2004 (Spring) Newsletter

Spring 2004 Volume 1, Issue 3

Inside this bsue

High Hopes HAPPENINGS

Departments 2

Executive Director's Message

3

Program Director's News

4

VolunJeer News

6

BarnNews

7 8

Development News

¡9 WishList 10 Welcome New Board Members For Your Information

Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas

Calendar

Hats Off to John M. Sturges, Jr., NARHA Region 1 Volunteer of the YearI If you have questions or comments ab.out the information in our newsletter, please contact either Helene Fenger or Judie Driscolll1t 860-434-1974.

This Newslelter is underwritten by

High llopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. 36 Town Woods Road P.O. Box254 Old Lyme, CT 06371-0254

Phone : (860)434-1974 ¡ Fax: (860)434 -3723 .

Web: www.highhopestr.org .

Design 13y C.Lewis Design Printed By Franklin Impressions

by Kristin Mason Perna!

Jolm started volunteering at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding , Inc. in May 1998.

Over the last six years he has donated more than 6,000 hours of his time vo lunteering as our barn, pasture, fence and equipment maintenance man. He has also served as a barn and program vo lunt eer, as well as assisting with numerous duties at our benefit events and horse shows. He ass ists our organization Monday through Friday , from early morning until late afternoon, with tireless patience and dedication.

John has also been an integral part of our Community Service Volunteer Program , ass isting staff with the supervision and training of volunteers who are required to complete a certain number of cou1tordered community service hours.

In recognition of his demonstration of outstanding and exemplary volunteer

service to therapeutic horseback riding, John was presented the Region I Volunteer of the Year Award for 2003 by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).

John was presented with this award at the NARHA National Conference Awards Banquet in Phoenix, Ar izona on No v ember 22, 2003. Many High Hopes staff and fami ly membe rs were in attendance to cheer Joh n on when he was presented with this much deserved award in honor of his dedication to vo lunteerism at High Hopes.

On behalf of the staff , the horses and our paiticipan ts, we congratulate John on hjs achievements at High Hopes and extend our sincerest and deepest gratitude and appreciation for all that he has done for us. Thank you, John !

High Hopes Happ enings, Spring 2004

Executive Director's Message

By Alison Zack Darrell Executive Director

given annually over the years to honor an exemplary volunteer. What could be better than this for an organization whose very fabric is woven by the virtues of volunteerism?

and its value to our profession during the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation week and ALWAYS. Thank You, Volunteer s !!

The latest issue of Strides Magazine (the official publication for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) had these words captioned on the front cover - A Profession Defin ed

by Volunteerism - and what a posi tive and vital asset we have in the TherapeuA tearful Judy Lightfoot accepts the Sally H. Aubrey award tic Riding profession , to be defined by from Alison Zack Darre ll. Photo by Holly Ridgway Volunteerism. Volunteerism is giv ing in its finest capacity, it's giving of oneself, Annual Meeting Highlights and our field of therapeut ic riding has Alison Zack Darrell & Honey become quite sophisticated in our work Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas Back in the Fall, we held our29'h of fostering and developing meaningAnnualMeetingat High Hopes.

As we approach a time of the year that ful volunteer opportunities and relationHighlightsof this event included: ships that we've come to depend upon is nationally dedic ate d to Volunteer • Electionof ournew Officers Appreciation, I would like to tell you unequivocally for our livelihood. I for and Directors about a very special award we present one know that nothing can replac e the • Specialguest presentationby at High Hopes , because it's one of the volunteer resources that we need to carry MaryFischer, SpecialEducamost touching and heartfelt expresout our mission and day-to-day work. tion Teacher,NorwichFree From the watchs ions of Volunteer Academy Appreciation that I ful oversight of • ProgramDemonstrationfea"I'm rewarded each day in our Board mem know ... turingseveralof ourAnnual knowing that I can contribute bers to the helpful Award winners(who didn't to a profession that values The Sally H. Auhand s in the barn , know it at the time.. .) am/ nurtures the act of brey Award was and everything • Annual Award presentation volunteerism" estab lished in 1998 in between , the - and the Winnersare... magnitud e of this

by Stever Aubrey in honor of his wife, "g iving" of time Kate Nichols - Patrick Moreno Sally, for her dedication to High Hopes and effort that's bestowed upon us on Sportsmanship Award as a volunteer. It is pre sented annually a daily basis is extraordina1y and priceCara Finan - Paul Burkarth Rider to an individual who exemplifies the true less. First of all , it could nev er be paid of the Year spirit of High Hope s through commit- for - it's way too expensive! And secPenny Nelson - Program Volunteer ment , dedication and compassion. ondly , the value of giving for the sake of the Year of feeding and nurturing one's soul is Andrea Wing - Office Volunteer of Some time ago, Stever Aubrey (an spiritual - the return is spiritual rather the Year accomplished artist), created a bronze than monetary.

