2003 (Summer/Fall) Newsletter

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High Hopes HAPPENINGS Summer /Fall 2003 Volume 1, Issue 2

Inside this Issue Departments 2 Executive Director 's Message 3 ProgramDirector'sNews 4 Volunteer News 7 BamNews

9 Training and Education News 11 Calendar of Events &

SuzyBoggusandMark O'Connell

PhotoCredit: HeleneFenger

Special Notices

Suzy Bogguss Concert Benefits High Hopes

15 Development News

By Helene Fenger, Director of Dcvclopmcnl

Features 5

Volunteer Horse Show Results

10 ITC, What It Means To Me

13 High Hopes 18th Annual Horse Show Results

14 Journeying Towards Friendship 19 FDNY Ladder 7 Weekend This Newsletter is undenvrillen by

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High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. 36 Town Woods Road P.O. Box 254 Old Lyme, CT 06371-0254 Phone: (860)434-1974 Fax: (860)434 -3723 Web: www.highhopestr.org

The weather cooperated perfectly on the evening of June 14th as we hosted our 2003 Benefit Event featuring award winning country singer, Suzy Bogguss. Kicking off her new Swing CD tour, Ms. Bogguss treated our audience of more than 450 guests to an energetic and polished program of country, folk and swing favorites. The event was co-sponsored by Sovereign Bank and Scranton Financia l Group , with dinner spon sored by Mohegan Sun Casino. Wine was generously provided by Charles and JoAnne Park of Banfi Vintners, and the evening included cocktails and hors d'oeuvres , a silent auction, a seated dinner and the concert. Cheryl Kelly Heffernan , Board VP for Development and the Chair of the benefit, combined her skills with a team of more than 100 volunteers and staff members who worked for months to make this event come to life. Generous support from

all those who attended, and from corporate sponsors, donors of services, tents, food and auction items combined to make the evening a success, raising much needed funds for High Hope s' therapeutic riding programs. We live in an extraordinary community and we thank you for helping make good things happen at High Hopes.*

Smokey at the 2003 Benefit Event rhoto Credit: Kristin Elliott Leas

โ ขAll donorsandsponsorswiJIbe listed in ourAnnualRepon.

HighHopes Happenings,Swnmcr/Fall2003 FOUNDER Mary K "Sis'' Gouhlt HIGH HOPES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2

Executive Director's Message

By Alison Zuck D,1rrcll Executive Dirccln1

OFFICERS President Jeffrey Ridgwa.1¡

meet the individual needs of our riders. It further illustrated to me that

Vice President

after nearly 30 years, our roots are not onl_y solid, they are timeless and truly v1s1onary.

John C. Evans

Vice President

for Development

Cheryl Kelly Heffernan

Treasurer Roger M. Smith Secretary Barbara Earle Ballard

DIRECTORS Sal(J' 1-f. Aubrey Jane A. Bolles Jane I. Davison Geraldine U, Foster Katharine H. GUdersleere Heather Leigh Harrison Charles C. Kingsley< Esq. Judith F ligh(foot A1ark O 'Co11nel/

A. Rivus Potts Kelvin N, Tyler Deborah A. Welles Dorinda Winkelman

HONORARY DIRECTORS Lyttleton B.P. Gould. Jr. Frank Ha111i/ton. ,/J'.

Grace f-lami/1011

Wayne 0. Southwick. AID

HIGH HOPES STAFF Alison Zack Darrell, Executfre Director Bnrbura Abrams, Instructor Lindsay Ager, Burn Assistant Linda A!mcid.1, Burn Stuff Pcrci Bicdcrku, Instructor Carol Brining, Administrative Assistant/ Barn Stuff Patti Coyle, Instructor John Driscoll, Caretaker Judie Driscoll, Development Assistant Jonnie Edwards, Instructor Helene Fenger. Director of Development Carol Gilchrist, lnstructor Kathryn S. Guernsey, Training & Education Coordim1tor/Instructor Carolyn Jagielski, Physical Therapist/ Instructor Kristin Elliott Leas, Burn Manager Bill Nelligan, Instructor Dawn Nelligan, Assistant Program Director Kristin Perna!. Volunteer Coordinator/ Instructor Heather Rice, Barn Staff Holly Ridgway, Instructor Petru B. Shearer, Business Manager Kitty Stalsburg, Program Director

t

Deceased

reflection to me about the power ofSis's original instincts in shaping the mission and work of High Hopes. While reading the letter about Sis, it clicked that our vision for future programs in our brand new strategic plan articulates this very thing - specializing our programs to

A!isn11 Znck DMrcll & Honey Phom Credit: Kristin El!inu Lc,1s

I feel as though we talk a lot about our past and our founders. We do, and we pay tribute to them each year in some special way because we are immensely proud ofall the people who have brought High Hopes along to where we arc today - a thriving organization with an enduring mission and values.

Never let it be said that we don't cherish our history and value our heritage with pride. On a daily basis, I'm impressed by the strength of our ties to our past, and to that one very special lady named "Sis" who started it all.

Back in the Spring, we celebrated Founders' Day in our usual fashion with a cocktai I party for all the former Board members of High Hopes at the home of Board member, Roger Smith and his wife Marcia. Unique to the event this year was that Carolyn Jagielski, High Hopes As we approach our 30 th Anniversary, Physical I've been Therapist/ indulging in the Instructor, and archives, and I Kristin Elliott "Never {et it be saia that recently came Leas, Barn across a letter we aon't cherish our Manager, about Sis to her history ana va{ue our s i 111 u I family after heritage with yriae." taneously she died, from presented the mother of very interestone of our first ing demonstrariders. I quote the mother in saying "As far as our son. tions. Using props and video footage, when Little league proved too they brought to life (in Roger and difficult and he could no longer ride Marcia's garage and living room, mind his bike, he was still able to ride a you) some of the amazing and creative horse. L.C. V.E.R.A. (original name aspects of their work.

before changed to High Hopes) grew right along with Patrick:, disabilities.

When he could no longer walk. we wheeled him up a specially made ramp to board his horse. And when he found it difficult to remain erect and balanced on a horse. Sis began researching the possibility of a horse drawn cart accessible by wheelchail: Of course by this time our reasons for seeking out L.C. VE.R.A. had been realized!"

This mother's

words are an uncanny

During the evening, I could not help but think of Sis while watching Carolyn and Kristin demonstrate the innovative ways in which we develop and adapt our programs to meet the special needs of our riders. Her spirit is a gracefi.11one, and it gives us all reward and joy to know that as we grow, we are continuing to perpetuate the very same vision that Sis set in motion nearly 30 years ago - to meet the special needs of our riders, one by one, with individual care and attention.

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

High I-lopesHappenings,Summcr/Fall2003

3 received your packet, please contact the office immediately to verify participation.

The schedule will be similar to that of Spring 2003 in that we offer classes on six days of the week. Our fall curriculum will have some new ideas and we will be exploring many new themes. So be prepared to expand your horizons!

Program Director's News

By Killy Sta!~burg Progr,ml Director

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! Please contact Kristin Perna!, Vol. Coordinator @ ext. 18 to sign up!

