyme, and to Lytt Gould for his hospitality during my last six weeks.

I can 't forget the dinners and wonderful conversations with Pauline and Bob Knoll while staying at Lytt 's house. All of you will hold a special place in my heart.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Kitty and Alison. They had no idea what they were getting into prior io my arrival, but willingly mentored me and ensured that I had the opportunities that I desired. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me the chance to grow and make mistakes.

Being able to be involved in a center that is so highly regarded in the therapeutic riding community is an opportunity not many individuals have. It helped me to become more strongly committed to completing my degree (quickly) so I can work in thisfield I miss you all. Know that my thoughts are with you. High Hopes is truly the epitome of a family - with all the issues, concerns and problems that are present in a family - but everyone has a desire and willingness to do what needs to be done to make thefamily stronger and grow. My best to you in your new facility, which I'm sure will only enhance your reputation, spirit and mission.

Sincerely, Mary Ann Dobek

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

JUDITHUGHTFOOT Judy was born in New York City and lived most of her childhood in Wallingford, CT. She graduated from Day Prospect Hill School in New Haven and attended Smith College.

A civic volunteer all her adult life, Judy served as Trustee and Board Secretary of Hopkins School, New Haven; Chainnan of Westchester (NY) Council of Junior Leagues; Board President and current Director of High Hopes; and Board President and Director of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, during which she was the recipient of the NARHA 1995 James Brady Professional Achievement Award Judy has co-chaired NINE High Hopes Symphony in the Meadows benefit events. She is Board President and Director of the Lyme Public Library.

Judy's longtime commitment to L.C.V.E.R.A. and High Hopes is the stuff of legend. She even helped Sis Gould start the program!

Judy and her husband Richard have four children and nine grandchildren. They live in Hadlyme with sheep, chickens and horses.

STAFFPROFILES The profiles of our Board of Directors have been so wellreceived that we thought you might like a gander at the staff of High Hopes.

Al/SON ZACK DARRELL In aneffort to keep her daughter's mindoff boys, Mom Zack turned Alison's head toward horses and nothing hasbeen the same since.

When Alison was fourteen, she received her first horse, a Quarterhorse mare named ''Little Britches." Alison has ridden on-and-off for most of her life, with her attentions most recently captured by a twenty• three year old American Thoroughbred named Oliver.

Alison earned a BA in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and received her Graduate Degree in Nonprofit Management from New School University Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy. She joined High Hopes as Executive Director in August 1995, just after the Special Olympics World Games.

Prior to High Hopes, she worked for the Planned Parenthood

Federation of America in New York City as a Planning Associate.

Born in California, our "Big Kahuna" now lives in Stonington with her husband Phil and two field-bred English Springer Spaniels named Lucy and Lily.

KITTYSTALSBURG Our "Jedi Master" was born

and raised in Deep River.

She attended the Williams School in New London, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and is a graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with a BS in Animal Science.

An avid horsewoman since the tender age of nine, Kitty has shown hunters and jumpers and ridden dressage. She enjoys all aspects of riding, especially the relaxingjoys of a great trail ride. Kitty is co-District Commissioner of the Lower Connecticut Valley Pony Chm, which works closely with High Hopes on joint fundraisers, winter lessons, and unmounted meetings. Her other volunteer activities include work with NARHA, where she has been on various committees since 1988. She has been on the NARHA Board of Directors for the past six years, and is the current President of the Board.

Kitty resides in Lyme with her husband Rob and daughter Kathryn. They have two cats, Winnie and Sylvia, and a dog, Dakota. Says Kitty, "The joys of an early morning soak in the outdoor hot tub while reading the latest smutty novel are the daily rituals that help keep me sane." Kitty also delights in a quiet kayak ride down the Connecticut River, music of any sort, and the company of friends.

THISYEAR'SWISHUST • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Barn Volunteers!

Video Editing Equipment ($235) Large gel pad and cover ($80) Brandy Surcingle ($350) Large light western saddle Janitor's cart Eleven horseshoe-shaped salt block holders ($9.90 ea.)

Stall mats for Latino and Smokey Farrier Tools - nail pullers Plastic storage totes Aluminum bleachers ($500) Brush hog - 3pt hitch driven Finish Mower for 3pt hitch 12' alwninum gates ($60) Shade and evergreen trees Five Arena Bloks ($26 ea.)

Small dump truck Stirrup leathers ($60) New Lidlocker helmets, size small ($55 ea.)