Juanita Paris - Barn Volunteer of sculptur e of a mare and foal that he the Year called "High Hopes" - natmally inspired Belonging to a profession defined by Geranita - Horse of the Year by his wife Sally' s involvement with this virtuosity doe s my soul good. I'm Judy Lightfoot - Sally H. Aubrey horse s and High Hopes. This sculph1re rewarded each day in knowing that I can Award traveled around in various exhibits and contribute to a profession that va lues John M. Sturges, Jr. - NARHA eventual ly graced the Aubreys ' hom e and nurtures the act of volunteerism - a Region I Volunteer of the Year until Stever decided to gift it to High profe ss ion that qualifie s the interdepenHopes as the symbol of his wife's true dence of the human desire to serve and TheAnnualmeetingendedwith a an organization 's need s to capture this spirit of volunteerism. positive energy to fulfill its miss ion. wonderfultributeto Jeff Ridgway.

It gets eve n better! Stever then went ouroutgoingBoardPresident,for on to cast a miniature bronze of "High In honor of the human desire to serve , his 9 yearsof serviceon our Board Hopes" and had ten of them made to be let us all celebrate this great virtue ..__o_f_D_ir_e_c_t_or_s_. _____ _ __ __J

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A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happenings, Spring 2004

Program Director's News

By Kitty Stalsburg Program Director

Kitty S1alsburg & Doc Photo By Kristin Elliott Leas

The spring semester of classes began on February 23, 2004 with 215 riders participating each week. Our spring curriculum is full of new educational offerings and creative ideas. There are nine candidates in the Instructor Training Course who are assisting the staff in ensuring that each lesson provides a safe , quality experience for each participant.

In November 2003 , many of the High Hopes staff were able to participate in the National NARHA Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The "Capture the Spirit" theme of this conference infused all of us with renewed ideas and energy to bring home. The wide range of educational topics offered in workshops and seminars ranged from Risk Management and Fund raising to Experiential Learning Curriculum and working with victims of trauma. The brand new resort, located on a native American reservation , created a spiritual ambiance that rejuvenated us all.

Many of the ideas - some picked up from conference workshops and others from networking with other professionals in the field - have found their way into our program as we continually strive to improve our service.

Please stop in to see the latest addition in the Therapy Room. The installment of a suspension beam was made possible through a grant from the Citicorp Foundation with the help of Mary Beth Wafer of Smith Barney. This addition now enables our Occupational Therapist, Janine Stoner, to provide movement and sensory stimuli to participants pre and/or post ride. Janine specializes in working with children who present a wide array of sensory dysfunction. A limited subject research project that was done as part of her thesis work , focused on sensory processing. As the number of participants with Pervasive Developmental Delay and Autism continues to grow, Janine is kept busy with consultation and direct service treatment. She works closely with other staff to ensure that each individuals' needs are being met and that the lesson is maximizing potential outcomes.

An active group of parents and care-

givers have begun to meet periodically to network. This informal gathering of parents , participants and staff has taken place three times in the past six months. The meeting is open to all interested parents and focuses on increasing communication and assisting the High Hopes staff with program ideas. These wonderful brainstorming sessions have already brought several new events to fruition. We had a "Movie Night" in January. Over 20 participants, parents and staff gathered in the classroom to watch Seabiscuit. In March, our first "Game Night " was a succes s offering games such as Monopoly, Uno , and other old favorite s, inviting socialization and fun for many. As the weather warms and the trails become more accessible , Joan Nichols (a mother and Forestry Specialist) has offered to host a nature walk in our trail system. The Parent Group meetings also allow parents to share resources with one another on a wide variety of topics such as Summer Camp , equipment , etc. Please keep your eye on the Rider Bulletin board for notices about future meetings.

Happy Birthda y High Hopes As High Hopes approaches its 30 th birthday we would like to put out the call to past and present volunteers and riders to join us for the Annual Horse Show! On Saturday , May 22 nd we will be celebrating High Hopes ' 30 th Birthday! This year's theme will highlight the "team" , paying tribute to the many incredib le horse, rider and volunteer teams that work together each day. We will feature them in-special classes, such as a costume class and a choreographed riding pattern. School participants and riders choosing to avoid the busy horse show will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements on their last class day. Horse Show co-Chairs Barbara Abrams and Caro l Gilchrist have been busy planning activities for months! Bring your smiles and your memories.

The day' s activities will include a cake cutting ceremony , horse show classes , a demonstration by the UCONN Vaulting Team , The Frequent Flye rs, High Hopes rider demonstrations, unmounted activities for children and adult s alik e and much, much more. We are looking fo1ward to this year 's Horse Show as a gathering of friends old and new to enjoy a fun filled day and an opportunity to reminisce.

' r.J. Demonstration Days: Plea s e m ark your calendars and join us during the last week of cla sses May 15-21 st • Help Needed at the Annual Horse Show: Volunteers are need ed to as sist with the many aspects of thi s event. If you are interested in helping with the various activitie s (bak e sale, raffl es, children's games) please contact Kitty at (860) 434- 1974 X 13.

A TNLditionof Ex cellence in Therapeutic Riding

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High Hope s Happ enings, Spring 2004

Volunteer News

A HUGE "Thank You" to all individuals and groups of volunteers who have assisted in ALL aspects of our organization . Your generosity and the selfless giving of your time means the world to us!

By Kristin Perna!

Volunteer Coordinator

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 21 st - April 27 th , 2004 This is a great time to thank our wonderful volunteers for all they do to support our organization. High Hopes staff will be giving our volunteers a special gift as a token of our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude during this volunteer recognition week.

