2004 (Summer) Newsletter

Summer Inside this Issue 3 Executive Director's Message 4

Program Director 's News

5

Volunteer News

7 , Barn News 8 Training and Education News 9

Development News

10 Special Announcements 11 ForYourinformation

12 Calendar .

Sis Gould driving Buffy in 1938

I/you have questions or comments ¡about the information in our newsletter, please contact either Kyle Burkhart or Judie Driscoll at (860) 434-1974.

ThisNewsletteris underwrittenby

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.~igbhopestr.org Design By C.lewis Design Printed By Franklin Impressions

Mary "Sis" Krech Gould Founder of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

By Cyndie Gould Melcher with contributions from Ly tt Gould, Kara Seymow; Ly t Gould, Chapin Krech, and Lili (Seggos) Krech

"Patience breeds disc ipline Disciplin e breed s fortitude Fortih1de conquers uncertain ty And replaces it with confid ence "* Where do you star t talking about a woman who has influenced hundreds with her patience and soft fortitude, although mainl y without knowing it or intending to? So many of us were grea tly influenced by her abi lity to plant a seed , an idea or an attitude , and then were attracted by her ab ility to water and weed that idea , so that it grew and spread. So many of us found her love and respect for horses as willing and patient partners to be both contagiou s and admirab le.

This woman of whom we spea k was affectionately called ' wee Mary ' by her parents and later 'Sis' by her brothers.

Sh e was our mother , Sis Gould , th e founder of High Hope s.

But even saying that she was the founder of High Hop es woul d mo st like ly be refuted by her because she would immediatel y remind us that it has always been a group effo11. She ma y have been the leader , but her mag ic was that she chose to lead with a sense of humility from behind , shy of the limelight. As our father , Lytt, put it, Sis 'was the spark plug ' - certain ly not the noisiest part of the engine , j ust the crucial part to get it all going.

High Hopes Happenings, Summer 2004

Mum came from a family of keen, competitive but compassionate horsemen.

Her determined mother Mary, who hunted side saddle with one wooden leg, once stopped the driver of a NYC

their summer home with the wonderful women who looked afler the family. The storm had caused considerable flooding and Mum was determined to rescue her fabulous stallion pony, Buffy, who was still in the stable.

She waded out to the stable situated in a low spot in the field, past the floating hay bales, to set free the pony who was now standing belly deep in water. Can't you just picture her?

The mounted family line up shows them all on board with Mum as the smaller of the two ladies riding side saddle.

garbage cart from beating his horse by turning the whip on him instead of the horse. And Mum's loving father, Shep, played polo in his youth, and later went into the cavalry in WWL To prove the point that Mum was difficult for her three brothers to outdo, one of her brothers tells the story of jumping the cross country jumps course in East Hampton during their summers there.

First the oldest brother Shep went around the solid jumps bareback, then the next brother Chape, and then without any fanfare 'wee Mary' stunned them all by jumping bareback as well; she wasn't going to be left out!

Jumping the five bar gate in the old fashioned 'Irish hunter seat' shows the level of enthusiasm from those years.

Mum's lack of fear was demonstrated time and time again over the years, starting with a story from 1938 (aged 16 at the time) during the late summer hurricane that swept the end of Long Island.

The rest of the family had already returned to New York and Mum was still at

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Her determination to be with horses as much as she could was not diminished by the fact that she grew up in New York City. (Don't worry, you couldn't take the countiy out of this girl as she used to roller skate with her friend in one door of Bests & Co. and out the other. .. ) In these early years Mum frequently visited her godmother in Peapack, NJ. to ride and drive, and afterwards she never washed her hands so that she could continue to smell the horses on the train ride back into NYC. And as a mother, Mum worked her wonders for each ofus 4 children (three daughters and one son) making suggestions to us, never really forcing anything on us,just available to listen and encourage. [f you weren't able to hear her at that moment, she wouldn't shout to make you hear; instead she would wait 'ti! the moment when you could hear, using her same quiet but definite tone of voice. Lines were drawn from time to time, but supporting our ideas as well was paramount.

With each of our horses she gave us confidence, enthusiasm, and respect for them, as well as encouraging a willingness to pitch in and get done whatever needed doing - mucking out the stalls, then driving the tractor to spread it around the fields, bringing in the new hay from the field, quickly if necessary before the storm, handling bales that had been specially down sized by the baler to be more manageable by her 'work crew'. In her own article for the Chapin School alumnae magazine Mum

The Gould family

spoke of her feelings for horses. 'A well-trained horse is one of the world's most appealing animals - strong, gentle, and responsive, even a little awesome to the novice. To learn to care for and ride such an animal is a fulfilling experience for anyone, and for the disabled person especially so.' As a result all four ofus have found horses to be soul mates and have found peace and strength in their presence. Rarely have we shied away from the physical outdoor work either; in fact in our own ways we have each sought the outdoor life as adults.