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Feed bags ($15 ea.)

Saddle pads- green square roma style ($22 ea.)

Tools - loppers, brooms, manure forks Manure buckets ($18 ea .)

Horse treats, apples and/or carrots Stretchy gloves ($3 ea.)

Flex Free or similar supplement for five horses ($68) Leather therapy conditioner for tack cleaning

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No Foot, No Horse - Williams, Deacon Fundamentals of Free Lunging- Mackenz School Exercises for Flatwork and Jumping Horsemanship Manual - Bennett Compass Pony Guides Series Snaffles - Henderson Allen Photographic Guides - Saddle Fit, Clipping, Long Reining, Older Horse When Your Child Has a Disability - edited by Batshaw Relaxation: A comprehensive manualfor Adults, Child, and Children with Special Needs - Cautela & Croden Progress Without Punishment: Effective Approaches for Learners with Behavior Problems The Child with Special Needs - Greenspant and Weiders Social Stories - Future Horizons, Inc. Dancing with Horses - Hempfling

• • Videos: • Dr. Deb Bennett's Secret of Conformation Video • Join Up with Monty Roberts • Last One Picked ...First One Picked On - LD and Social Skills • When the Chips are Down ... Strategies for Improving Children's Behavior • Look What You've Done! ... LD and Self-Esteem Projects in Need of a Sponsor: • Arena watering system

SADNEWS Our equine friend, . April, passedaway recently. She bad Cushings Disease, which affects the pituitary gland When

she came to us she was covered in long, ropy hair. Her shaggy appearance and beautiful face quickly earned her the name of the "Unicom Horse," and she is best remembered for the shaved "tattoos" that the barn crew put on her rump. April passed away from complications brought on by a brain tumor and the Cushings. We will remember her with love and respect.

April (Photo credit

l<ristm Elliott !..em)

It is with a profound sense of loss that we report the disappearance of our much loved barn cat, Cappy. In his own cattish way, CaW}'personified what Hlgh Hopes is all about acceptance, support, and love. We miss him more than we can say.

RIDERADVENTURE In September, rider Dennis O'Brien visited Arizona's High Country to celebrate his brother's wedding. While there, he madegood use of the equestrian skills he' s honed at High Hopes by going on a trail ride through Tonto National Forest near Kohl's Ranch of Payson. Asked what he thought of the experience, he said, "I had fun riding Edgar my horse, and I really liked our girl wrangler Chris."

CtlppYtolcrtSasiestdwidrPooh (Photo credit: l<ristm Elliott !..em)

It breaks our hearts to tell you that our beloved Apple Jack passed away in the early hours of October 24 from complications due to colic. AJ came to High Hopes in the early 90s and quickly made himself an indispensable part of the therapeutic team. Countless young children started on the

road to therapeutic riding aboard his sturdy back, bolstered by his tender and unending patience. Riders, volunteers and staff loved and admired this stoic pony, and High Hopes just won't be the same without him. We'll miss you, AJ.

where he became an instant favorite with staff and riders alike .

His coat is as soft as silk, and he has a loving personality.

C4kb (Photo Credit: KristinElliottLeas)

AppleJadc (Photo Credit: Kristin Elliott Leas)

SPOnJGHT ON . ..

CALEB& PERIWINl<lE 1bis time, you get two for the price of one!

"Proud Periwinkle" is a 12.1 hand fleabitten grey Welsh gelding. He had a prior career as a show pony, but has retired due to some health issues. "Peri" has become the darling of many volunteers and riders, with bis sweet face , "toy' ' build, and endearing disposition.

A WARMHUG FROM THEPAST (In going through stuff preparatory to moving into our new digs, I came across a card stuck between some envelopes. The card is unsigned, but the following poem was handwritten in it. Jfyou know the author, or recognize your own work, please let us know.)

High Hopes I cast my eyes up towards the sky And ask my dear God,why , oh why, Have I been so blessed?

What can I do to share with the rest?

He answered, "My child, your work here has just begun.

Our work is never done. " He sent me down a windy, country road, The tapestry before me which he had finely sewn.

There stood High Hopes, in all its glory.

I knew this was the next chapter in my story.

Their arms were open wide As they welcomed me inside .

Ptniwinl<k

I knew nothing of this place, And an instant smile appeared on my face.

I knew I had come home , a place I longed to be .

I felt the joy and happiness of all around me.

