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(Photo: Ariel, 2017 Courtesy of: Chloe Matson)
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Notes from the Executive Director
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Dear Hearts Friends & Family,
Happy New Year!
I hope you had a joyous holiday with friends and family. It was quiet at Hearts, with the horses and staff taking two weeks of much needed vacation. Looking back at 2016, it seems that, as a society, we went through a great deal of tumult. Whether it was passion for a particular political figure, sorrow over the loss of an icon, fear of political or economic change--the quiet two weeks that closed out the year felt like a salve. Sometimes we need a little peace to appreciate the important things.
As Executive Director, Hearts is one of those important things for me, and I'm so grateful to all the people who feel the same way. We are starting 2017 with a strong sense of security due to the support of our donors and the successful outcomes of our grant requests.
Given that, I believe Hearts will have a great year as we:
- Strengthen our herd of therapy horses, ensuring we have healthy horses of all sizes for our Riders.
- Grow our three programs: Therapeutic Riding (TR), Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL), and Operation Unbridled Freedom.
- Create a larger scholarship pool to make our programs even more accessible to the Santa Barbara community.
- Educate our volunteers and staff with clinics and lectures from leaders in the equine field.
- Ensure the FUN continues and our Riders continue to learn and grow.
Hearts will also be growing--I'm excited to announce Duane Harsh is now a full time staff member at Hearts, taking on the role of Barn Manager. You can send your congratulations to
[email protected]. And I am seeking a part-time Development Director to assist with fundraising. Please see the job description further down in the newsletter to see if you or someone you know meets the requirements.
I look forward to a peaceful and strong 2017, and to seeing you at the barn!
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Hearts Closures
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Please note Hearts will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 16th.
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| Program Update |
At the end of each year, I like choosing a word that defines my intentions for the year ahead. This word inspires and strengthens me. In difficult times, it will be my subtle reminder to keep moving forward. More importantly, it will encourage me to continue growing into the best version of myself. Last year's word was "Adventure!" I challenged myself to view life with an adventurous spirit and think outside the box. I challenged myself to GO on adventures. And I adventured into new territory as a prospective homebuyer.
The key to finding my word for the upcoming year is to recollect on previous successes, areas that I want to improve, and the people that were along for the ride. Now I won't recap my entire last year, but let's just say the reason for sharing this motivational secret is because my riders and mentors at Hearts have been my muses-they are the inspiration behind the 2017 word...
"Resolve!"
This concept represents purpose, steadfastness, willpower, resoluteness, courage, and intention. Everything that our riders, my mentors--and the rest of the Hearts community--represent. The strength and resolve our riders possess along with the resoluteness my mentors inspire me to uphold is inspirational. In fact, our Riders' resolve to surpass expectations is contagious!
So with courage and resolve, I welcome this New Year and express my gratitude to all those at Hearts that have inspired this to be the best one yet!
Program Director
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| Hearts-felt Thanks! |
To
Dawn Nelson
who pulled costumes, volunteers and riders together so we could make a splash at the 2016 Santa Barbara Downtown Holiday Parade. The theme "Under the Sea" is not the easiest to manage, but with Nick Sebastian acting as a spectacular King Neptune, and our minis as "sea-reindeer" it all worked and we had a fantastic time! Thank you for your hard work!
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| Volunteer Update |
The importance of fun and joy in life is something I hold close at hand. I believe 2017 will be my best year so far, and my hope is it will be the same for you. This is far from a New Year's resolution. Living in joy happens with awareness and often with intention. Volunteers deliver joy in abundance. I received joy all this week seeing the smiles and experiencing the enthusiasm both volunteers and riders brought to Hearts following the winter break; like a breath of fresh air.
What better way to experience joy than by loving what you do, loving who you do it with, loving who you do it for. Look for joy everywhere. Share your gifts. You may just find your joy. It is said you teach best what you most need to learn. Volunteer. Make this your best year. I look forward to working with you.
Community Development Director
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| Pony Painting Party Raises Funds for Rider |
On Saturday, December 4
th, several artists and mother/daughter pairs came to Hearts to paint and raise money for one of our young riders who was rushed to Los Angeles last month due to complications arising from her brain tumor. We were happy to raise $500 to help her family during this difficult time, and hope to see her at the ranch, soon!
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| Hearts' 2017 Event Calendar |
We've had so many people express interest in our events last year, we wanted to help get them on your calendar as soon as possible! Please save the following dates... more information to follow!
Friday, April 28th:
Hearts Barn Dance at The Carriage Museum
Saturday, June 3rd & Sunday, June 4th:
32nd Annual Student Horse Show at Hearts
Thursday, September 28th:
The Pegasus Luncheon at the Biltmore & Coral Casino
Wednesday, October 25th:
Hearts Halloween Spooktacular! at Hearts
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| Hearts Seeking PT Development Director |
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center is seeking a part-time (20-30 hours/week) Development Director. The Development Director will spearhead development efforts as Hearts continues to grow.
Qualified applicant has a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of successful experience in this field.
QUALIFICATIONS
* BA (required)
* 5 plus years experience in development and fundraising with demonstrated success in a development, planning special events and donor cultivation.
* Successful track record and tangible experience of having expanded and cultivated existing donor relationships over time.
* Demonstrated excellence in organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
* Must be creative, innovative and visionary, as well as possess the ability to execute goals to achieve high results.
* Flexible and adaptable. Hearts is a unique and rustic environment full of hay and horses-be prepared to work in the dust!
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Volunteers Needed!
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Seeking Volunteers for
Tuesday mornings
(8:30-12:30pm), and
Friday afternoons
(1-5pm)! A great way to experience joy in the community through dedication and time.
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JANUARY
Jan. 14th: Join-Up & Leading
Jan. 16th: Martin Luther King Day, Hearts Closed
Jan. 18th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
Jan. 21st: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
Jan. 28th: Grooming & Tacking
FEBRUARY
Feb. 4th: Join-Up & Leading
Feb. 8th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
Feb. 11th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
Feb. 14th: Valentine's Day
Feb. 18th: Grooming & Tacking
Feb. 20th: President's Day, Hearts Closed
Feb. 22nd: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
Feb. 25th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
MARCH
Mar. 4th: Join-Up & Leading
Mar. 8th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
Mar. 11th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
Mar. 18th: Grooming & Tacking
Mar. 22nd: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
Mar. 25th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
Mar. 26 - Apr. 2nd: Spring Break, Hearts Closed
Mar. 31st - Apr. 3rd: OSWC
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