3 Goulds astride their bareback Welsh pony.

So often it was such fun being with Mum around horses - three little kids astride the bare back of our Welsh pony, costume classes and gymkhana games at the shows, hunting through the Potomac, Maryland countryside, swimming in the streams of Gladstone, NJ. with our friends, and, at times like Easter, piling the cousins into the 'wicker basket', the governess' cart, for our Welsh mare to trot around the farm.

In addition to being with her family with the horses, in the early 1950's Mum was a spark plug another time - this time for the Potomac Pony Club, one of the first pony clubs in the country. Rallies were held on our farm, and the oldest of

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happenings , Summer 2004

Executive Director's Message

generous spirit of our community, both individuals and businesses , to support the High Hopes programs. This year, I want to draw special thanks and attention to the two businesses that made extraordinary contributions to High Hopes as our lead Corporate Sponsors for Symphony in the Meadows 2004 , and the many special individuals that came forward to purchase a new John Deere tractor for High Hopes.

By Alison Zack Darrell

Executive Director

Alison Zack Darrell & Honey Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas

Our annual benefit eve nt held each year in mid-June always bring s a most exciting conclusion to our fiscal year, which ended on June 30. It effectively celebrates all the wonderful progr ess that has h¡anspired over the year in a spectacular party that inspires the warmth and

Continued from Page 2 us, Lili, was on the winning team at the 1957 U. S. Pony Club 3-day National Competition.

Mum relished the opportunity to help others with their horses , with horses coming to us for their own 'summer school' under her guidance. In addition, a local friend gave her over the years several mares who were less than easy to handle and had not fared well on the race track. But her soft and definite approach soon gave the horse confidence and a solid relationship would ensue.

(You can see the influence in daughter number three, Cyndie's, horse whispering work.)

When Mummy and Daddy started Purnell School in New Jersey Mum made sure that the school was set up to offer riding to the girls while they were there . .

And on 'retirement' in Connecticut she was soon shar ing Sylvia , her first Morgan, and later little Poncho at our

Sovereign Bank and Scranton Financial Group partnered with High Hopes to under wr ite the cost of the New Haven Symphony orchestra. This contribution, combined with the man y other businesses who once again stepped forward wit h sponsors hip dollars for the event , fully underwrote the total expenses of the event. The corporate underwriting of the expenses enabled all other event contributions by individu als to directly support the High Hopes programs.

Whether corporate or individual, as contributors to the annual benefit event , you help provide scholarships and the means

home on Brush Hill Road with a few adults and children with disabilities.

Most memorable of these was a woman who had been disabled by a stroke and spoke through a communication board in order to thank Mum for treating her as a 'normal person'. For Mum the riding and driving with the disabled was j ust another extension of her spirit of sharing her love and respect for horses. It was just another opportunity to extend hope to others. This idea started, like others, in our back garden , and then grew as Mum rallied friends from various corners of her life to support yet another mission in which she believed. And the sensitive and energetic work continues wonderfully today on a much larger scale at High Hopes.

What a positive influence Mum has been for so many of us, whether part of her family or part of her huge range of friends - her calm , positive, brave, passionate and smiling warmth has embraced us, and continues to do so. She

to access the unique benefits of thera peutic riding to hundreds of individuals with disabilities - and together you are having a major impact on the lives of om participants and their families.

I want to express our deepest gratih1de to our communi ty for all of your help and supp01t around our annual benefit event, and make a special thanks to Herb Chambers for his amazing generos ity toward our new tractor!

"A s contdbutors to the an nual benefi t event, you help provide scholar ships and the nieans to access the unique b enefits of therapeutic riding to hundreds of individuals With disabilities " High Hopes would also like to thank the many volunteers and donors who participated in trus year's event. Because of you , this event was a huge sucess and your time and contributions are greatly appreciat ed.

bad such a way of making each of us feel individually so special , even in a crowded room .

High Hopes remains an admirable ex ample of this spirit as it hasn't lost sight of these attributes and goals and continues to glow from her influence. Haven't we all been so incredibl y lucky to have known and cherished this lovely lady.

As Daddy said it so well , 'I was a very lucky per son to have been part of Sis' life! She really was a superb , thoughtful leader, friend, wife , mother , grandmother and great grandmother!' *The above poem about Patience was found in Mum's desk when we were tidying things up after her death in 1995.

She had jotted the poem down on an old bit of her note paper and kept it in a safe place . We are not sure who wrote it.

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

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High Hopes Happenings, Summer 2004

Program Director's News

By Kitty Stalsbwg Program Dire ctor

ext. 15.