Kristin Perna! & Frisco Photo By Kristin Elliott Leas

A very special "THANKS" to members of our Volunteer Committee. They set up our "We lcome Back Volunteers" goodies table and basket of note cards, as well as our "Thank You Volunteers" end of semester refreshments table. You are a phenomenal group of people and I appreciate all you do to make our Volunteer Program incredible!

Members of the Volunteer Committee are as follows: Co-Chairs Pauline Knoll & Koko Gildersleeve Members Suzie Birks Julie Czyzewski Penny Nelson Mark O' Connell Cathy Petrillo Jonathan Recor Ann Rice Carol Schwartz Laureen Scranton Tia Smith Sharon Tracy Dorinda Winkelman

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A NOTE TO NEW AND RETURNING VOLUNTEERS A BIG "Welcome To High Hopes " to new volunteers ! We are so happy to see all your new faces and wish to remind you to please let us know how your experience is going. Feel free to give feedback to the staff you are working with, including me, your Volunteer Coordinator or Volunteer Committee members. We want your volunteer experience to be the best that it can be and we are here to help you with this, whether it be for additional training needs/wants, giving /receiving constrnctive input, or other ways we may be of assistance.

A BIG "Welcome Back" to returning volunteers! We have had a number of volunteers who we hadn 't seen in some time (due to having families, moving away, lives taking other paths, etc.) reappear in our lives and we are SO HAPPY to see them again! You have all just taken to High Hopes like a duck to water and it is great having you here!

New and returning volunteers please see me if you have not yet received your High Hopes Volunteer T-Shirt!

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that we have spec ial programs that some of our Volunteers have been participating in? The Volunteers

who pa1iicipate in these programs are also regularly scheduled in for other volunteer duties (Office, Barn, Program , etc.) and dedicate additional time to one of these program s:

Schoolers Program: Schoolers are Intermediate / Advanced Level riders who work through a semes ter long Curriculum designed around the principles of dressage. Each of our horses has specific needs for training and exercise. The Schooler has knowledge of the needs of the horse or horses that they are working with and how to attain the goals for the horse. Schoolers work closely with staff to ensure the needs of our horses are met.

Exercisers Program: Th e Exercisers program is designed to benefit the horses by riding them in preparation for program activities. Exercisers are Intermediate Level riders with knowledge of basic horseman ship and are comfortable riding a variety of horses at the walk, trot and canter. Exercisers also have knowledge of the exercise needs of the horses and work closely with staff to ensure these needs are met.

Barn Buddy Program: The Barn Buddy program is designed to match a volunteer to a horse, which they can pamper and provide with TLC. Barn Buddies also have a semester long curriculum of jobs to assist with their hor se's grooming hygiene , tack cleaning, sta ll maintenance and mor e ! Barn Buddies have demonstrated the ability to work independently with horses in our herd , under the supervision of Barn Staff, and are comfor table with this responsibility.

Team Captain Program: Team Captains provide assistance to Instructors and mentoring for fellow volunteers during program activities. Team Captains participate in on-going training activities including but not limited to: Introduction to Basic Horsemanship, Horse-handling Skills , Side-walking Skills, Safety, Groundwork Exercises, Long-lining,

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happen ings, Spring 2004

Lunging, Trigger Point Myotherapy, Equine Massage and much more! Team Captains have spent time as coordinators and assistant coordinators for program classes and have knowledge and understanding of the class assignment sheets, tack used for our horses and the dynamics of the program activities scheduled for the day( s) and time( s) they volunteer.

Team Captains are also capab le of and willing to substitute in classes as horsehand lers OR side-walkers in the event of a last minute volunteer cancellation for a class. Team Captains work under the supervision of the Instructor.

a1Tivedin the US in September and settled in with her uncle in Noank. Soon after her arrival she came to High Hopes and began to assist us at the front desk.

Her ready smile and sparkling eyes brightened all our days - her immediate dedication as a volunteer for as many days a week as she could come meant a great deal. We can all still remember her detem1ination to park her own vehicle, assemble her wheel chair on her own, and roll up to the front door. Though they were round and rubb ery, Laetitia had legs and insisted they take her where she needed to go.

Some of you will recall our six-week Winter Semester " Dancing With Horses" Curricu lum where volunteers participated in a number of fun activities with our High Hopes horses. Well ..... . .. .IT'S BACK! Because of the intere st and involvement we had from volun teers during the Winter Semester we are continuing our "Dancing With Horses " Curricu lum for active volunteers. It is scheduled for the Summer Semester and includes lots of new activities and some of the old favorites. Dates /t imes to be announced. Watch the Volunteer Bulletin Board or call me, Kristin Perna! at 860-434-1974, Ext. 18, for more infonnation.

Laetitia had been a steeplechase jockey: "Steep lechase - A horse race across open country or over a course provided artificially with obstacles." She had an accident one day and emerged from it a paraplegic. Coming to High Hopes was part of her healing process - she wanted to learn what therapeutic riding is about, she wanted to ride again, and she wanted to see how much riding cou ld be part of her future . Laetitia came to High Hopes with no guarantee that she cou ld ride - she understood from the first that she would have to be able to stay on the horse on her own - no backriding assistance, no strapping, just her own body helping her do it with an appropriate saddle.

Kitty indicates that we helped her select equipment that could work for her back home. She tried western, dressage, and endurance saddles, and went home with a good idea of what she would need to continue to ride.