Instructor Training Course (ITC) Kiuy Stalsburg & Doc Photo Credit: Kri~tin Ell ion Leas

The summer season of activities at High Hopes is over! All of our six camp sessions were full with over 75 children participating. Dawn Nelligan, Assistant Program Director, put together another year of exciting activities coordinating amongst the staff to share their wide range of knowledge with our campers.

A huge THANK YOU to Petra Shearer and Dawn for working together to enable High Hopes to achieve a first time license from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health for our Summer Camp Program.

This took a great deal of administrative and organizational work to achieve.

We also conducted a six week summer program for our weekly participants.

Classes were offered five days of the week. There were 85 participants in the summer program that braved the weather to keep up their riding. We welcomed over 15 new riders to our program this summer as well. It is wonderful to meet so many new folks and to be able to share the joy of horses with them!

A six week intensive NARHA Instructor Training Course is being conducted from August 20, 2003 through October 2, 2003.

We welcome participants from around the world including candidates from Israel, Germany and Turkey. Host family housing is provided through the generosity of Janie Davison. Please be sure to say "hello" to our newest instructor candidates who will be wearing their ITC Blue T shirts. Their eagerness to share their knowledge and experience with our participants, volunteers and staff helps to keep the training process dynamic and rewarding for all of us. Please feel free to speak with our staff if you have any questions or observations that you would like to share during this training process.

Safe Clothing What to Wear When you are getting ready for your riding lesson, here are a few things to remember specific to the clothes that you wear when riding and when working around the horses.

HEADGEAR

Fall Classes The Fall semester of classes began on September 3, 2003. Scheduling information and renewal forms have been sent to all riders. If you have not

An ASTM-SEI approved helmet is required. These are located in our lounge for use by all participants. If you are planning to purchase your own, be sure that it fits correctly. Please ask

any instructor for help in fitting helmets.

Used helmets are not recommended as you may not be aware of the history of the helmet (previous impact, etc.)

FOOTWEAR When riding in a saddle, the best protective footwear is that designed for riding, such as a paddock boot. High Hopes has a limited amount of these that can be borrowed.

A traditional workboot or a hard soled shoe with a heel will also offer protection when working around horses. !fa rider is not using a saddle, sneakers may be permitted, especially if needed for orthodies, etc. or when doing vaulting.

SANDALS ARE NEVER PERMITTED IN THE BARN AREA OR AROUND HORSES - KEEP YOUR TOES SAFE

BY PROTECTING THEM WITH PROPER FOOTWEAR!

LEGS Breeches provide protection for the legs and prevent the chafing that can occur with long pants when they "ride up". A legging type of pant can also work.

Nylon, sport pants are not recommended, as they can be very slippery. Shorts, while seemingly appealing can be very uncomfortable and may result in chafing of the bare skin against the horse or saddle.

OTHER Jewelry that dangles should be removed for safety prior to riding. Loose hair should be tied back to prevent entanglement. Cell phones, beepers and wallets should be left behind prior to getting on the horse. Perfume and cologne can be offensive to the horse and other riders, and may attract unwanted insects.

We want your experience at High Hopes to be safe and rewarding. Proper attire when riding, volunteering or just watching from the barn is extremely important.

Please follow these precautions and enjoy your time spent around our wonderful horses!

29 Years of Cha11gi11gLives Through Therapeutic Ridi11g

4

High I-lopesHappenings,Summer/Fall2003

Week One Addison Sajjloti - HI-I Polo Shirt Ann Rice - HI-I T-Shirt Jeff Ridgway - HH Cap

Volunteer News

By Kristin Perna!

Volunteer Coordinator

Week Two Jackie Kangley - HH Polo Shirt Jen Wells - HI-I T-Shirt Greg Jarrabeck - HH Cap Week Three Sharon Tracy - HH Polo Shirt Koko Gildersleeve - HI-I T-Shirt Linda Bierrie - HH Cap Kristin Perna! & Frisco Photo Credit: Kristin Elliott Leas

Volunteer Appreciation The staff at High Hopes extends a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to ALL volunteers who help make each year successful in all aspects of our program. This year we distributed Koozies (insulated lunch packs) as a volunteer gift of appreciation. lfyou have been an active volunteer and have not yet received your Koozie, please call or stop by and see Kristin Perna!, Volunteer Coordinator@ ext. 18.

April, 2003 was Volunteer Appreciation month and all of our volunteers' names were secretly added to a weekly drawing. The results and prizes won during the weekly drawings are as follows:

Week Four Jennifer Zysk - HH Polo Shirt Maureen Hanink - HH T-Shirt Roger Smith - HH Cap

Congratulations and thanks to each and every one of our volunteers for all you do!

Volunteer Needs Are you looking for a way to have fun and make a difference? If you have never volunteered with us before, check out the Calendar of Events on Page 11 for upcoming General Volunteer Orientations. If you are a returning volunteer, please look for the sign-up sheets posted on the Volunteer Bulletin Board (or contact Kristin Perna! @ ext. 18).

Following are some of the volunteer opportunites we offer:

Fall Program Classes for Fall Program started Wednesday, September 3, 2003 and run for 12 weeks, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Come join us in Program as a Sidewalker or Horse Leader!

Barn Help in the Barn is ALWAYS needed!

Come sun, rain or snow, our wonderful therapy horses must be taken care of.

Barn volunteers are asked to brave the elements and assist in the care and feeding of our horses and in keeping our barn and paddocks looking spectacular. It is a physical job, but extremely rewarding and you get a good work-out too! We need additional help Monday through Sunday, morning and afternoon shifts available.

FUN FACT In FiscalYear2002, !he High Hopes volunteersaveraged52 hours a day for a total of over 19,000volunteer hours.

WOW and Thank You!

r----------------------------------------7 TOALLVOLUNTEERS- Pleaseusethis cut-outsheetto updateinfonnationfor ma-records.Eithermail back in to High Hopesor drop offat yom convenience. If you prefer to call to update your information, you may leave a message with Kristin Pemal @ ext. 18 or e-mail to kpemal@highhopestr.org.Your response is greatly appreciated - Thank You! TelephoneNo.

Name(s)

MailingAddress-Street, P.O.Box#

State

City

Zip

E-mailAddress

L ________________________________________

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

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HighHopesHappenings,Summcr/Fall 2003

5 Front Desk

General Maintenance

Class - Barn Buddy Showmanship

High Hopes is in need of additional receptionists to help at our front desk. You will make new friends meeting and greeting our riders, volunteers and visitors as well as answering telephone calls.

Computer skills are a plus, but not necessary!

Do you like to garden, do light cleaning, organize? Are you handy with a paintbrush, hammers or screwdivers?

Maybe you have a little time to spare and would like to help us out with some general maintenance projects. If you are interested, please call Judie Driscoll @x 19.

PL.

RIDER NAME

1" 2""

Caitlin Courtney w/ Jasmine Robin Fields w/ Peanut Joanne Kraska w/ Kansas

3,¡<l 4 th

5th

6"'

Katherine Fields w/ Lady Danielle Chaffee w/ Doc Whitney Viola w/ Dandy

Class - Trail Course PL. 1"

2"' 3'' 4th

Substitutes Needed Are you wishing that you could join us for Program classes, but can't commit to a regular schedule? Become a substitute! Substitutes give us the available time(s) that she/he would be able to fill in for volunteer absences when needed.