The th ird Annual Geo rge C. Cain Weekend in the Country was held on July 24, 2004. Thanks to the Ca in fam ily and George's many friends for their continued support of our many High Hopes programs. The summer outing for the FDNY Firefighters and their Families included all aspects of riding and horse related activ ities at High Hopes followed by a cou ntr y even ing at Erin Ca in 's home in Deep River.

We piloted a three day inten sive sess ion for children with Sensory Integration and Autism Disorders and their parents. This Kitty Stalsburg & Doc special imm ersion program was,lim ited Photo By Kristin Elliott Leas in numbers to allow for individualized se rvi ce to each participant through The summer season of act ivities at High Hopes is winding down! All of our 6 mounted activities twice a day, di rect camp sessions were fu ll w ith over 60 occupationa l therapy , music therapy , and chjldren pa1ticipating in these week long other therapy act iv ities during the thr ee sessions . As many of you know, Dawn days. Parents and caregivers also had Ne lliga n, our Assistant Program Direc- the oppo rtuni ty to explore the benefits of tor and Summer Camp Director , has ridin g, share in art or music therapy, and been out on matern ity leave this summer. consu lt with therapy specia lists. Many Before leaving she worked with Kristin thanks to the Cain fam ily for underwr itPerna !, our Volunteer Coo rdinator , to ing this spec ial program via the George put together another year of exc iting C. Cain Memorial Fund . activ ities coord inating amongst the staff to share their wide range of knowl edge Fall Classes: The Fall semes te r of classes w ill began on September 8, with our campers.

2004. This year we provided dates for In add ition to su mmer ca mp , we also al I four semesters to allow for sign up conducted a six week summer lesson in advance. Schedu ling information program for over 75 participants. They and renewa l forms have been sent to all braved the weather to keep up the ir riders. If you have not received yo ur riding and vocational activities inclu - packet , please contact the office imsive of over 10 new participa~ts. It is mediately to ve rify participat ion. The wo nd erful to meet so many new folk s schedule is s imilar to that of Spring and to be able to share the joy of horses 2003. There w ill be classes six days of the week. If you need to make any adwit h them! justments in the schedule, please contact We offered an unmounted Basic Horse- Kitty atext. 13. man ship Course for 5 participant s. Trus fou r week course covered aspects of basic horse care in the week ly curri culum. Katie Guernsey, Ann Peterson and Erin Cain we re instrument a l in helpi ng to conduct these hour ly sessions. To register for or rece ive inform ation on future cou rses for volunteers or participants , please contact Katie Guernsey at

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Our fall curriculum will inco rporate some new ideas and exp lore new themes.

So be prepared to expand yo ur horizons!

The Vocational Train ing oppo rtunities continue to be an integ ra l part of our program. Ten to twelve participants wi 11be working wi th staff and spec ially trained vo lunte ers throughout the week to expand their horsemanship skills .

Safe Clothing, What to Wear?

We wa nt your experie nce at High Hopes to be safe and reward ing. Proper attire when rid ing, vo lunteering or just watch ing from the barn is importan t. Plea se follow these precaution s and enjoy your time spent around our wonderful horses and faci lity.

Headgear: A n ASTM-SEI approved helmet is required. These are located in our lounge for use by all par ticipants. If yo u are planning to purchase your own, be sure that it fits correct ly. Please ask any instructor for help in fitting helme ts.

Used helmets are not recommended.

Footwear : When riding in a saddle, the best protective footwear is that designed for riding , suc h as a paddock boot. High Hopes has a limited amount of these that can be borrowed. A traditional work boot or a hard so led shoe with a heel is also adequa te. If a rider is not using a saddle, sneakers may be permitted , especially if needed for orthodics, etc. or when doing vau lting. All vocational participants must wear paddock boots or work boots when working with or around our horses. Sandles are not permitted.

Legs: Britches p rov ide protection for the legs and prevent chaffing that can occur with long pants when they "ride up". A leggi ng type of pant can also work. Nylon, sport pants are not recommended as they can be very slippery. Shorts can be uncomfortab le and may result in chaffing with the bare skill against the horse or saddle.

Other: Dangly jewelry should be re moved for safety pr ior to riding. Loose hair shou ld be tied back to preve nt entang lement. Ce ll phones, beeper s, and wa llets sho uld be left behind pr ior to gett ing on the horse. Perfume and cologne can be offensive to the horse and other riders and may attract unwanted insects.

A Tradition of Exc elle11cein Therapeutic Ridi11g

High Hopes Happenings, Summe r 2004

Coordinator at ext. 18 to learn about the many High Hopes volunteer opportunities and to register for any of the following Orientations.