I had the privilege of spending a few hours with Laetitia at the end of her stay.

Going home would be bittersweet. She had decided to sell her horse to be fair Effiat, France to Old Lyme, to him. But she was excited! She could Connecticut still have an active lifestyle - her comby Peh¡a B. Shearer muting to High Hopes and her work with Email is always bringing great surprises us had proved that. Would she start a to High Hopes. A year ago, Kitty Stals- riding center, I asked? "Not now," she need something ve,y exburg received an email from Laetitia de indicated. citing, something that brings to me the Moroges of Effiat, France, explaining that she was a T4 parap legic and wanted thrill of the steeple chase. I like to move to come to High Hopes to volunteer and, fast! I think I will learn to fly and have a if possible , to ride. Laetitia and her dog small business transporting materials or 11 /

people about France. Some day I will probably think of teaching others . At this point in my life I still need to explore and test my limits.

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Nancy Lupienski and Lady Photo by Helene Fenger

A Very Special Citizen

by Helene Fenger Nancy Lupienski enjoys her job as Assistant Branch Manager at Citizens Bank in Waterford , but she also loves horses , the outdoors and helping others.

Fortunately, Nancy is able to combine her commitment to her career with her outside interests. How does she manage that? Citizens Bank offers their employees the opportunity to take a three-month paid sabbatical to work in the community- and Nancy chose High Hopes! So far, Nancy has been involved in all aspects of our therapeu tic riding program , from exercising ho rses to assisting riders during lessons. She has also been an enormous help to us in the barn , feeding and bringing our horses in from the paddocks. Nancy brings a positive attitude and a winning smile to everything she does.

A resident of Groton, Nancy has been riding for 20 years. She shares her home with five cats, three dogs, a llama, three horses and a mini. We are grateful to Citizens Bank for offering this innovative program to their emp loyees , and to Nancy for choosing High Hopes. To learn more about Citizens Bank and this program, visit their webs ite at www.citizensbank.com.

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

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High H opes Happenings, Spring 2004

Barn News

And Speaking of New Kids ...

By Kristin Elliott Leas Barn Manager

Welcome, Amy Gardner, our new Assistant Barn Manager! Having grown up in Guilford, Connecticut , Amy attended Ithaca College in New York and the University of Connecticut at Storrs.

She is now completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at Southern Connecticut State University. She and her husband, Robert, live in Branford with two cats. She also owns two horse s - a I 0-month old Percheron and a 20-year old Thoroughbred cross that she competes in Training Level Eventing.

Kristin Elliott Leas & Chelsea Photo by Helene Fenger

Welcome, Greco, a New Kid on the Block ...

Greco is a 17-year-old Oldenburg chestnut gelding with a star and four white socks. He is 16.1 hands tall, and before he came to High Hopes he had a very successful career in dressage. In 1999, he was ridden by Charlie Porter, an accomplished equestrian competitor from Florida, and the pair won the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Gold Medal on the Florida show circuit.

Several years ago he was a Dressage star in the Equine Affaire's Pfizer Fantasia, with Ann Guptill of Fox Ledge Farm riding.

Greco was donated to High Hopes by good friend and volunteer Karen Horn, an accomplished dressage rider . He is now retired from the show ring due to some stiffness in his hocks, but his kind personality and love of people would make it hard for him to just retire out to pasture. That is why High Hopes is a perfect fit for Greco. He is surrounded by attention and he is able to handle the work leve l required of him . He enjoys being a schoolmaster and teaching people the movements in dres sage - he hasn't forgotten a thing!

Come visit Greco the next time you are at High Hopes.

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The answers to these questions and more are available to you in the form of"bios" or "horse resumes" I'm compiling with the help of many of the staff and volunteers at High Hopes. This effort began early in 2003 when I was asked to substitute as a hors e handler w ith a horse I had not worked with before and knew little about. Because of that experience I decided it would be fun (and helpful) to learn about the horses I do not work with on a regular basis.

Using Poncho (my Barn Buddy) as the prototype, I developed a one page "bio'' of our horses that include s information such as height, weight, markings, history, likes, dislikes, personality, and includes a story or anecdote that exemplifies why this member of the High Hopes Herd is a special member of our therapeutic team.

The "bio" even includes a photo (much appreciation to Kristin Elliott Leas for her great photography) of the horse in order to be better able to comply with a request to " ... go out and get Doc and Filly from their paddocks."

Amy Gardner & Greco Photo by Kris tin Elliot Leas

Amy began riding and working at Guilford Riding School seve n years ago, where she taught lessons and camp from beginner to advanced levels. She was Assistant Coach of the Eventing C lub, and she manag ed the barn as well. In addition, she worked part time at Fox Ledge Farm for two years. As you can see, her background is a great fit for High Hopes, and we are ve ry happy to have her on our Staff.

So That's WhatASnip Looks Like!

by Gary F Borla Ever wonder what Apache did before he came to High Hopes? When is Cody's bi1ihday? Where was Geri born? Wbjch of our horses likes to "dunk and chew," but does not like to get his feet wet?

How much does Smokey weight? And who has a "s nip"?

Gary F. Borla & Ponch o Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas

It has been an interest ing and educational experience learning about a ll the wonderful horse s at High Hopes.