Some of our regular volunteers are also substitutes! If you are interested in becoming a substitute, please call Kristin Perna! @ ext. I 8.

5'"

VolunteerHorse Show Results

2"" 3,¡d

RIDER NAME Juanita Paris w/ Geri Caitlin Courtney w/ Jasmine Danielle Chaffee w/ Doc

4 th

Dina Fusco w/ Cimmy

Class - Equitati.onWalk/Trot/Canter I" 2nd

Jrd

4'"

The 2"' Annual Volunteer Horse Show was held at High Hopes on Wednesday, August 13, 2003. Twenty participants came to show off their riding skills and have fun in game classes. Friends, family, fellow volunteers and High Hopes staff members were on hand to cheer on the riders.

Ribbons were given for First through Sixth Place Winners.

First Place Winners also received a beautiful piece of silver dishware. Results of class placement were as follows:

RIDER NAME Evan Award w/ Jasmine Gay Kepple w/ Pappa Erica Anhalt w/ Filly

5th

Whitney Viola w/ Ben and Laura Manley w/ Apache Amanda Stazick w/ Nifty

6'"

Caitlin Courtney w/ Doc

DanicHcChaffee :md Doc Photo Credit: Kim Swan

Do you have a special skill or talent that you would like to share with us? Are you a whiz on the computer? Do you have graphic design and/or website design skills, or Pagemaker experience?

Do you golf? Have you ever played in a benefit tournament? We are looking for golf tournament assistants and participants. If you can help, we need you!

Please call Helene Fenger@ ext. 22 to talk about the creative projects we are working on.

John Covello w/ Imus Ethan Rohrberg w/ Cimmy Dina Fusco w/ Doc

Class - Equitation Walk/Trot PL. 1"

PL.

Special Skills/Talents

RIDER NAME Jeff BaiTett w/ Imus Juanita Paris w/ Geri

Class - Command Walk/Trot PL.

I" 2"' 3''

RIDER NAME Kacey Buckley w/ Geri Whitney Viola w/ Ben Dina Fusco w/ Cimmy

Class - Ball and Spoon PL. pt

2"' 3''

4'" 5th

RIDER NAME Erica Anhalt w/ Filly Laura Manley w/ Apache Dina Fusco w/ Cimmy Jeffry Barrett w/ Latino John Covello w/ Imus

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happenings,Sumrner/Fall2003

Class - Clover Leaf Demo RIDER NAME Amanda Stazick w/ Nifty

6 Volunteer Coordinator, Kristin Perna!, providing their time, talents and ideas to make the High Hopes Volunteer experience the best it can be.

Class -Sit A Buck PL. pt 2nd 3rd

4th

5111 6th

RIDER NAME Amanda Stazick w/ Nifty Deb Lawton w/ Cimmy Juanita Paris w/ Geri Jeffrey Barrett w/ Imus Caitlin Courtney w/ Latino Gay Kepple w/ Pappa

The staff at High Hopes wishes to congratulate our volunteer riders. It was a fun evening and we hope you enjoyed yourselves. We would also like to thank all of our volunteers for their dedication of time, energy and skills to our organization. Your enthusiasm makes a world of difference!

The High Hopes Committee on Volunteers

Committee on Volunteers Volunteer Coordinator Kristin Mason Perna/

Members of the Committee welcomed our riders, volunteers and families the first week of Fall classes and were available to answer questions and give tours of our wonderful facility. Refreshments were also available and committee members handed out infonnation on how to contact them when they are not at High Hopes.

If you have ideas or suggestions for the Committee on Volunteers, please do not hesitate to share them. Contact a committee member or call Kristin Perna! @ ext. 18. We look forward to hearing from you and can't wait to welcome you back to High Hopes.

And ..... thank you committee members for all you do.

Co-Chairs Koko Gildersleeve Pauline Knoll Members Suzie Birks Jane Bolles Julie Czyzewski Penny Nelson Mark O'Connell Cathy Petrillo Jonathan Recor Ann Rice Laureen Scranton Tia Smith Sharon Tracy Dorinda Winkelman

By Judie Dri,coll Development As,isl;1111

Y

a[uafi[e is the work you ao.

0

utstanding is how you a[ways come through.

L

oya[, sincere ana Ju[[ of gooa cheer, ntiring in your efforts throughout the year. otafi[e are the contributions you make.

1.1.

N

T Commitlt>con Volunteer,; - Bad; row lcfl 10 right: Julie Czyicw,ki. Calh) l'clrillo, Pc1111y Ndsnn. Mnum:11I hu1ink(fonncrcommittcc mcmkr). Fmnt rnw ldl to right: Pauline Knoll. Krbtin M.c'ionPcnmland Koko Gildcr,;k>cvc

The High Hopes Committee on Volunteers is a group of 15 individuals dedicated to helping High Hopes meet the needs of our volunteers and riders.

Co-Chairs Koko Gildersleeve and Pauline Knoll work closely with committee members and High Hopes'

'E 'E R 5

rustworthy in every yroject you take. ager to reach your every goal ffective in the way you fu(fi[[ your ro[e. eaay with a smi[e [ike a shining star, yecia[ ana wonaerfu[-that's what you are.

-unknown

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happenings,Summcr/Fall2003

7 Cody

Barn News

Victoria & William Winterer

fly Kristin Elliolt Leas Barn Manager

Smokey

Kristin Karabees Rochelle Lee & Family

Richard & Johanne Mangi

Domino

The Adopt A Horse program is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of High Hopes horses.

Donations to the Adopt A Horse program help pay for our hay, grain, veterinary expenses and overall care.

We love our adoptive parents and want to say thank you for helping High Hopes take such good care of us. If you would like more information about the Adopt A Horse program, please call my friend, Helene Fenger, Director ofDevelopment @ ext. 22.

Filly Grace & Frank Hamilton, Jr.

Frisco Geraldine U. Foster

Geranita David & Jean Sargent

Adopt-A-Horse News By lkknc

Mr & Mrs. Henri M David, J1'.

Doc

Holly & Jeffi¡ey Ridgway Laurie Seagull & Family

Kristin Elliot! Leas & Chelsc~ Photo Credit: Helene Fenger

Rocky

Fenger, Dircc10r of Dcvelopmcnl & Rocky

Honey Cynthia R. Palmer

As honorary Chairhorse for the Adopt A Horse program, I am pleased to announce the names of my lucky herd mates who have been "adopted" by some very special friends:

Imus Susan K. Childs Susan & William Strait

Jasmine Terrance & Bette Lamme

Kansas Betz Haartz

Lady Bob & Penny Nelson

Latino Joan Mulkey

Neko & Wilder (our barn kitties) Petra B. Shearer

Peanut John & Joan Hamrick

Rocky

Photo Credit: Kristin Elliott Lens

Petra

Apache Dr. & Mrs. Steven Goldblatt

Cimrny The Ballard Family

Eleanor L. Bonafonte

Poncho Kelsey Fournier & Family M1'. & Mrs. John Greene

A Day in the Life of the High Hopes Barn Staff

By Helene Fenger Director of Dc,¡clopmcnt

The sun has barely made its presence known as fingers flip through the pages of the barn message book, and eyes scan the turn-out schedule on the dry write board. Keys jingle as the tack room door is opened and the day's lesson schedule is reviewed. Next comes the walk outside, down the paddock runway to get the horses for the first lessons of the day. A quick stop at the gate to piek up halters, then out to the paddocks labeled White, Blue and Purple. The steady clip clop of hooves starts the morning off right as one by one horses with names like Honey, Kansas, Nifty and Lady are led to the barn and tucked into their stalls. Nickers begin to fill the air in anticipation ofhay, grain and water.