Volunteer News

By Kristin Perna/

Volunteer Coordinator

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND SAFETY TRAINING DATES :

30 vo lunteers to be Team Captains.

They spend mornings or afternoons in their ro les working in pairs or threes to achieve and meet the needs of the Instructors. I want to introduce you to three women who have worked on Thursday mornings as Tri-Team Captains.

• Wednesday, September 22, 2004 5:00 - 8:00 PM • Wednesday, October 20, 2004 5:00 - 8:00 PM • Wednesday, December I , 2004 4:00 - 7:00 PM Kristin Perna) & Fr isco Photo By Kri stin Elliott Leas

• Thursday , January I 3, 2005 4:00 - 7:00 PM

In order to provide beneficial therapeutic riding and unmounted activities at High Hopes we need your help! Volunteers are ALWAYS in big demand and there are lots of ways you may be ab le to help: assist ing in Riding Classes, Summer Camp , Vocational Training , the Barn and Offices as well as Special Events.

Holly and Amanda Richardson on "Decorate Your Horse Day " du ring summer camp 2004.

Photo by Kristine Carney

Volunteer participants MUST be 14 years or older. Horse-handling, side walking and safety training is included in the following orientation sessions and is mandatory for those new volunteers wis hing to vo lunteer in riding classes.

For those who wis h to vo lun teer in the Barn or Office , we will sched ule specific one-on-one training in those areas with appropriate staff person(s) after attendance at the initial Volunteer Orientation.

P lease ca ll Kristin Perna !, Volunteer

Attention - New Volunteers, Current Volunteers & Returning Volunteers!

It is never too early to sign up! Signup sheets for upcoming semesters are posted on the Volunteer Bulletin Board before the end of the current semester.

Ear ly sign ups enable us to better prepare to meet your needs and ensure the safety and quality of the Programs for our participants.

About Team Captains Team Captains assist Instructors and mentor for fellow volunteers during program activities. They participate in on-going training including, but not limited to: Introduction to Basic Horsemanshi p, Horse-handling Skills, Side-walking Skills, Safety , Ground work Exerc ises, Long-li nin g, Lunging, Trigger Point Myotherapy, Equine Massage and much more! Team Captains have spent time as coordinators and assistant coord inato rs for riding classes and have know ledge and understanding of the class assignments , tack used for our horses and the dynamics of the program activ ities scheduled for the day(s) and time(s) they volunteer. Team Captains are also capab le of and willing to subst itute in classes as horse-hand lers OR side-walke rs in the event of a last minute vo lunteer cancellat ion.

High Hopes has trained approx imately

"The 3 Mu sketeers" with Periw inkle

E laine star ted vo lunteer in g at High Hopes in September 1991. She was not new to the fie ld of volunteer ing and had a background and expe rience working with persons with disabilities and horses. She has been a horse-ha ndler , side-walker, helped with special events, assisted in the barn, and serves as a Barn Buddy. She has a gentle , quiet demeanor that is great when working with our part icpants and our more chal lenging horses. She is a great role model for our younger volunteers and ju mps in to help new vo lunteers fee l comfortab le and welcome in their roles.

Nancy came to High Hopes with a horse background , having owned a horse as a teenager. Nancy bas ass isted in many facets of our organization as well, including horse-handling, side -wa lking and barn. She also came with expe rience assisting persons with disabilities.

Nancy not only brings horse knowledge to High Hopes, but also enthusiasm for what she is doing, no matter what it is (even picking stalls!). She encourages fellow volunteers to participate in on-going train ing and shows new volunteers the ropes. Nancy is also good at working w ith our more challe nging horses in a kind and gentle manner.

Sharon had some experience with horses when she started at High Hopes, how ever little to no experience working with

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

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High Hopes Happenings. Summer 2004

Continued fr0111Page 5 persons with disabilities. Sharon is a quick study and went from side-walking to grooming, tacking and leading horses in Riding classes in a very short time.

Sharon has a quiet demeanor and absolutely loves to work with our younger school children. Being one of our recently graduated volunteers, Sharon can relate to the feelings and apprehension some of our new volunteers have when they first start and she is great at helping them feel at ease.

These three ladies, our "Three Musketeers," as I like to call them, make a fantastic Team! They work very well together and have their routine down pat. They communicate well not only with each other, but also with staff'. riders and fellow volunteers.

On behalf of our staff, THANK YOU, ladies, for your dedication, compassion and voluntcerism at High Hopes' And a HUGE "Thank You" to all our Team Captains and our wonderful volunteer family, we couldn't do this without people like you!