(Photo credit: Kristin Elliot Leas)

Caleb is a 13 year old, 16 hand grey Thoroughbred gelding.

His career as a race horse was extremely short-lived because he didn 't want to leave the starting box! He then became a hunter , but that career ended prematurely due to soundness issues. Caleb HA TED retirement, so he came to High Hopes ,

Yes , indeed, their hopes were set high, For they alone would help the children fly .

Thank you, my dear God,for bringing me here.

There are fewer things in life I hold as dear!

MORE TREASURES It 's amazing the things one unearths while packing . discovered the following tucked into a folder. No idea who wrote it or for what occasion, but considering recent developments in the United States (and at High Hopes), I thought you 'd enjoy reading it:

Volunteers are like horses. No matter where they are, they arouse curiosity. ~o are they? Where do they come .from?

Why are they here? They could stay where it's safe and still Justify their being, but they choose to travel throughout the rough country and take chances. They have style. They 're fiercely independent. If you have to ask how much they cost, you can 't afford them. Volunteers and horses have a lot more in common these days. They 're both a luxury in a world that has become very practical. Vo/ur,teersare the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation 's compassion, unselfishness, caring, patience, need, and ju st plain loving one another. Our volunteers mean everything to us! We appreciate what they do ... for without them, we can do nothing.

VOLUNTEERALERn High Hopes is feeling the volunteer pinch and it' s pretty uncomfortable . We work in partnership with our volunteers to make sure that all of our classes and barn duties are covered, and that need is becoming increasingly difficult to fill.

People say, "How can that be? You have 300 volunteers!"

Well, that's true . But many of those volunteers are involved only with our special events . Some help in the office . Many have unexpected things come up that interfere with their volunteering on a regular basis.

Antho ny Dupont, Karen Florin, Charlie Frey, Channing Gauruder, John Gardner, Joanna Grater, Karen Guarnaccia, Noreen Halibore k, Maureen Hanink, Beverly Harding, Melissa Hennesse y, Ines Hom, Cindy Hwang , Heidi Marchand, Lisa Marchand, Nicole Marchand, Nicole McNeese , Terry McNeese , Jessica Monroy , Kirn Pishvanov , Jennifer Plecs, Patricia Rochester , Michele Russo, Yani Shapiro, Pat Silva, Laurinda Soares, Kimberly Swan, Elena Tarbox , Mary Truman, Timothy Tyler, and Jeannine Unghire

VOLUNTEER PRORlE . .â&#x20AC;˘ JOHNSTURGES John made the "mistake" of walking into our office a little over three years ago . Pauline Knoll was the volunteer coordinator back then, and when John quite innocently said, "I've driven past several times and decided to stop in and see what you do here," her eyes began to gleam. John volunteered in his first class that very afternoon and he 's been with us ever since .

The sheer number of hours that John contributes to our cause is overwhelming . He 's usuall y here 4-5 days a week, 6-8 hours (or more ) a day ! In his relatively short time with us, John has contributed FOUR THOUSAND AND NINETYTWO volunteer hours. (And those are only the ones he's kept record oft) A jack of all trades , John can be found sidewalking, weed wacking , unloading hay, clearing trails, and anything else that gets put in his path . For the past two years , he 's worked with our Special Events Committee to ensure that our events run perfectly.

Always smiling, John has made himself a favorite with everyone at High Hopes. In particular , Ben hastaken a liking to John and can often be found "supervising" him on the job .

In order to keep things ticking along, we truly need more volunteers. We have a need in program for people interested in horse handling and sidewalking. .Our barn crew needs help grooming, feeding, cleaning stalls, and maintaining the fields and buildings .

If you ' re already a volunteer - TilANK. YOU! If you can manage to squeeze in a little ~xtra time for us, TilANK. YOU TWICE! If you know of someone who would be interested in working with us, bring them in! We 'd love to meet them .

And if you 're someone who's reading this for the first time , and have never been here, please call for a tour. We 'd love to show you what we're all about and have you becom e part of our family. Any help you can give is GREATL Y appreciated .

Thank you again .

WELCOMENEW VOLUNTEERS! Please j oin us in welcoming these new membe rs of the High Hopes volunteer family: Laurie Alexander , Christine Allison , Callie Andrews-Rankin.

Kerrie -Ann Bienas , Eniko Brown , Nicole Brown, Diane Chapman, Barbara Crane, Bill DiRoberts , Carolyn Duncan,

JohnSturges and &n (Photo credit

Kristin Elliottleas)

THANKYOUSARE DUE TO . ..