Sincere thanks goes to everyone who contributed. My plan is to keep these bios up to date and to add the new members of the herd as they join the program. Next time you are in the barn check out a stall door or two for one of these resume s ... you just might find out someth ing new!

(In case you were wo ndering ... a snip is a white mark on a hor se's muzzle , between the nostrils!)

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happen ings , Spring 20 04

Training and Education News

By Katie Guernsey Training and Education Coordinator

Katie Guerns ey & Ben Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas

Lots of big new s in Training and Education! We are currently working with nine Instructor Candidates who are in the practicum phase of our Instructor Training Course. This phase involv es assisting in lessons and eventually teaching under the mentorship of our instructors.

Please say hello to these talented and hardworking students as you see them around the barn in their blue "ITC" vests and hats preparing for lesso ns or working with hors es. Additionally, in mid-February we graduated three st udent s from our six-week intensive comse who eager ly joined the growing numb er of qualified instructor s beading out to contribute to the wonderful world of Therapeutic Riding!

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a more local crowd : our six-week course Okay, okay , enough about what those in Basic Horsemanship (a ser ies of 10 parents think ... how about hearing full-day workshops on topics suc h as it straight from the horse's mouth?

"Ana tomy of the Rider", "Therape utic When asked what they liked about the Riding Center Administration" and "The program, the unanim ous opinion among Therapy Horse"), a workshop in Animal the horses was that it was abo ut time Co mmunication conducted by Marcia more attent ion was paid to grooming Zais of Heart to Heart Communications, them , and that frequent check-ups by and a six-week cow¡se in Sign Language students learning to take vital signs and give n by Monica Soko lsky of Healing understand their anatomy and physiolHearts Through the Arts. Well, I think ogy were long over-due. In their minds, that covers it. .. many of these courses the next thing we shou ld do is include w ill be offered aga in in the future so equine massage in the curri culum with a please be in touch if you would lik e high number of practice hours required! more inform ation!

Needless to say, the horses enjoy this new dimension of work, espec ially those On the Vocational Education fron t, fol- few that have not been able to participate low ing several months of very hard work in our riding program on a regular basis by our videographer intern Tanner Swan, due to injury or size (we just don't have the High Hopes staff , participants and enough 30-lb . riders to keep Smokey volunteers, we have finished our infor- go ing everyday!) This feeling of enmational and promotiona l videotape of joyment is mutual- when asked what he the High Hopes Vocational Education liked about the program, one of the parProgram! It is available for viewing ticipants said that "it gives me something new to do. I get to become friendly with anytime at High Hopes. In creating thi s vid eo we gat hered lots of com- the horses and learn to do paperwork. ments from those working directly with My grandfather used to bet on horses so the program. One participant's mother it's always been in my famil y. "A ll this comm ented that "the big thing for him enthusiasm for the program is an honor, [her son] is self-confidence , and that and we are working bard to progress and working with horses is unique to him- enhan ce every aspect of it as we ga in nobody else in the family has ever done experience and generate new id eas. it. " It is indeed a distinctive opportunity. We are very pleased this semester to be There are a number of vocatio nal pro- worki ng with 14 vocationa l participants grams in our area, but none that combine ages 13-48. These participants have a hands-on work with horses as an integral wide var iety of interests, ranging from aspect of training and educati ng. An- equ ine medical care to learning how to other mother stressed the significance answer the phone and greet visitors. We to parents , of a safe , attentive and sup- are lookin g forwa rd to welcoming more portive environment when choos ing a new pa1ticipants into the program this place for their chi ld to spend time. She summer. remarked that:

In December we held a very success ful Registered leve l On-Site workshop and Certification with 21 candidates ( a record number!) Hats off to Kitty and Patti for their top-notch, non-st op teac h"High Hopes is like a second home." ing and evaluating during this inten se She also shared that when she sees her three-day event, of which we are hosting daughter "out in otherjob programs she two more this year! We also ran our just does meaningless work, like putting first ever AHA (American Hippotherapy salt and pepper out on cafeteria tables Association) approved Introduction to and folding clothes. The program at Hippotherapy Workshop in Fe bru ary. High Hopes is differ ent because she Attenda nc e reached its max imum , learns challenging and interesting drawing people from location s in the things, like taking a horses temperaUnited States and abroad, including ture ...I know she has to think to do that, Texas, Tennessee and Ireland. The fol- never mind have a lot of courage! " lowing comses and workshops attracted

Voca tional Educat ion Stud ent Matt Sart i, Vol untee r Coac h Shei la Siborg , and Pe tra Photo by Katie Guernsey

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

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High Hopes Happenings, Spring 2004

is su itable for our programs, we are grateful to each person who considers us wort hy of their horse 's company. To all of the wonderful horse owners who have donated their loya l companions to us and placed their trust in H igh Hopes

Development News

By Helene Fenger Director of Development

-THANK YOU. Editor :Snote: the type of horses we are looking for are quiet, can can y a beginner rider at the walk. trot and cam er and should be serviceably sound.

Annual Appeal

He lene & C imarron

Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas

The other night I received a phone call from a woman who , with a s light quiver in her voice , told me she wanted to donate her hor se to High Hopes. She explained that her little ge ldin g had been a wonderful show horse , but now he needed a less demanding career. I sat quietly and just listened because she seemed to need to tell his story - and her s. When she was finished, I assured her I wou ld give all the information to Kristin , our Barn Manager , so that the initial screen ing process could begin.