High Hopes' earliest rider, Kerry Cristianson, conducts the New Haven Symphony Orchestra celebrating onr 30 11' Anniversary

By Judie Driscoll and Petra B. Shearer

Kerry Christianson,her twin sister Karen, and their parefits, Photo by Petra B. Shearer

On Friday evening, June 11th, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra played for over 500 people at the High Hopes Symphony in the Meadows 2004 fundraising event. As a special addition to the program, and in celebration of High Hopes' 30 th Anniversary, Kerry Christianson was invited to conduct the Orchestra in their rendition of Happy Birthday.

Kerry has participated in the riding program at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. for nearly all of our 30 years! She was one of our very first riders and is still participating to this day!

While Kerry's first love for self expression and achievement remains her reason for participation at High Hopes, Kerry recognizes that her achievements can inspire others. What better testament to therapeutic riding than this, that after thirty years a young woman is still achieving in the arena and beyond, reminding us all how much we can do and be if we bnt work with what we have.

Thank you Kerry, for being such a special part of our "Birthday" celebration at Symphony in the Meadows 2004. You trnly are an inspiration to all those who kno~ and love you.

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A Tradition ofExcellence in Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happenings, Summer 2004

ago, Holly was found on the side of the road in Florida in an emaciated state.

She was taken in and she made an incredible and full recovery. She became a great little dressage pony winning into 1stlevel. Holly's rider started to outgrow her and her owner looked to us to provide the right home for this special and talented pony.

Barn News

By Kristin Elliott Leas Barn 1vfanager

Ringo, is a 17 year old, 16.3 hand, bay, Belgian Thoroughbred cross gelding.

Ringo enjoyed a career as an equitation and dressage horse, but has retired from the show ring due to some stiffoess in his hocks. He enjoys having consistent work in our programs and being around people.

Kristin Elliott Leas & Chelsea Photo by Helene Fenger

Welcome, Nicole McClure; AND Holly and Ringo! Nicole joined the ranks of our barn staff in June. She grew up in Centerbrook, CT and is currently attending Ashworth College where she is completing her Associates degree in Accounting. She has her own home reptile rescue and rehabilitation program and is caring for 15 reptiles and accepting more rescues. Nicole brings 15 years of experience in the horse world to us ranging from giving pony rides to training Dreamer, her last horse, who at age 13 had no prior human contact experience except for feeding. Please join us in welcoming Nicole - we are so happy to have her on our staff.

Please join us in welcoming Holly and Ringo to our wonderful herd of therapy horses'

Ringo Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas

Family Carriage Driving Day, A Perfect Day at Lord Creek Farm

By Petra B. Shearer

Nicole McClure and Holly Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas

Holly, show name "Perfect Day", is an 11 year old, 13.1 hand, dark brown mare.

Holly loves people and came all the way from Florida to join us at High Hopes.

Her background is unknown. Two years

The High Hopes Family knows that Janie Davison always has us in mind, doing countless thoughtfol things on our behalf. Most recently, Janie invited the Connecticut Valley Driving Club to hold a Carriage Driving Cross Country Event at Lord Creek Farm and she invited us to attend as her guests: to picnic, to watch the event and to soak up the peace and beauty that comes with a day at Lord Creek Fann.

Sally Aubrey and Janie Davison driving Splash Photo by Lee Pritchard

Janie Davison and Sally Aubrey drove in the Single Horse Obstacle Course class, with Sally's pinto pony Splash pulling Sis Gould's custom made Meadowbrook Carriage in her honor. They also drove in a demonstration class, with the announcer explaining the merits of the Meadowbrook carriage and the patterns that Splash was asked to follow. How thrilling it was to see these two High Hopes Board members, and long-time friends and volunteers, guiding Splash through the course. Though their eyes were intent on the task at hand they could not suppress the smiles of pure joy from the experience.

Dr. Carl Washburn and Mary Washburn, a recent graduate of our Instructor Training Course, entered his Percheron Suffolk Punch Cross mare Amber Bambi in the Obstacle and Cross Country Errands Classes. Both the horse and the driver had to perform in the Errands Class - the horse had to be especially obedient to be driven suceessti.tlly through a series of numbered obstacles and the driver had to perform several errands, including the fetching of a rubber duckie and the subsequent tossing of it into a baby pool! The Washburn team met all requirements well!

Dawn and Bill Nelligan provided an "official" High Hopes presence, with information and personal greetings for all our family members who were there.

Nearby, several High Hopes participants and volunteers, with family and friends, enjoyed the perfect weather.

Thank you, Janie, for this perfect day at Lord Creek Farm.

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

7

High Hopes Happenings, Summer 2004

Training and Education News

alike were dazzled by the flawless and beautiful performance.

By Katie Guernsey Training and Education Coordinator

The theme of this year's horse show was teamwork. From the day these riders started practicing to the day they performed the drill, they lived, breathed and "rode " teamwork. Every step of the way there were new challenges to meet, problems to solve, ideas to share, frustrations to understand and laughter to relish. When first asked to take on this endeavor, the riders were skeptical.