A persistent meow chimes in with the equine sounds- Neko the barn cat wants breakfast, too. (It's 8:00 am, and the todo list is still a mile long.) Outside the back door of the grain room the pickup truck stands ready to go, loaded with

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

8

High Hopes Happenings,Summer/Fall2003

haybales that were neatly stacked earlier in the day. A quick glance at a grooming bucket filled with supplies registers something missing. Fly spray! Dash to the tack room, grab a bottle and pop it in the truck. Feedbags, also prepared in advance, are lined up on the tailgate - one more quick look at the feeding chart to review who receives medi ca ti on and it's time to go. Jump into the truck and drive down the paddock runway, stopping in front of each gate to toss flakes of hay to eager mouths. At the last paddock, feedbags are gently placed on each horse, then re- Hcathn Rice, Barn Staff !'ho10 Credit: Kristin Elliott

Does that sound like a full morning to you? Well, there's more! The arena is dragged before classes, fences are examined and repaired, paddocks and sheds are cleaned, trails are maintained and upgraded, horses are longed and schooled, medications are reviewed and adjusted, new horses are evaluated and trained-the list is enormous and, like laundry, it is endless.

We think our barn staff is awesome, and we hope you will join us in recognizing them for their dedication and hard work at High Hopes. They are:

We Have New Footing!

By Judie Driscoll Development As5i5tant

If you haven't been by in awhile, then you are in for a surprise when you see our indoor arena. Kristin Elliott Leas, Barn Manager, and the Program and Barn staff tested and researched many different products over the past year and finally decided on a product called Surefoot. Surefoot is made from I 00% recycled tires and is used as footing in equestrian facilities as well as playgrounds. Surefoot will not crumble, disintegrate or decompose and is non-toxic.

In order to get the arena ready for the new footing, we had to strip the old fibar down to a solid base. The base then had to be fine-graded and compacted. Washed sand was then finegraded and harrowed. Finally the Surefoot was delivered and tilled into the sand.

Lc;i;

moved when every morsel is finished. One by one, hooves are pieked ( 100 feet in all!!!), bodies checked, coats groomed, fly spray applied. (It is 9:30 a.m. and the feeding is done, but there are so many chores still waiting ... )

Kristin Elliott Leas - Barn Manager Lindsay Ager - Barn Assistant Linda Almeida - Barn Staff Carol Brining - Barn Staff Heather Rice - Barn Staff

Our new footing is much more shock absorbent, has cut down on the dust and dirt considerably and requires much less maintenance. It is easily cleaned from precious hooves and our horses, riders and volunteers seem to really enjoy it.

and Back to the barn - stalls need cleaning, aisles need sweeping, pads need washing, water bnckets need scrubbing.

Nifty has a scrape that needs to be treated, and Rocky needs to be hand walked. Oh, and six stalls need more shavings. The manure spreader is full from the morning's stall cleaning, and oops, a bucket of manure spills onto the ground. Rake it up, pitch it back into the spreader. Yikes. It is noon and time to fill the feedbags to be ready for the afternoon barn staff. A HUGE cobweb near the mounting block catches your eye as you look out of the grain room door into the barn aisle - grab a dust mop, snag it, and finish loading feedbags.

(It's 12:30 pm - just made it!)

John M. Sturges, Jr. full time volunteer as well as many more dedicated and much appreciated barn volunteers.

Thank you all for a job well done each and eve!)' day.

We would like to thank Neiberlund Excavating, D&D Trucking, Anidi Concrete, Inc. and Rubberecycle (manufacturer ofSurefoot) for their help with and contributions to this project. The process was quick and smooth because of the professionalism and hard work of these companies. We would also like to say a huge Thank You to The Homeland Foundation for a grant to underwrite this major project. We couldn't have done this without you.

We are very proud of the way our indoor arena looks and feels and we can't wait to share it with everyone.

Hope you had a great summer and welcome back to High Hopes!

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

HighHopesHappenings,Summer/Fall2003

9

TRAINING AND EDUCATION NEWS

By Katie Gucrn,cy Training and Educntion Coordinator

What It Means To Me".

Also featured in this section is a glimpse into the development of our vocational education program. As always, feel free to call or stop by for additional information on our programs!

Vocational Education at High Hopes

Kntic Guernsey & Ben Photo Crcdi1: Kristin Elliot! Lea\

Having recently graduated our biggest class ever of Instructor Candidates, we are already back in the swing with another full class that began on August 20th! As seen in previous sessions, the homelands of these students span the globe, this time from as far away as Israel, Turkey, and Germany, and as close as New York and our very own Connecticut. Each candidate joins us with unique experiences and interests to

High Hopes therapy horse, Imus, has been helping with our Vocational Education Program since it's initiation in July 2003.

The following is an excerpt from our recent interview, in which he describes a typical session with one of his students (translated from Horse to English):

bringing me back to my stall she cleans any mess I have made and checks to see that I have plenty of fresh water and hay".

When Shannon began at High Hopes she knew little about horses. Now she is able to groom, clean and set out tack for classes, clean stalls and lead horses with a higher level of independence. She has gained knowledge of equine anatomy and is now learning how to measure and record a horse's vital signs. The

"When Shannon enters the barn she usually SIWJlllOI\ & !mus rearrangesthe orderof !'how Credit: Katie Guernsey her advisor's instrucwelcoming and professional atmosphere tions, so that instead of going directly to at High Hopes provides her with a get my grooming bucket, she first comes continually positive recreational to my stall to sneak me a few apples experience, and as in any avenue of (courtesy of her school's cafeteria). equine activity, there is solace in the Feeding me apples human-animal relationship (Imus seems to improve her interjects here with a nod). The workfocus, because then she based learning opportunities that goes immediately for my Shannon has had at High Hopes will brushes. She is learning prepare her for further education and to lead and attach me to employment. cross-ties independently, but for now still There are currently seven students needs some assistance enrolled in the Vocational Education (in case I pull one of my Program, and it is growing steadily. We 'I'd rather be out eating are looking for volunteers who are grass moves' as I am Jed interested in receiving training that will into the aisle). After a qualify them to teach and supervise August, 2003 !TC Class from left to right: Catherine, Blair, Melissa, Jeanne, Liz. Adi mid Jennifer thorough grooming she vocational participants in a variety of Photo Credit: Kristin Elliott Lea, might work on her equine related activities. For information leading skills, or perhaps review my on voluneering in this capacity, or for an build on as they learn to become anatomy with her advisor. She has application to participate as a student in therapeutic riding instructors. To give a learned to be gentle with me, and speak the program, please contact Katie @ behind the scenes look at what this softly, as I am very tempermental and ext. I 5 process is like for students, Jeri frighten quite easily during grooming McEntire Class of '03 offers her because it puts me half to sleep. Before perspective in an article titled "ITC,

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

High HopesHappenings,Summcr/Fall2003

ITC, What It Means To Me

By Jeri McEntirc

Many times in the last few months, as I was wearing my navy blue baseball cap bearing the letters ITC on the front, I was asked the question, "What does ITC stand for?" Technically it stands for Instructor Training Course, but let me give you a few more thoughts.