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Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services who did outdoor maintenance and planted perennials: Jan Briscoe, Sarah Briscoe, Lindsey Bowman, Michael Brown, Melanie Cirillo, Erin Furano, Yanar Guo, Khouri Papasian, Jill Portugal, Ryan Slobin, Dennis Tupper, and Peter Wilson.

Gabrielle Hoffman for tack and equipment.

Betz Hartz for rubber riding boots and jeans britches.

Petra Shearer for hoof nippers.

Bill Nelligan for a ton of ice pops.

The group from St. John the Evangelist in Uncasville , who painted rocks for the Bunny Trail and did trail work in ATROCIOUS heat: Marc Cournoyer, Barbara Joslin, Kristin Joslin, Scott Joslin, Jen Krautmann, Michael Krautmann, Melissa Lambert, ·sheryl Lambert, Sarah Perkins, Lisa Venanzio, and Christen Walenczyk.

Rocco Ferraro at Sennheiser Electronic Corp. for three sets of 500A h~ones.

The gang from AIC who helped with hay delivery: Michael Richard Capone, Jason Esculera , Andrew Ingersheimer, Ian MacDonald, Joe Mediavilla , Wayne Norton, Robert Pike, Brian Streeter, and their fearless leader, Ken Ahnell.

Mrs. Pasture for a bucket of horse treats.

Betsy Hunnewell for six pair of breeches and a noseband Cooperman Fife andDrum for shavings.

James McGinty for the use of his pasture.

Judy Lightfoot for the children's book "The Keeper of Ugly Sounds."

John Kashanski for event and building photographs.

Susan Strait for Engage.

Carolyn Guptill at Foxledge for five helmets.

Kelley Cahill at C Design for the graphic design of our Instructor Training Course advertisement.

Haoy Slifer for construction photos and carrots.

The WONDERFUL groups from Lewis Tree, CL&P, and Northeast Utilities who adopted High Hopes for the United Way Day of Caring. Thanks to: Alexis Ang, Donna Barber-Dunn, KarenBecker, Perci Biederka, Gary • Borla, Kenneth Botzek, Dennis Brown, Jr., Richard Buchetto, Miles Cogswell, Joshua Collins, Irene DeBernardo, Susan Sohn Ganci, Walter Hackett, Jr., Margaret Hamilton, Ellen Hunt, Nathan Johnson, Jr., Frank LaPonte, Hank Paar, Saverio Salmoiraghi, Todd Tuomi, and Debra Whalen.

More AIC folks who helped us move back into our facility: William T. Harris, Ian MacDonald, Kendra Smith, and Peter Wethly.

Melissa Everett for a toaster oven for the new staff kitchen area.

Ed Everett for two tanks of gasoline for the truck Jeff and Holly Ridgway for the decorative whiskey barrels.

Mr. Ellis for the pumpkin and gourd decorations for the Annual Meeting.

Niantic Lumber for the planks used for seating at the Annual Meeting.

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Susan Senning for hand-painting a High Hopes stool given to Roger Smith for his three years as our Board President.

John Sturges for the use of a pair of hunt prints that now beautify the Executive Director's office .

Cheryl Kelly Heffernan and Mom Kelly for sewing our new tablecloths.

Mom Stalsburg (better known as Gracie) for helping to clean our new spaces on Wednesdays.

Bob and Pauline Knoll for painting our display case and information rack located in the program area .

Sally Aubrey for having our poster-sized STRIDES cover (and other items) framed for our new building.

THEMERCANnLEIS OPEN. .. . . . and ready to serve you! We have a lot of wonderful merchandise : • Short-sleeved polos in grey. tan and green - $35 • Sleeveless polos in grey and white - $25 • l/4-zip sweatshirts in green - $35 • Adult t-shirts in purple ($12) , green and tan ($15) • Children ' s t-shirts in purple ($10) , green and tan ($12) • Crewneck sweatshirts - $30 • Children's sweatshirts - $20 • Baseball style caps - $15 • Logo Pins - $2 • Sets of six note cards designed by our riders.

(These are goregous!)

Call for availability of sizes or, better yet, stop on down for an "up close and personal" look. We'd love to see you!

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage PAID Old Lyme, CT 06371

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

HIGH HOPES'S NEW BUILDING IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! PLEASE COME VISIT OUR NEW FACILITY/ There are so many beautiful changes to see! We can't wait to share them with you! ,