Some thought it would be too hard, some feared it might be boring, and others felt that cantering was far more fun than anything else you do while riding so it definitely took precedent over practicing a drill. Needless to say, there was a cloud of skepticism that floated amongst the group for weeks .

Katie Guernsey & Ben Photo by Kristin Elliott Leas

Instructor Training Course (ITC) We are conducting a six-week intensive Instructor Training Course from August 25, 2004 through October 8, 2004. Joining us are local folks as well as participants from around the world - including candidates from Israel, Germany and Brazil. Host family housing is once again provided tlu¡o ugh the generosity of Janie Davison. Please be sure to say "he llo" to our newest instructor cand idates who will be wear ing 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 fee l free to speak with our staff if you have any questions or observations that you would like to share during this training process.

Riders turn skepticism into sucess at our 19th Annual Horse Show.

Special events have memorable openings, and that's just what we had at this year's annual horse show . The show began with a drill team performance by six High Hopes riders. They entered the arena in pairs, riding to the music of Spirit. They proceeded to do a series of complicated patterns at the walk and trot, and ended the perfonnance with a canter. Parents, participants and friends

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Drill Team in Action Photo by Eric Cain Zanardi

To try and boost the mood and encourage the group to take this project on, they started riding to music, tried a few drill exercises each lesson , and did team oriented practices. This persistence and creativity finally gave way to a clear sky.

By the time everyone was willing to give it a try they only had eight weeks to create a drill pattern, learn it by heart, and practice it enough to be ready for the show. As soon as the team decided to go for it, they let go of all uncertainties and committed wholeheartedly to making it a successfu l endeavor. They designed a cha llenging pattern, and worked together to organize their horses of all shapes , sizes and persona lities to match one another as they practiced in pairs. The end result of their hard work was an unparalleled performance , and a representation of teamwork at its best.

There are so many teams of horses, riders , volunteers, families and staff to celebrate at High Hopes, and the drill team riders showed us all just what teamwork can accomplish. Their performance set the stage for the other High Hopes horse show participants to show off their talents as they worked together in classes that lasted all afternoon! Thank you to everyone for all of your help and support, congratulations to all participants , and a special hats-off to Caitlin, Cara , Derron, Kelsey Rose, Chelsea and Olivia for such an enjoyab le drill team performance!

Winter Educational Offerings Please join us this winter to learn more about therapeutic riding and basic horsemanship . We are offering a series oflectures that coincide with our Instructor Training Course and cover topics such as physical disabilities, sensory integration, cognitive and psychosocial impairments, and precautions and contraindications. We will also offer a course in basic horsemanship that covers topics such as breeds, colors , markings, anatomy, equine first aid, bandaging and wrapping, and tack and equipment. For more information on enrolling in these classes , please contact Katie at ext. 15. In addition to utili zing coursework to gain knowledge, our lending library is always open and available for your perusal. We have a large selection of books, videos and journals . To borrow materials please sign them out at the front desk and return or renew them within two weeks. Winter is a great time to settle down in our cozy classroom (with occa sional adventures to the barn for some hands on learning ) for one of our course s. Hope to see you there !

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

High Hopes Happe nings , Summe r 2004

of their care, and the Corporate Horse Sponsorship program is a very meaningful and tangible way for a business to offer their support. High Hopes is most grateful to the SBC Employees' Community Services Fund for directing their hard earned dollars toward sponsoring Latino , and ultimately helping the participants of High Hopes' programs. Our friends in the SBC Employees' Community Services Fund truly are making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, and we salute you!

Development News

By Kyle Burkhart Director of Development

If you are interested in learning how your company or organization can participate in our High Hopes Corporate Horse Sponsorsh ip program please call Ky le or Judie in our Development Office at ext. 22.

Kyle & Ringo Photo by Kri stin Elliott Lea s

Recently, members of the SBC Employees' Community Services Fund gathered on the lawn outside the stables at High Hopes to accept a plaque in recognition of their generous gift of $5,000 toward the High Hopes Corporate Horse Sponsorship program. Since 1974, High Hopes has provided therapeutic riding and related equine facilitated programs to individuals of all ages who face physical, behavioral and developmental challenges. Horses are at the heart of our mission , and must be safe, gentle , eventempered, and patient to be accepted into the High Hopes therapy herd.

One such horse is Latino, and High Hopes selected him for sponsorship by the SBC employees because he exemplifies the traits of the pe1fect therapy horse. Sweet , steady and known as a "gentle giant", Latino is a magnificent Shire Cross who is dark bay (brown) with white markings.