Many ofus had not seen the inside of a classroom for more years than we would like to admit, so the thought of taking notes and recalling lectures first required the recollection of study skills long since buried under layers of dust.

Inquisitive Thought Convergence.

Lectures on movement analysis, anatomy,physiology,kinesiology,human growth and development, as well as various disabilities were frequently interspersed with side discussions and anecdotes, bringing into clarity many of the questions we all came to class bearing. Lectures on subjects like:

----------Instructively Taken Criticism. The practicum portion of our course began and we had the opportunity to teach some classes under the watchful supervision of our mentors. The evaluations of our teaching invariably was constructive and in the spirit of improving our skills, safety awareness, presence and overall quality of teaching.

Intrepid Testing Candidates. The morning of our test came with the announcement, "If you don't yet feel ready to take the test, don't take it now."

Most of us boldly chose to stay and take the test.

Individually Threaded Cloth. The ITC class this January was a coming together of individuals from many varied backgrounds, ages, aspirations and locations.

Each participant in the The ITC experience has course was like a been one of many mixed uniquely colored emotions for all of us. thread coming toSpeaking for myself, gether to weave a however, it has been one cloth unlike any containing many rewards; woven before, nor to the acquisition of new be repeated in the friends, gaining of new classes to come. Two knowledge, opportunitiesfor times each year, a new self-evaluation and selfgroup of people pass improvement, and the through the process of January ¡03 ITC Class. top row from lc!l lo right: Kurcn. Brian. Cini. Stcplmnic;11mc,Erin. Joline. Gaby nnd Brenda Back row from lcli to right: Laure. Jeri. Diane. Kathryn, Anne and Cindy confidence to take my career patient molding by the Photo Credit: Kri,tin Elliou Leas into a new direction. I offer staff, at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center to come out speech and language impainnents, tack my thanks to you, High Hopes. at the end of the course as qualified, and special equipment, mounting and confident, safe and productive dismounting, the therapy horse, facility Therapeutic Riding Instructors. and risk management, administration, volunteer coordinating, teaching Initially Tense Classroom. The first techniques and sensory integrationwere For more nerve-wracking moment for many of made interestingand thought provoking. infornmtion about High us came swiftly when we were asked Not all of the time spent on these Hopes Ins1mctorTraining to stand and introduce ourselves, giving subjects was in the nice warm a brief personal history and some insight classroom. We enjoyed putting into Course offerings, as to why we were taking the course. I practice many of the skills we were please contact personally have done a bit of public lean1ingas we ventured out into the cold Katie Guernsey @ speaking, but that didn't make it any arena. Role playing, the practicing of ext. 15 easier to come up with something that mounting techniques, and positional made any kind of sense on the spot. (I changes while mounted are but a few am told the ability to speak in public is things the horses were kind enough to an important quality in an instructor) put up with.

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

10

11,,_ .............................................. __,,

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

General Volunteer Orientations Wed., September 17th@ 5:00 p.m.

Thurs., October 16th@5:30 p.m.

Tues., November 11th@ 9:30 a.m.

Wed., December 17th@ 5:30 p.m.

Learn about High Hopes, take a tour and get some hands-on experience with our four legged equine friends. Appropriate clothing and footwear are required.

HighHopesHappenings.Summcr/Fall2003

Watch for upcoming Volunteer Advancement Training& Education Opportunities

Christmas Holiday Lord Creek Farm Hunter Pace

Office Closed December 25-26, 2003

September 2 7, 2003

Winter Program Begins

Save the Date High Hopes Annual Meeting October 26th I :00-3:00 p.m.

To register for any oftl1e above Volunteer Orientations, please call Kristin Perna! @x 18

tors and is open to 35 participants. The one day Certification process is open to a maximum of 12 candidates only. No auditors are allowed and prerequisites must be met. Registration deadline is November 18, 2003. Please contact Katie Guernsey @ ext. 15 for more information or to request a registration form.

January 5, 2004 To register for our six week winter program, please see the sign-up sheet in the rider lounge area this fall.

SPECIAL NOTICES Congratulations to Steve and Amara Alpert Cohn on the arrival of their twins Rebecca and Jacob.

NARHA National Conference Phoenix, Arizona November 17- 23, 2003

Barn Volunteer Orientations

Thanksgiving Holiday

Barn Volunteer orientation dates will be announced at General Volunteer Orientations scheduled above and will also be posted on our bulletin board which is located in the hallway near the entrance to the barn.

Office Closed November 27-28, 2003

During a Barn Orientation you will learn about the care and maintenance of our horses, their equipment, the barn, the stalls and our pastures. Appropriate clothing and footwear required. Please note you must attend a General Volun0 teer Orientation prior to attending a Barn Orientation.

December I 0, 11 & 12, 2003

NARHA Registered Instructor Workshop and On-Site Certification Program

Congratulations to our own Katie Guernsey for achieving her Advanced Instructor Certification.

The On-Site Workshop and Certification Program is a two day educational workshop followed by a one day Certification process. The two day workshop is designed to improve the instructional skills of Registered Level Instruc-

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

12

HighHopes Happenings,Summer/Fall2003

Lost and Found Are you missing an article of clothing, sunglasses, reading glasses, a backpack?

We have several items in our lost and found that are looking for their rightful owners. Give us a call at (860)4341974 or stop by to see if they belong to you.

Staff Profiles

Patti Coyle

By Paui Coyk lnstrncH>r

Perci Biederka

By Dawn Ndligm1 Assiswnl Progrnm Director

!'atli & Cod) Photo Credit: Kristin EllioH Lcus

Friendly Reminders With Fall Program beginning, High Hopes will be buzzing with activities and people. Please remember to drive slowly when entering our drivewav.

Our riders, volunteers, and barn cats thank you.

High Hopes has program running six days a week from morning to evening.

Please be considerate of the riders, volunteers and families who may be using our facility after you. We do not have a regular cleaning service during the day, so we need your help keeping our facility looking neat and tidy. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!

Pcrci & Lacie Pho10 Credit: Andy Bicdcrka

Have you met Perci Biederka? Perci can be found working hard (as she always does!) during Saturday program as well as coming in during the week to help out with Rocky. If you know Perci, it comes as no surprise that she began her career in nursing. She possesses one of those expansive spirits that always greets you with a smile and a soft, "what can I do for you today?" Perci came to High Hopes to pursue her quest of blending her love for horses and her interest in working with individuals with disabilities by participating in the the Instructor Training Course. Perci is now a NARHA Registered [nstructor and is currently working towards an Advanced level. Having ridden for over 40 years, she brings a wealth of horse experience to High Hopes. The loving mother of an Arabian mare named Lacie, a Quarter horse gelding named Bean, two dogs, three cats, assorted geese, ducks and cattle (as well as a husband and three sons!), Perci brings a great deal of compassion and perception, sharing her many gifts with our riders and their families.

