The High Hopes
• Winter
Inside this issue: Board Chairman & Executive Director Message Spotlight On Success The Gift of Hope
The Spirit of Giving
/VtuJerStlfl/ As we approachL r35th
29,000 Volunteer Hours
Ways to Give Giving Tree Wish List Sis's Trail of Hope
From the Horse 's Mouth Matches t o Make Therapeutic Magic
High Hopes Happenings Get into the Swing!
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilit ies Act, The High Hopes Rider is available in alternative formats upon request . Please contact Wendy Knight at Ext. 19.
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Thera peutic Riding, Inc. Phone : 860.434 . 1974 Fax: 860.434 .3723 www.highhopestr
.org
Anniversary at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc., we are reminded of how far we have come. High Hopes founder, Sis Gould, had a vision to help others. In 1974, she started a program out of a barn in Deep River. It was a "catch as catch can" program run exclusively by volunteers. Thanks to the help of many, this humble beginning has evolved into an internationally renowned, fully operating center with over 500 volunteers and 22 horses serving a population of 220 riders. Although Sis is no longer with us, many of her volunteers still continue to give. This spirit of giving remains the backbone of our success here at High Hopes. Although High Hopes has always been an effort of many, two individuals, in particular , come to mind who were instrumental in making Sis's dream a reality: Judy Lightfoot and Sally Aubrey. Judy and Sally were recruited by Sis for a variety of reasons. Judy had been active in other non-profits and Sally was instrumental in the development of another Therapeutic Riding Center in Fairfield County named Pegasus. Judy and Sally have been dedicated to the mission of our program as well as the continued development of the Therapeutic Riding industry. Sally has served on the High Hopes Board five terms in addition to her weekly volunteering in both the ring and the office. Judy, also a volunteer, is past Chairman
2009
of the Board of Trustees and a past president of NARHA. Over time , both have seen t he benef its therapeu t ic riding had on participan t s as well as their families and both have experienced many 'wo w ' mome nts. Sally shared a story of a 'nonverbal ' rider , who dismounted after six classesand said "horse." For Judy that 'wow' moment happened during a chance meet ing with a neurologist from Texas. The woman shared w ith Judy that she had been referri ng cl ients to a neighbor ing Therapeutic Riding Center and was continuously impressed by the progress she observed in her clients. Judy fondly remembers what this moment meant to her: Therapeutic Riding was gaining respect and significance; Sis's dream was coming true. In 1990, High Hopes had gained sufficient support and was able to comp lete construction of its own center. It was a huge turning point both for the organization and the Therapeutic Riding community. The new facility allowed High Hopes to operate on a larger scale and serve a greater population of riders; however, High Hopes had not finished dreaming yet. In 1995, High Hopes hosted the equestrian events in the Special Olympic Games resulting in national recognition and increased awareness of Therapeutic Riding. A little over ten years later, we are still growing. As an educational center, High Hopes is dedicated not only to its participants, but also to our volunteers who make each day possible, and the members of the Therapeutic Riding Commu nity. When Sis founded High Hopes, she set a standard for continued growth and learning. She inspired us to see the potential in others, to be proactive, and to never stop dreaming. As we celebrate our 35th Anniversary we invite you to look to the future, dream big, continue learning, share with others, and always be thankful for each day.