The contribution made by SBC employees will fully underwrite the care and feeding of Latino for one year - including supplements, medications, shoes, hay, and grain. Like Latino , many of the horses that work in the High Hope~ programs are senior citizens with special health requirements that increase the cost

High Hopes bids farewell to Helene Fenger and welcomes Kyle Burkhart, Director of Development

By Judie Driscoll and Alison Zack Darr ell

He lene & Cimarron Photo Credit: Kri stin Elliott Leas

Helene began working for High Hopes in June of 1999 as our Campaign Associate.

Upon the successful completion of the Capital and Endowment Campaign , she was promoted to become High Hopes ' first Director of Development. Her passion and commitment to the mission of High Hopes was evident from day one and never wavered during her five-year tenure. Helene worked diligently to help High Hopes achieve its fundraising goals , among them a hard-won Kresge Foundation Challenge Grant which was the largest single foundation grant ever

given to High Hopes in the amount of $220,000.

Helene always looked out for the best interest of High Hopes. With a huge heart and a warm and welcoming personality she made many friends along the way - both human and furry. Always making time to listen to an idea , and providing guidance and encouragement to those seeking her wisdom, she helped many in more ways than she knows. Leaving High Hopes was not an easy decision for her, but family demands took precedence.

Helene's successor , Kyle Burkhart , comes to High Hopes with a dynamic background in marketing and public re lations. He attended college at The Citadel, and went on to work for the international medical and disaster relief organization , AmeriCares, where he served as Program Director and Assistant to the Chairman. There he developed and maintained several long-term medical supply and physician exchange programs throughout Africa and Russia.

In 1998, Kyle became the Director of External Affairs for the Center for Animal Care and Control, Inc. in New York where he guided all aspects of development , and public and community relations. While there he created and implemented an annua l campaign and a planned giving program. He forged stronger ties with several animal welfare groups including the ASPCA and Bidea-Wee which led to increased animal adoptions. He was also a member of the senior management team responsible for the fonnation of the New York City Adoption Alliance.

Kyle resides in Fairfield, CT. He is the proud father of a 14 year old son , Zachary and 3 year old <laugher, Sara.

Please j oin us in thanking Helene for her commitment and dedication to High Hopes, wishing her and her family well, and welcoming Kyle to the High Hopes team.

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

9

High Hopes Happenings. Summer 2004

Family Nature Walk aud Picnic

(Fair Weather Only) Saturday,October 2, 2004 12:00-1:30p.m.

Participants, Parents, Friends, and Siblings - please join other High Hopes participants and families for a social gathering. Bring a picnic to e1tjoyon the pastoral setting. Following lunch, there will be a nature walk led by Arborist, Joan Nichols. This will be an easy walk designed to be inclusive.Joan will point out areas of interest on the trails: Please RSVPto High Hopes (860) 434-1974.

Connecticut River Museum offers Member's river cruise to High Hopes family. The Connecticut

River Museum has extended an invitation to the High Hopes family to join their Fall Foliage River Cruise on October 15 at their member cost of $25 per person. It's a BYO picnic and drinks, and the boat will leave port from the ConnecticutRiver Mnsemn at 5:00 p.m. returning at 7:00 p.m. The trip is limited to 45 people,

so call the Connecticut River Museum soon to make your reservations: (860) 767-8269.

A new addition to the High Hopes family! Please join us in congratulat-

ing our very own Dawn & Bill Nelligan on the birth of their daughter, Lilianne Irene Nelligan, born July 7th.

Save the Date High HopesAnnualMeeting Celebratingour 30th Anniversary Sunday,October17th 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

First Annual High Hopes Golf Request for Mailing Information Classic

Recently, High Hopes completed an extensiveupgrade to our database. The Symphony in the Meadows 2004 event was the first big mailing utilizing this new database. Unfortunately, it has been brought to our attentionthat several of our friends who normally receive invitationsand other High Hopes mailings did not receive the invitation. We apologizeand regret any inconvenience this may have caused. We respectfully request your help in identifyinganyone else who may have experienced this as well. Please contact Judie Driscoll or Kyle Burkhart at ext. 22.

October 12, 2004 Madison Count1yClub Madison, CT Format: 11:30- 12:15 BarbecueLunch 12:30 18 hole 4 Person Team Scramble.

USGA rules of golf govern all play.

This event is limited to 30 foursomes with va1yinglevels of sponsorship. For a registrationform or further infonnation, please contact Kyle Burkhart at ext. 22.

Would you like to make a contribution to High Hopes? ft s¡easy' Please clip out this reply coupon and choosefi-0111any of'the options below:

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

10

Enclosed is my check in the amount of$ ___

to be used for __________

Enclosed is my check in the amount of$ ___

to be used where you need it most.