Patti Coyle lives in Fairfield, Connecticut. She discovered Equine Assisted Activities through an old friend and first started as a volunteer at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center in Connecticut.

Following retirement from a banking career, she enrolled in the High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center [nstructor Training Course and is now a NARHA Advanced Instructor working both at High Hopes and at Pegasus. She is a NARHA On-Site Certification Lead Evaluator, a Site Visitor, and is currently the Connecticut State Co-Chair and Treasurer of the New England Special Activities Resources. Patti is looking forward to increasing the quality and extent of communication among centers throughout the Region and will use this networking to promote the benefits of Equine Assisted Activities and NARHA membership in her role as Region 1 Representative. As Region 1 Rep., Patti can be contacted via e-mail at: cpcent@quixnet.net and via phone at: (203)372-2737.

Stay tuned for more Profiles and please say hello to Perci and Patti the next time you are at High Hopes!

29 Years of Chanf(inf( Lives Throuf(h Therapeutic Riding

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--.......

High Hopes 18th Annual Horse Show is a Rousing Success

By Killy Slalsburg Program Director

2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

High HopesHappenings,Summcr/Fall2003

Ben Abraham Jamie Bleneowe Seott Stoddard Elizabeth McCullam Melissa Carney

Class - Command B PLACE I st 2nd 3rd

4th 5th

Vince Agostinc and Akxa Photo Credit: Ch,rc "forclli

While High Hopes hosts many noteworthy events throughout the year, the Annual Horse Show is truly the pinnacle, an opportunity for riders to display their skills and leave the arena with a well deserved ribbon and a round of applause.

More than that, it's a chance for every rider, volunteer, their families and friends, and the High Hopes staff to come together in one place for a morning of competition and fun.

RIDER NAME Lara McGowan Susan Marcus Brendan McGirr Evan Brookman Jordan Thompson

4th 5th 6th

Jake Kirschner Matt Sarti Craig Livermore

Class - Obstacle Course C PLACE 1st I st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

RIDER NAME Alexa Agostine Joan Shukis Josh Greenvall Todd Buroff Julie Chamrad Emma Fanelli Taylor Saunders

Class - Equitation A

Class - Obstacle Course D

PLACE Ist 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

PLACE I st I st 2nd

RIDER NAME Elizabeth White Emily Graniero Joey Becker Linda Roberts Casey Snyder

Class - Equitation B PLACE !st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 5th

RIDER NAME Lisa Boyd Sara Saldivar Kelly King Lindsey Bolles Ethan Rohberg Anya Mummert

3rd

4th 5th 6th 6th

RIDER NAME Hannah Consiglio Seth Rohberg Denis O'Brian Andrew Keefe JTPicazio Shelley Kalinowski Michael Crane Luis Gomes

Class - Dressage PLACE I st 2nd 3rd 4th

RIDER NAME KerryAnn Christianson Sylvia Lachapelle Therese Popinchalk Rochelle Lee

Class - Bending Poles This year's show was no exception.

Expectations were high in the weeks preceding the event, as riders honed their skills to perfection. The day began with a staff drill ride composed of the majority of our staff and horses working together to ereate a spectacular demonstration. The Annual High Hopes Horse Show results are as follows:

Class - Pairs PLACE 1st I st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd

RIDER NAME Escott Smith Zach Walzer Danielle Ciccotti Kate Nichols Marshall Wilbur Ken Marvel

Class - Command A PLACE I st 2nd

RIDER NAME Nathaniel Clark Patrick Kubiak

PLACE 1st 2nd 2nd 3rd

3rd

RIDER NAME Christian Vidal Nicole Walstra Kevin Whipple Nathan Avery Eilis Brake

Class-Obstacle Course A PLACE I st I st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

RIDER NAME Molly Silliphant Mason Keene Guy Frechette Scott Knee Sam Clark Jonathon Gobbrogge

Class - Obstacle Course B PLACE 1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

RIDER NAME Kelsey Fournier Laurie Seagull Dawn Pizzoferrato Trevor McGhie

Other events included children's arts and crafts, a bake sale, clothing sale, face painting and a raffle to benefit the Jordan Siborg Scholarship Fund. Food was prepared by the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions.

Many thanks to Co-Chairs, Stephanie Knoll and Carol Gilchrist. Judges for the day were Kathy Heller of Clinton and Dee Doolittle of Salem - thank you both. And a job well done by our wonderful announcers, Jeff Ridgway and Chris Coyle with extra kudos to Chris for an outstandingjob on our sound system once again.

Special thanks to our guest ribbon presenters: Lyttleton B.P. Gould, Jr., Barbara Earle Ballard, Geraldine U. Foster and Susan Childs.

Co11gratulatio11sto all of our riders!

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

14

High Hopes Happenings,Summcr/Fall2003

JourneyingTowards Friendship HyKimSmu1

and therefore lack these critical social foundations? How much does "social deprivation" affect our children's sense of self-worth and belonging?

A Rider Parent

Kim Sw,u1

Photo Credit: l ldcnc Fenger

Friendship, and having friends, is a vital part ofbeing human. Many of our fondest childhood memories are of times spent in the company of good friends.

Friendship comes in various forms and styles, and has many different meanings.

Our friendships are precious to us, whether they are many or few. And while experts have understood the value of friendship for typically developing children, only recently have educators and researchers begun to explore the benefits and meaning of friendship for children with disabilities.

How then do we, as parents and educators, help our children develop social skills that will allow them to have meaningful friendships? Research on friendship among typical children and adults is highly conclusive in its findings that friendships play a critical role in how we view ourselves and define our sense of belonging in society. What then, becomes of the children who learn differently- experience the world differently-

her disability limits her involvement in sports, a world where many of her peers are active. Nevertheless, she has made tremendous progress. She has gained confidence (which I almost missed because I was looking for a more specific end-goal) and she is stepping out into the world more - willing to take some risks.

I don't have any "carved-in-stone" solutions. However, I can share what has been helpful in working with my daughter. We have worked diligently creating role play situations and training her to see what, by nature, she cannot. We For her, High Hopes has provided the have actively pursued help from every learning ground. Her first critical friendimaginable arena (from therapists to ships were formed during her weekly teenage girls) to spend time with her, so riding classes. From these, she has dethat she could iearn and practice social veloped a social confidence, which skills. We have been highly intentional glows within her when she is among her about inviting "typical" peers for play High Hopes peers. For the first time, dates, often talking with their parents she is exercising some of this new-found first to enlist their support. Many of confidence outside of the High Hopes these social times are deliberately struc- arena- attending the YMCA youth night tured so I can give gentle cues to help on Friday evenings, performing in a town-wide talent show (with the supmy daughter grow. port and guidance of one of her brothers), and participating 111 her school Drama Club's spring production.

When I look at her I see a young girl who is happy most of the time now.