There was a sigh of relief on the other end of the phone - she had taken that first step.

This is a familiar story to all of us at High Hopes , but it touches our heart s each and eve1y time. It can take weeks or even months for an owner to gather up the courage to call us. For the woman who spoke to me that evening and admitted out loud that it was time to say "goodbye" to her beloved horse, it was a new story, and hers alone. It was a privilege to be the person who took that call.

High Hopes is a very spec ial place that people turn to when they want their horses to have a loving home and a va luab le job to do. While not every hor se

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This fall we sent out our 30 th Anniver sary calendar and Annual Appea l, and our friends and neighbors re sponded with incredible generosity. Hats off to our Board of Directors w ho once again raised the bar on our annual giving campaign by meeting and exceeding a $25,000 challenge! You are a shining example of what commitment and belief in our mission can do.

Save the Date for Symphony in the Meadows ... it's on a Friday this Year!

On Friday, June 11, 2004, High Hopes will present our tenth Symphony in the Meadows Benefit Concert featuring the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Hosted by Dorinda and Mark Winkelman on their beautiful riverfront estate, the evening will include cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, a box supper and the concert. This event raises approximately 20% of our annual operating budget, and we depend on your support.

For more information and to be sure you receive your invitation , please call Helene or Judie in the Development Office at 860-4341974. Thank you, and we hope to see you there!

For those of you who have not yet given to the Annual Appeal , there 's still time to make a difference! We have to raise $15,000 between now and the end of

June to meet our goal. Just so you know, Annual Appeal funds are not for "ex tras " or luxury items. Mon ey raised through the appeal is used for the essentials of daily life: hay, grain, shoes and medication for our horses, and keeping the lights on . I hope you will consider making a donation to our Spring Appeal when it comes in the mail. Thank you!

Salute to Our Adopt A Horse Parents As you know, horses are at the heart of our mission, but they do run up some ser ious grocery and medical bills! To help us care for our loyal herd, we started the Adopt A Horse program , g ivin g our horse -l oving friends an opportunity to make a very meaningful contribution toward a horse's well being. For a $500 annua l donation (or $ 125 quarterly), yo u can " adopt " a High Hopes horse. Whinnies and nickers of thanks to the following proud "parents" of High Hopes horses:

Apache: Patricia Goldblatt Doc: Kristin Karabees / Rochelle Lee & Family Cody: Marilyn J. Conklin/ Victoria & William Winterer Domino: Jeff & Holly Ridgway / Bonnie, Phil & Laurie Seagu ll Filly: Grace & Frank Ham ilton, Jr./ Margit Rigmor Heydenryk Geranita: Mr. & Mrs. John C. Evans / Jean & David Sargent Greco: Karen N. Horn Imus: Susan K. Chi lds Kansas: Walter E. Davis & Elizabeth Haart z Knight: Kristin M. Pema l Lady: Penny & Bob Nelson Neko & Wilder (Barn Cats): Petra B. Shearer Nifty: Curran Ea rle CarT Peanut: Kelsey Fourn ier & Family Petra: Eleanor Bonafonte Periwinkle: Shelby G. Scha voir Poncho: Bruce & Cris Barlow / Mr. & Mrs. John Greene Rocky: Mr. & Mrs. Henri M. David, Jr. Smokey: Johanne & Richard Mang i

A Tradition of Exc ellence in Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happenings, Spring 2004

W1sH11sr* We Always Have a Need For: • • •

•

•

• • • •

• • •

• • •

ment: Effective Approaches for Learners with Behavior Problems ($17.95)

Special Items:

Horse Treats, apples and carrots Paper Goods - plates, napkins , cups, paper towels , silverware.

Hot Choco late and Coffee Arts and Crafts Supplies - markers, poster board, glitter glue, yarn, brown paper grocery bags , sc issors, construction paper, etc.

Office Supp lies - large self sea ling mailing envelopes (8 ½ x 11, 9 x 12, and 8 x 10), white copy paper, White Out, glue sticks, Post-It notes, pens , duct tape , scissors , Compact Disks- Read/Write.

C leaning Supp lies - Windex , paper towels Film - Instant Polaroid and 35 mm Kodak 200 or 400 speed Saddle Pads - green square Roma sty le ($20.00) Tools - "Future" manure forks (ask Kristin Elliott Leas about these!) leaf rakes Supplements - Probios, Glucosamine and Chondro itin, Biotin Thrush Remedy - Thrush Buster ($9.50) Leather Cleaners/Conditioners - Leather Therapy 19, Effax Com bi ($10.50) Clippers, AS - Clipper Blades , AS Cowboy Magic Mane & Tail Detangler Fly Repellent - Wipe, Repel X

• • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Folding Card Table ($25.00) G iant Memory Box ($96.00) Large Gel Pads ($85.00) Webbers Stirrup Straps Farrier Tools - crease nail puller, rasp handle , knife sharpeners Therapeutic Magnets - Hock ($66.00), Shin ($75.00), Hoof ($43.00), Blanket ($200.00) Brandy Surcingle ($350.00) Stall Mates for Geri (6 needed, $35 .00 each) Aluminum Bleachers - ($500) Outside Hardwood Benches ($ 170.00 each) Compact Discs - fun stuff , kids ' music (12) Flat Screen Computer Monitors ($350.00 each) Brush Hog - 3pt hitch driven Finish Mower with 60" deck