_

Name (As'! would like to be listed) ____________________

_

Address:-----------------------------Phone Number: ________

_

_

Email Address: ___________

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding

Hig h Hopes Happe nings, Summer 200 4

FOUNDER t Mary K. "Sis " Gould HIGH HOPESBOARDOF DIRECTORS

Below is a list of resources that have been recommended to us by volunteers, friends, families and part icipants. We hope you find them helpful : Assistive Technology: www.techactproject.org and www.abledata.org Birth to Three: www.birth23 .org Brain Injury Association of Connecticut : www.biact.com The Chelsea Foundation - a nonprofit medical supply assistance corporation : 45 1 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340; (860) 448-2263 Connecticut Association of Children & Adults with Learning Disabilities: www.cacld.org Disability Network of Eastern Connecticut: www.disability-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.et.us/opapd University of Connecticut A.J. Pappanikou Center for Developmental Disabilities: www.ucon11 ced.org Winners on Wheels (WOW), a club for children who use wheelchairs: www.wow usa.org

High Hopes takes a big step into the new millennium.

Our website now offers an On-line giving feature. The process is fast, simple and secure. First, please visit www.highhopestr.org and click on "Ways to Give". Next, follow the link for On-line giving where you will be asked to fill in your information . Fill in the boxes and submit. It's that easy. For your convenience , High Hopes accepts Visa, Mastercard and Amer ican Express. (And as always, thank you for your help in reaching out to those riders and soon to be riders that find hope in H igh Hopes.)

The High Hopes newsletter is now available online!

If you no longer wish to receive the High Hopes newsletter and annua l report via regular mail you can visit om website at www.highhopestr .org and click on Fonns and Publications. Please contact us at (860) 4341974 if you wish to be removed from our newslett er and allllual report mailing list.

OFFICERS President John C. Evans Vice President/Secretary BarbaraEarle Ballard Vice Presidentfor Development CherylKellyHeffernan Treasurer RogerM. Smith DIRECTORS Sally H. Aubrey Jane A. Bolles ElizabethL. David Jane I. Davison KatharineH. Gildersleeve CharlesC. Kingsley Judith F. Lightfoot HeatherLeighNorthrop Ma,rkO'Connell A. RivesPotts AnthonyC. Thurston KelvinN. Tyler DavidE. Walker ClaudiaT. Weicker DeborahA. Welles DorindaWinkelman HONORARYDIRECTORS LyttletonB. P. Gould,Jr. FrankHamilton, Jr. GraceHamilton Wayne0. Southwick HIGH HOPESSTAFF BarbaraAbrams, lnstnictor Carol Brining,Administrative Assistant/BarnStaff Kyle Burkhart,Directorof Development Patti Coyle,Instructor RenyaCraig, Receptionist/Program AdministrativeAssistant AlisonZack Darrell. E:cecutive Director John DrlscoU,Caretaker Judie Driscoll.Development Assistant Jonnie Edwards,lnstn,ctor Amy Gardner,Assistant Barn Manager KathrynS. Guernsey,Training& Education Coordinator/Instructor CarolynJagielski,Physical Therapist/ Instructor KristinElliott Leas,Barn Manager Nicole McClure,Barn Staff BIDNelligan,Instructor Dawn Nelligan,AssistantProgramDirector Kristin E. Pemal, Volunteer Coordinator/ Instructor Anne Peterson,Instructor HeatherRice, Instructor Holly Ridgway,lnstntctor Petra 8. Shearer,Business Manager Kitty Stalsburg,ProgramDirector SusanWeber, Instructor tDec eased

A Tradition of Ex cellence in Therapeutic Riding

11

High Hopes Happe nings , Summer 2004

No n-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

10/17 10/20

OCTOBER High Hopes Family Nature Walk & Picnic 12:00 p.m. to 1 :30 p.m. Please call (860) 434-1974 for further information.

High Hope s First Annual Benefit Golf Tournament (for information , please call Kyle Burkhart @ ext. 22) Connecticut River Museum Fall Foliage River Cruise - availabl e to High Hopes' family at the Museum member's cost.

High Hopes Annua l Meeting 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Meeting to be held at High Hopes 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Volunteer Orientation & Safety Training.

11/ 17 11/17 - 11/20 11/24 - 11/27

NOVEMBER NARR.A Annual Conference begins No High Hopes Classes No High Hopes Classes

12/1 12/ 5 - 12/7 12/ 11 12/24 - 12/25 12/31 - 1/2

DECEMBER Volunteer Orientation & Safley Training from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

NARHA On-site Workshop and Cert ificat ion at High Hopes End of fall program No High Hopes Classes - Closed No High Hopes Classes - Closed

10/02 10/12 I 0/15

A Tradition of Excellence in Therapeutic Riding