"Where flowers, bloom so does hope." - Lady Bird Johnson
 
If the plum tree blossoms around NCEFT are any indication, NCEFT has hope in abundance. After months of dreary rain, fog and storms, the horses and humans around the barn seem to be bursting with delight in these early spring days. With crisp blue skies and bright sunshine warming a little more each day, the sensory trail is back open for trail rides, spring activities are starting to gain steam and we have even caught our horses taking sunbaths. 
Janie caught napping in the sun

Please read below for more information on all the exciting happenings around NCEFT. This spring, I wish you all the joys that come with this time of growth, blooming and beauty. If you can't find me at my desk, maybe I'm hiding out with Janie taking a sunbath!

 - Cherie Hammer, NCEFT Development Director 

Click to watch video NCEFT Goes Solar!
NCEFT GOES SOLAR
 
In the late spring of 2016, NCEFT raised funds through the Silicon Valley Gives campaign to install a complete solar power system. Less than seven months later, we flipped the switch and realized the dream of energy independence and sustainability. Thank you to all our donors and contractors for making this dream possible.
 
Thank you to the following individuals and companies who worked on the installation:  John Murnin, SunPower;  Nermin Bubic, City Electric;  Gordon Armstrong, Redwood Electric;  Paul DeHaro, West Coast ASM.  And a special thank you to Bill Given, whose leadership and support made this dream possible.
 
Watch this video of all the hard work involved in putting in our system and see the immediate and dramatic benefits to our PG&E bill!

Watch video NCEFT Goes Solar! >
Come watch our riders shine!
SPRING FLING RIDING SHOWCASE
On Sunday April 9th, our covered arena will be filled with smiles as our adaptive riding clients and hippotherapy patients show off their riding skills and special horse companions.  Some ride English, some ride Western. All have their moment to shine for family, friends and NCEFT supporters.  This event is free and open to all! Please come cheer on our riders and enjoy a delightful day at NCEFT.
 
NCEFT patients and clients: Participation is optional, but highly encouraged! Due to horse availability and logistics, rider participation in the Spring Fling is by application. Space is limited to 40 riders. Each participant's NCEFT therapist or instructor must approve participation and will work 1:1 with each rider to prepare for the showcase. Click below to apply for the show:

Spring Fling Participant Application Form > 
UNDERSTANDING HIPPOTHERAPY
 
When you first heard the term "hippotherapy" what image popped into your mind? You are not alone if you flashed on a hippopotamus instead of a horse in long lines with a patient on its back, surrounded by a therapist and two volunteers. Hippotherapy ("Hippo" is Greek for horse) is often misunderstood. It's not about riding a horse in a saddle. It is physical, occupational and speech therapy conducted by therapy teams on specially-trained horses.  T he horse's movement creates sensory input that helps the patient improve balance, core strength, sensory integration and self-esteem. 
Recently, the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), published a PowerPoint explaining hippotherapy in more detail. We recommend this for family members of our patients and anyone else who wants to better understand what happens in our arena every day. 

  Click to download AHA Hippotherapy PowerPoint > 

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS SWAN
In many ways Chris Swan, NCEFT Program Director and PT, is the heart and soul of NCEFT. Her roots go deep, starting as a PT intern with Barb Heine, NCEFT's former Program and Executive Director. Chris graduated from University of Vermont with a BS in health education/athletic training and worked as an athletic trainer for several years prior to attending University of the Pacific for a MS in Physical Therapy. She was lucky enough to train and work as a PT in the late 1990s with Barb Heine. Before returning to NCEFT in 2007, Chris had three boys and worked in out-patient orthopedic and home-health settings. Chris' unbridled enthusiasm and her fearlessness arerepresented in her varied interests, including everything from photography to kickboxing classes. Chris loves her work at NCEFT because, in her own words, "It is a never-ending puzzle. I have awesome patients and I can make them work really hard while playing and having fun." Read more fun facts about Chris:
 
Cherie: Where were you born?   Chris: Royal Oak, Michigan.
C: How long have you been with NCEFT?   Chris: Almost 10 years!
C: What's the most unique job you have even had?   Chris: This one!
C: Chocolate or Vanilla?   Chris: Easy. Chocolate.
C: What's your favorite horse color?   Chris: Chestnut (of course!).
C: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go ?   Chris: The Galapagos.
C: What is your favorite non-horse related activity?  
Chris: Photography.
C: iPhone or Android?   Chris: iPhone.
C: What is the last book you read?   Chris: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry: A Novel  By Fredrick Backman.
C: Favorite cartoon character?   Chris: Minions!

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK, DINNER & DRAWING
 
Volunteers are the backbone of NCEFT. Quite simply, NCEFT could not function without our corps of dedicated adults and youth who are committed to making a difference and giving generously of their time. While we appreciate our volunteers every day, for one week, April 24 - 28, we take the time to give them a little extra love.
 
If you are a volunteer, save the date for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday April 27th 6-9pm at NCEFT. Please bring a guest and enjoy an open taco bar, yummy desserts and beverages. Please RSVP on the signup sheet in the volunteer room.
 
As a special treat, we will be holding a drawing for three lucky volunteers to have a horseback riding lesson with Marty Raynor, NCEFT Barn Manager, on an NCEFT horse! Volunteers earn one drawing ticket for each hour worked between February 15, 2017 and April 15, 2017. Don't forget to record all those hours! The drawing will be held at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.


Click to donate a vehicle today
CARS DONATIONS TO NCEFT
Last summer, NCEFT launched a vehicle donation program through CARS (Charitable Adult Rides and Services). In just the first few months of the program, NCEFT has benefitted from the donation of eight vehicles (cars, trucks and even a horse trailer!), bringing us over $6,100 in funds with two more pending sale!
 
You too can put your clunker out to pasture and benefit NCEFT. Vehicles do not have to be in running condition, and CARS accepts any kind of vehicle (car, truck, boat, motorcycle, trailer, RV, and farm equipment). NCEFT benefits directly from your donation, and you receive a tax-deductible receipt. Donating couldn't be easier; all you need is the title and registration. Make one phone call and CARS takes care of the rest.
 
If you have a vehicle to donate call 1-855-500-7433 or click below to fill out the forms online. 

  Click to Donate a Vehicle to NCEFT today! >