• • • • •

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ResourceLibrary Needs Books: • •

• •

•

No Foot No Horse - Williams , Deacon (PC) ($39.50) Allen Photographic Guides Saddle Fit, C lippin g, Long Reining, Older Horse ($10.95 each) When Your Child Has a Disability - edited by Batshaw ($22.95) Relaxation: A Comprehensive Manual for Adults and Ch ildre n with Special Needs - Ca utel a & Croden

Progress Without Punish-

•

• • •

Flexibility and Fitness for Riders -Allen Photo Guide ($12.99) Dre ssage Illustrated - Training Leve l ($12.60) The Allen Illustrated Guide to Bits & B itting - Vernon ($32.00) Functional Anatomy - Colles ($8.50) Equestrian Education: Professional Development for Instructors ($35.00) Equine Safety - Mackenzie ($34.99) Progressive School Exercises for Dressage & Jumping (PC) ($21.00) Teaching the Chi ld Rider - Robert s (PC) ($28.00) Bombproof Your Horse - Pelicano ($24.95) The Undisciplined Horse Schramm ($35.00) The Ten Trusts: What We Must Do to Care for the Animals We Love - Goodall & Bekoff Build Me An Ark: A Life With Animals My Path Leads to Tibet Tenberken Kindred Spirits, Holistic & Natural Animal Care - Schoen

Videos: • Stretch & Strength - Wiemer ($13.50) * authors , publishers & prices listed where known

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

It's easy! Please clip out this reply coupon and choose from any of the options below: I would like to A dopt A Hor se of Hi gh Hopes' choos ing fo r o ne ye ar. Enclosed is my check fo r $500 .00.

Encl ose d is my check in th e amount of$ --Encl ose d is my check in the amoun t of $___

to be used fo r -----------to be used where yo u need it mos t.

N am e (As I would like to be listed) ____________________

_

Addr ess: -------------------------------Phon e Numb er: ________

_

Email Addr ess:

~------------------------------------A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeut ic Riding

9

High Hopes Happe nings, Sprin g 2004

fwelcomeNew BoardMembers

Claudia T. Weicker

Tony Thurston

David E. Walker

A nativ e of West Hart fo rd , Mrs. Weicker graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Hartford Co llege for Women. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Marymount Univers ity in Tarrytown, New York. Upon graduation from college , she moved to Washington , D.C. where she joined the campaign staff of Hubert Humphrey and then worked in the Office oflntemational Trade at the U.S. Treasury Department and later as assistant v ice president of a local investme nt company.

Tony Thurston retired in early 1993 as a Senior Vice President and Gro up Account Director after 30 years at Grey Advertising , the secon d largest adve rtising agency in New York City and ninth largest wo rldwid e. His advertising and marketing experience included management of such acco unts as Procter & Gamble , Kraft Foods, Borden , Bristol Myers, SmithKline Beecham, the American Dairy Assoc iation, BF Good rich tires and Quaker State Motor Oil.

Dr. Da vid Elliott Walker is a practicing family physician w ith Sound Medical Assoc iates in Old Lyme and maint ains medical staff privil eges with Lawrence and Memor ial Hospital in New London , CT. He rece ived his B.A . in History & Literature from Harvard College in 1983 and taught middle and high schoo l history for six yea rs prior to becom ing a docto r. Dr. Walker receive d his M.D. from Yale University School of Medicine in 1997, and comp leted his post gra du ate medical training in Family Practice at Middle sex Family Practice Residency Program at Midd lesex Hospital in Middletown , CT in 2000 .

Mrs . Weicker has served on the board s of the Na tional Mental Health Association and NARAL. While in Hartford , she was a Regent of the University of Hartford and serve d as Cha ir of the Comm iss ion on Chi ldr en 's School Readiness Campaig n. As First Lady, she initiated the effort to restore both the Residence and its gardens and, for the first time, opened the Residence to regular public tours, including the Christmas tours. Mrs . Weicker mainta ins an avid interest in issues invo lv ing children , health , education and women.

A recent surv ivor of breast cancer , she has written and spoke n of her own experie nces .

Ma rri ed in 1984 to Lowell Weicker , they jointly oversee a large and active fami ly wbjch includ es seven sons, Scot, Gray, Brian , Mason, Sonny, Tre and Andrew, and eight grandchi ldren. Today the Weickers reside in Old Lyme, Connecticut , and also spend time in the ir homes in Alexandr ia, Virginia and on the Lake Como in Italy.

10

Tony is a 1959 graduate of Trinity Co llege, Hartford, whe re he was an Art History major. Fo llow ing Trin ity, he received a comm ission at the U.S. Navy Officer's Can didate School in Newpo rt, and serve d as a Gu nnery Officer aboar d the aircraft carrier U .S.S . Wasp, homeported in Boston.

He recently stepped down after seven years as president of the Florence Griswold Museum, and remains active as a charter trustee and on severa l committees. He is a lso the Project Director for the Co nnecticu t Impressionist Art Trail, serves on the board of Musical Mas terworks, and is a member of the Lyme Inland Wetlands and Conservat ion Co mmi ss ion.