Helene Fenger

In addition, we have recently put a high priority on exploring extra-curricular activities she inquires about, occasionally joining her to offer support or quietly observe the interactions so that we can talk about the experience later. Still, she's rarely invited to play at a peer's house or to attend a birthday party, and

Still, she gets lonely at times and we have more than our share of days with tears and frustration.

As parents, we need to get creative and very individual in order to help our children develop social skills. There is no "golden rule" or guide book to help us, but there is much we can do to encourage the joys of friendship in the lives of our children.

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

15 ................,......,......____

_

HighHopesHappenings,Summer/Fall2003

Nancy stopped in to give us the gift, she explained how much thought went into the selection process. It was an honor to have been chosen by her family as a cause worthy of their support, and it proved to us once again that the world has many wonderful people in it who want to make a difference. Thank you, Nancy, Brendan and Jason for helping us help others.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

By I !cknc Fenger Dircelor orl)~,.¡clopmc111

In honor of our horses ...

We are grateful to the following foundations, corporations and individuals for their major financial support of special projects or scholarships over the past few months: Nancy Brundage A gift toward the Howard Brundage Scholarship Fund

! lclcnc & CilnMTO!l Photo Credit: Kristin Elliot! Lea,

The Spirit of Giving ...

The Chester W. Kitchings Foundation A scholarship grant for New London Schools

High Hopes is privileged to have many friends who help us with generous gifts oftime, talent and financial support. Here are a few stories of giving that have touched our hearts.

Elil<1bcth "Tiger" Whi1c

Elizabeth "Tiger" White is a woman with a big hemt and lots ofenergy who owns Tiger's Den, a restaurant located near the Coast Guard Academy in New London. Tiger is a generous spirit, always looking for ways to help people - but she likes it to be a surprise. One day Tiger called to tell us that she had raised funds for High Hopes with the help of her restaurant customers and The Cusak Family: Brendon. Nuncy i!!l\lJ,1son some local cadets. She also said she had taken things a step further and Nancy Cusak and her sons, Brendan and purchased a plaque listing all of the Jason, were looking for a way to do horses who have worked at High Hopes something meaningful during the over the years. What a wonderful Christmas holidays. So, a few years ago surprise it was to receive a generous they began selecting special causes to check and the beautiful plaque, along support rather than exchanging a lot of with a framed photo collage ofTiger and gifts. Instead, they each receive one her friends. We offer our special thanks very special gift and pool the rest of their to Tiger, cadet first class Kashup Patel, money for a cause they care about. One cadet second class Jen Leong, and cadet year they sponsored a local family, and¡ fourth class Mark St. Pierre of the last year they chose to make a USCGA. In addition, a very special contribution to High Hopes. When thanks goes to Marie Cavenaugh of

Instead of presents ...

Emblem and Badge in New London, for her hard work and generosity in making our horse plaque. We invite you all to view the plaque when you come to High Hopes - it is on display in the hallway that leads to the barn, which of course, is where you will find our horses at world

Schering Plough Foundation An unrestricted scholarship grant Rosemary, Nancy and Daniel Cain and Erin Cain Zanardi A generous contribution to the George C. Cain Memorial Fund at High Hopes via a benefit golf tournament.

Citigroup Foundation An unrestricted scholarship grant The Homeland Foundation A grant to underwrite the replacement of our arena footing The Heffernan Family A gift in support of our computer network and database upgrade project American Quarter Horse Association A grant to help with horse care Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation A grant toward LEARN and Cohanzie School scholarships

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

16

HighHopesHappenings, Summer/Fall 2003

Rosemary Cain A contribution in memory of her son, George C. Cain, FDNY Ladder 7 Firefighter May 13, 1966- September 11, 2001

Major Gifts In-kind Anonymous A donation of Pagemaker software and a User Guide Barbara Ballard A donation to cover the cost of our ITC vests Gary F. Borla A gift of many hours of time and creative writing that resulted in resumes for each of our therapy horses, to help our riders and volunteers know more about them.

Another donation of considerable time and effort contacting newspapers and rallying volunteers to represent High Hopes at the Ox Ridge Horse Show Cooperman Fife & Drum and All Waste, Inc. Donations of shavings and delivery services

Chris Coyle A gift of many hours of love and labor that resulted in a beautiful weathervane, as well as custom cabinets and storage units for our tack room and classroom Patti & Chris Coyle Cookies, cat food, coffee, juice and facility supplies to last us for months!

Ted Crosby A gift of time and effort, gravel, delivery and grading for our driveway

Farnam A donation of a truckload of horse care products and barn supplies Carolyn Jagielski, Christie Jagielski, Charlie Biederka, Chris Coyle, John Sturges, and James Gilchrist A gift of countless hours of finding, cutting, and moving heavy tree trunks to be made into totem poles as well as the design and carving of each piece. We also need to thank Paola Punsoda, Nuria and Pilar Celorio (our summer volunteers from Spain) and our Summer Campers for the great job they did painting the totem pole.

We are most grateful to each and everv one of our in-kind donors, but due to limited space, we are not able to list all of you here. Please be assured that we will list you in our annual report, coming out this fall. And thank you for keeping High Hopes in your thoughts throughout the year.

Annual Appeal Update

Photos and more news on this subject to come .....

Susan S. McAlpine A donation of an antique brass and crystal clock, fine art and misc. items for our horse show raffle Robert & Sandy Mulligan A donation of a computer, monitor and keyboard Mark O'Connell A donation of a computer, monitor and keyboard Pfizer, Inc. A donation of I 000 pounds of Strongid C Quality Insulation A donation of gutters and installation work for our port cochere RubberRecycle, Inc., Aiudi Concrete and D&D Trncking Donations of materials and delivery services for our arena footing project Harry & Toni Slifer A donation of a Visioneer One Touch scanner

Therese l'opinchalk& Frisco PhotoCredit:KristinE!lioltLcit'i

Our message this year was all about the High Hopes Family, and the Circle of Support that surrounds us. Because of your generous contributions to the appeal, our horses and riders can continue to work together, creating partnerships of hope, freedom and joy.

Thank you all for understanding the value of the Annual Appeal and its important role in the daily life of High Hopes. This year, our Board of Directors demonstrated their leadership and commitment to supporting our appeal in a very special way - they met and exceeded a $25,000 challenge that enabled us to reach our operating goal. 100% ofour Board members participated in making this happen. Hats off to them, and to you for this thoughtful, much needed support.

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

17................. ..._ ................................

High Hopes is on TV!

HighHopes Happenings,Summcr/Fall2003

contest winners.

The show aired several times in May, but we did not know the schedule until the last minute, so we could not share it with you. We have several copies of the video here at High Hopes if you are interestedin viewing

SBC/SNET Employees' Community Services Fund Participants Visit High Hopes

it the next time you stop in.

Congratulations to Cody amt thank you for taking such good care of our riders over the ye"rs!

Matching Gift Opportunities Cod; Photo Credit: Kristin lilliolt Lc3~

As many of you know, our very own Cody placed second in last fall's AQHA/ MD Barns Silver Spur Award contest honoring the special qualities of the American Quarter Horse.

Linda Almeida and I went out to Oklahoma City to receive the award - a $5,000 gift certificate for a beautiful MD Barns shed that will go out in our paddocks to shelter our horses. Along with Cody's winnings, High Hopes received a great deal of positive publicity, including a feature story on the America's Horse program aired on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) on cable television. A small crew came to High Hopes in April to film us for a day, and the result was a wonderful story about all of the top three

Does your company match contributions to charities? Many of them do (Pfizer, Inc and Aetna are two examples), and all it takes is a few minutes of your time to fill out a form. You can obtain it from the human resources department or the person in charge of community relations at the company. Check it out ... you can increase the impact of your gift in two minutes flat!

And ... some companies make contributions to the charity of your choice based on your volunteer hours.

Once again, just check with the human resources department to see if your company has a program like that, and ask for the appropriate form. Your time could be even more valuable than you think (and I hope you KNOW it is priceless to us!)

SBCISNETCSF Group Photo Credit: lldrnc Fenger

On a warm, breezy July afternoon a group of dedicated SBC/SNET employees from the New Haven and New London regions made their second annual visit to High Hopes to see our programs in action. These two groups are representatives of the SBC/ SNET Employees' Community Services Fund, and are responsible for making decisions about how their charitable gifts will be allocated each year. They conduct onsite visits of various nonprofit organizations to get a clear picture of the work they are supporting.

With pizzas in hand, New Haven employee Dave Duffy an-ivedat our classroom door, introducingus to his friends and co-workers as they took their seats to have lunch and learn about High Hopes. Riders Pat Bums

r----------------------------------------~ Would you like to make a contribution to High Hopes?

Its easy! Please clip out this reply coupon and choose Ji-om any of the options below:

D

I would like to Adopt A Horse of High Hopes' choosing for one year. Enclosed is my check for $500.00

D

Enclosed is my check in the amount of $____

D

Enclosed is my check in the amount of$ ____

to be used for ____________

_

to be used where you need it most.

DcvNcwsSumF,11103

L----------------------------------------J 29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

18

High Hopes Happenings,Summcr/Fall2003

and Kelsey Rose Swan, Kelsey's mother, Kim Swan along with volunteer Tia Smith presented heartwarming and sometimes hilarious accounts of their experiences at High Hopes. Questions were asked by several members of the CSF group, and they were answered with honesty and humor, giving them a deeper sense of what High Hopes is all about. A tour of our facility followed the presentation and the group then gathered to make their donation decision. We will be notified in the next few months regarding the amount of their gift. That visitdid more to build relationships between our two organizations than phone calls and letters ever could. We take our hats off to the SBC/SNET CSF group for taking the time to get to know the charities they support, and we thank them for their contributions to High Hopes.

Technology and Community Service - A Perfect Match at High Hopes

By Muk L11r~cnand fkkne FcnJ!er

Dina Fusco, a senior account manager at Hall Kinion, is a welcome addition to the High Hopes family of program volunteers.

Dina assists our riders dilling their lessons, working as a side walker and horse leader.

company is known for building strong relationships among its customers based on core values that are embraced and lived by each day: Honesty, Respect, Open Communication, Listening,Leaming, High Performance, Customer Service, Leadership, Life, and Community.

When Dina approached her manager, Mark Larsen, for some time during work hours to participate in this program, it was a no-brainer for him and Hall Kinion. By giving back to the community, a more balanced employee results. Hall Kinion is a firm believer that by giving the community I 00%, you will get back 120%. As Dina says succinctly, "I receive so much more than I give in doing this. It is really a wonderful experience.

You all do such a magnificent job and I have had so much fun!"

We are grateful to Hall Kinion for making it possible for their employees to participate in volunteer activities that enrich their lives and help our riders.

Judie Driswll, Dcvclopmc11t Assbtant and J-lc!cncFenger, Director of Dcvclopnicol Photo Cr~dit: Kristin l'~mal

Newsletter Input Do you have a special event or notice that you would like to share with us?

Do you have ideas or articles for our newsletter? We would love to hear from you! Please contact Judie Driscoll @ ext. 19

We're Taking a Poll In the future .......

A) Would you like to be able to downThe Connecticut office of Hall Kinion load the newsletter from our website? is located in Trumbull, Connecticut. To learn more about the company, please B) Would you be interested in receiving visittheirwebsite@ www.hallkinion.com. the newsletter via e-mail?

Does your company offer the same kind of program? Check with the Human Resources Department to see if something like this is available to you. It's a great way to find time to voluntea

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi,

Hall Kinion & Associates is a technology custom staffing company that differs greatly from others in their field. The

News From the Editors

"tlie best way to find yourseJJ is to Cose yourself in tlie service of others."

If either of these options is appealing to you, please let us know by calling Helene Fenger @ ext. 22

MailingInformation Please check the mailing name and address on the back of this newsletter and notify us of any changes by calling Judie @ ext. I 9, or you can e-mail me at judriscoll@highhopestr.org

Thank you and happy reading!

29 Years of Chanf(inf( Lives Throuf(h Therapeutic Riding

19--------FDNY Ladder 7 Weekend

By Jkkne

Fenger

FDNY Ladder 7 Fircfigh!crs with R<>>emaryCain <lri"ing fop ten to right: Snt fake, Sieve, Gerry & Jeff Jl<1ll0111 Id\ to right: Don, Matty, Daddy Photo Credit: J kknc

Fc11gc1

High Hopes held its second annual "Day in the Country" Summer Camp in memory ofFDNY Ladder 7 fireman George C. Cain, who gave his life helping others in the World Trade Center on September 11, 200 I. George was the brother oflong time High Hopes volunteer Erin Cain Zanardi. Ladder 7 firemen and their families arrived on Saturday, July

12, from all over New York state to enjoy our peaceful surroundings and

share a relaxing day together. Activities included horseback riding, vaulting lessons, food, crafts, and a gathering after camp at the home of Erin and Brian Zanardi. Tshirts with the Summer Camp logo were given to each family member by the Cain family. Catering and decorating was generously donated by Josh Chalmers, and the event was funded by memorial donations to High Hopes from George's friends and family. Other donations were made by local merchants, including the !GA Food Market in Centerbrook.

HighHopesHappenings,Summer/Fa!l2003

will be extremely helpful to our barn staff. Painted on both doors and on the tailgate is a memorial logo: a fireman's hat with the number 7, and the phrase "In memory of George Cain, His light still shines" - and did it ever that day!

We extend a very special thanks to George's entire family - his mother, Rosemary, and his sisters Nancy and Erin and brother, Daniel, for their ef-

forts to give the families of Ladder 7 an annual retreat experience at High Hopes. And many, many thanks to all the volunteers and staff who worked hard to make the day memorable and fun for everyone.

A highlight of the day was the "unveiling" of George's reconditioned Toyota pickup trnck, another gift from George's family and the George Cain Memorial Fund at High Hopes. The truck was completely overhauled, with a new paint job and the addition ofa dump bed that

29 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

George C. Cain F!lNY L;uk!er 7

Non - Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Old Lyme, CT Per mit # I

High Hop es Therapeutic Riding , Inc. P.O. Box 254 Old Lyme, CT 06371

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