Tony lives in Lyme w ith this wife Sandy, whom he married in 1965. They have two married daughters also livi ng in Lyme - Lisa Reneson and Dana Evans - and two grandch ildren, O livia and Chase.

In 2003, Dr. Walker was rated a "To p Doc for Fami li es" by Connecticut Magazines physician survey. In add ition, he is a Diplomat for the An1erican Board of Fam ily Practic e, a Member of the American Academy ofFamily Physicians and a Member of the Connecticut State Medical Soc iety. Dr. Walker's past resea rch interests have been var ied. He spe nt severa l years in ch ild psychiatric research at the Yale Child Study Cen ter, publishing papers on Touret te's Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Dr. Walke r lives in Lyme with his wife , Cary, who is a pract icing socia l worker , and their two chi ldren, Nick and Lucy, ages 9 and 12. He is a soccer and basketball coach for the Town of Lyme, Park & Recreation Program , a long tim e volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and a recreational runn er and av id hiker.

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happenings, Spring 2004

FOUNDER t Ma,y K. "Sis " Gould HIGH HOPES BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS President John C. Evans

Below is a list of web sites that have been recommended to us by volunteers, friends , families and participant s. We hope you find them helpful:

Assistive Technology: www.techactproject.org and www.ab ledata.org Birth to Three: www. birth23 .org Brain Injury Association of Connecticut: www.biact.com The Chelsea Foundation - a nonprofit medical supply assistance corporation: 451 Merid ian Street, Groton , CT 06340; 860-448-2263 Connecticut Association of Children & Adults with Learning Disabilities: www.cacld.org Disability Network of Eastern Connecticut: www.disab ility-dnec.org National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: www.nichcy.org National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): www.nordrdb.com North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA): www.narha.org Office of Protection & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities: www.state.ct.us/opapd University of Connecticut A.J . Pappanikou Center for Developmental Disabilities: www.uconnced.org Winners on Wheels (WOW), a club for children who use wheelchairs: www.wowusa.org

The Connecticut Valley Driving Club invites you to the Lord Creek Carriage Day and Picnic to benefit High Hopes, Sunday , June 13, 2004, 10 am - 3 pm.

Ra in Date: Saturday, June 19, 2004.

Pack your picnic basket and blanket , put on your straw hat, and turn back the hands of time. Bring the ent ire family to see horse drawn veh icles of all shape s and sizes. Other activities wil l inc lude: Ca rriage rides; a bake sa le; a youth art show w ith special guest Judy Friday, local artist and author; carriage tailgate competition and a ribbon ceremony with host, Jane Davison. Carriage drivers and young a11istswho want to participate can visit: www.carriagedri ving.net /ctvalleydc

Please ca ll High Hopes for more details , including directions to Lord Creek Farm: 860-434-1974.

The Fairfield County Hunt Club will hold a horse show to benefit the Equus Foundation on June 22-26,2004. High Hopes is one of several horse related nonprofits se lected to receive a grant from the Equus Foundation. For information about this event , please call 203-259-1550 or visit their webs ite at www.equu sfoundation.org

Vice President/Secretary Barbara Earle Ballard Vice Presidentfor Development Cheryl Kelley Heffernan Treasurer Roger M. Smith DIRECTORS Sally H. Aubrey Jane A. Bolles Elizabeth L. David Jane I. Davison Katharine H. Gildersleeve Heather Leigh Harrison Charles. C. Kingsley.Esq. Judith F. Lightfoot Mark O'Connell A. Rives Potts Anthony C. Thurston Kelvin N. Tyler David E. Walker,MD Claudia T. Weicker Deborah A. Welles Dorinda Winkelman HONORARYDIRECTORS LyttletonB. P. Gould, Jr. Frank Hamilton, Jr. Grace Hamilton Wayne 0. Southwick.,MD HIGH HOPES STAFF BarbaraAbrams. lnsrn,ctor Percl Blederka,l11Stro ctor Carol Brining,Admi11i stratil'e Assislanl/Bam Sia.ff Patti Coyle, brs1roc1or Renya Craig, Receplionisl/Program AdministrativeAssisla11/ John Driscoll, Carelaker Judie Driscoll,Development Assis/ant Jonnie Edwards, lnsm ,ctor Helene Fenger,Direclor of De1•elop111ent Amy Gardner, Assistant Barn Manager Kathryn S. Guernsey, Training & Education Coordinatorlbrslroctor CarolynJagielski, Physical Therapisll lnstruclor Kristin Elliott Leas, Barn Manager Bill Nelligan, Instructor Dawn Nelligan,Assistant ProgramDirector Kristin Mason Perna!, Vo/rmteer Coordinalorl lnslructor Holly Ridgway,lnstmctor Petra B. Shearer,Business Manager Kitty Stalsburg, Program Director t Deceased

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

11

High Hopes Happe nings , Spring 2004

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID

Old Lyme, CT Permit # I

High Hope Therapeutic Riding, Inc. P.O. Box 254 Oly Lyme, CT 06371

[clLENDAR 2004 APRIL S.unday,April18 - Friday_,.Ap.ril.23 ~~ ~y,_April

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A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding