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Photo: Rider regains confidence with his horse by leading volunteer on trail ride.
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Notes from the Executive Director
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Dear Hearts Friends & Family,
Devon Sachey, Hearts' Program Director, and I looked at each other in wonder the other day because of the activity embracing Hearts right now. Not only do we have new horses coming in, we're welcoming new riders and EFL participants, counting RSVP's for our Barn Dance, preparing our riders for CALNET (a horseshow for athletes with disabilities at the LA Equestrian Center), getting ready for our own Horseshow, and prepping for five weeks of Summer Camp. If you're impressed, so are we!
Hearts has really come a long way and the hustle and bustle are both invigorating and satisfying.
It is with such great pleasure that I announce Hearts is impacting children and adults with disabilities in greater numbers than ever in its history. Our program and volunteers have risen to the occasion with trainings every weekend, instructors getting certified at every opportunity, and the continued growth of our herd. We also have a wonderful reputation in the community for our professionalism, and even more importantly, the magic that seems to occur when our riders, participants and volunteers interact with our horses. It's one of the most difficult experiences to explain to the uninitiated.
If you've spent time with a horse, breathing in its warmth and feeling its vitality through your fingers, you will start looking at the world a bit differently. There's a connection that all living beings have, and for some reason, that connection is more intently felt when you're with a horse. They are incredible creatures and every day I feel blessed that we are lucky enough to work with such a dependable, solid group--of horses and people!
I am also grateful to all of you who have supported Hearts with donations of all kinds--we could not provide the services we do, or be such an integral part of the Santa Barbara community without you. So if you want to help raise additional funds and have a great time doing it, please be sure to RSVP to the Barn Dance on Friday, April 28
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at the Carriage Museum. Space is limited, and we're already filling up (tickets are $100 per person/$175 per couple). The band, "Caught Red Handed" and line-dance instructor, Tabitha, will be on-hand to help us celebrate into the evening. And I have it on good authority that the tri-tip, chicken and mac and cheese are going to be amazing!
So let the merry-making and magic continue into April--we're ready for it!
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Program Update
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As a former volunteer, I treasured every experience volunteering at Hearts.... even those with a pitchfork, if you know what I mean! I couldn't wait for that one day a week I got to muck, groom, sidewalk, hold a rider's hand, and laugh with fellow volunteers. Now, as Program Director, I value this experience even more. Simply put, volunteers put the "heart" in Hearts. It is the fulfillment volunteers get with every shift, the joy riders get with every ride, and the boundless heart our horses give that fills our facility with such good energy.
This is evident even to newcomers. When visitors arrive at Hearts, the first thing they tend to acknowledge is our "good energy" or "peaceful location".
With each compliment, I look around nodding in agreement, then proceed to give credit to our tremendous team of staff and volunteers that generate this good energy.
Last weekend was another one of those times our team got to share with new visitors how special Hearts truly is. During our spring break, Hearts welcomed 21 participants for the annual OSWC (Instructor workshop and certification). The weekend was filled with great learning opportunities and an engaging group "in passionate pursuit of therapeutic riding", as Shallon Dusebout so aptly put it! Once again, these participants were thoroughly impressed with our volunteers, horses, facility and amazing riders. Among the many compliments were the notable dedication, professionalism, and care of horses, riders and facility.
So from me to you, thank you to everyone for joining us in showing our visitors what good energy Hearts is made of. It is my hope that each of you know how valued you are, as individuals and as an integral part of our mission.
Warmly,
Program Director
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| Volunteer Update |
Climbing a hill takes strength--how we find it is different for everyone.
Do you find it in the people around you or in new opportunities or in challenging yourself? I had the opportunity to examine this concept recently as I pedaled my bike over a 2,014 ft climb--a first for me. One can train and plan and train some more, and when the moment arrives it's time to dig deep. Things come up, things you aren't always expecting: 40 degree temps, wind gusts, rain. As the body tires, the challenge becomes increasingly mental. It's time to pull out the internal tool kit, that place we all draw from. I use this time to see what I am made of, to bank strength so to speak, strength to focus on the moment, to BE present, and smile at the future. In these moments I will get back what I give, yet the greatest reward comes in simply staying the climb. On the last leg of the ride, I find my thoughts shift from myself to friends, family, mentors, acquaintances, circling back around to volunteers. I start going through the first names of volunteers, alphabetically, with details and images in my mind. With this climb comes an unmatched appreciation for all of you. I share this personal moment with you to let each and every one of you know you are truly appreciated, for all that you bring to Hearts and to one another, and for the climb.
Volunteers: please join us in celebrating YOU the week of April 24
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-30th for Volunteer Appreciation Week.
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Tuesday, April 24th - Saturday, April 29th
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Chili and Cornbread Team Lunch daily from 12:00-1:00pm in the Learning Center on your scheduled volunteer day!
- Sunday, April 30th: Bring a guest to our Volunteer Appreciation BBQ from 1:00-4:00pm at Hearts
Volunteer Director
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| Barn Dance: Save the Date! |
Invitations are out and we anticipate the event will sell out, so please be sure to respond with your RSVP asap!
The event is Friday, April 28th from 6-10pm at the Carriage Museum in Santa Barbara. Tickets are $100/person and $175/couple and must be purchased in advance.
In addition to the live band "Caught Red Handed," we will also have a gourmet catered BBQ, a silent auction, line dance instructor, and plenty of fun!
Call 805-964-1519 to purchase your tickets, today!
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| In Memory |
It is with great sadness and appreciation for their lives that we remember Dr. Bob Saunders, one of Hearts' esteemed vets, and Ruby Bradburn, a friend of Hearts. It is never easy to lose those we care about, but we are grateful we had them in our lives.
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| Heartsfelt Thanks |
To Sam Carey and The Towbes Group for hosting an incredible event, Give-a-Palooza, on the Decker's campus raising funds and awareness for the Santa Barbara Special Olympics. Hearts was invited to bring our "Mini" representatives, and we were so honored to be included.
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| A Mitvah for Hearts |
As she watched the impact Hearts has had on our participants, specifically her brother, Rebekah Miller has chose Hearts as her Bat Mitzvah Project. We are so grateful for her interest and support. Please visit her site to learn more about how Hearts has inspired her:
https://www.gofundme.com/rebekahs-mitzvah-challenge
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| Summer Camp Director Wanted |
Do You Like Working with Horses?
Do You Like Working with Kids?
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers a safe and integrated summer horse experience for children ages 6-10 with and without disabilities in the Santa Barbara area. Hearts Therapeutic is seeking a seasonal Summer Camp Director to manage day to day activities of our Hearts Beginner Horse Camp.
Under the supervision of the Hearts Program Director, the Summer Camp Director is responsible for the overall direction and management of the Hearts Beginner Horse Camp. This includes, but is not limited to: program development; training, supervision and evaluation of camp staff; the safety and development of each child; serving as the point person for community partners and parents; and the overall administration of all camp activities.
The Camp Director will cultivate an age-appropriate, creative, and flexible summer program that reflects the mission and vision of the organization. As such, Camp Director will organize a variety of stimulating and challenging horse activities appropriate for children 6-10 years old.
The Camp Director oversees and supervises approximately four camp counselors, one camp instructor and 20 volunteers per week, which includes leading daily staff meetings, evaluating the quality of instruction and activities, and providing supervisory feedback when necessary.
This is a part time summer position, 8:30a-1:30p, Mon.-Fri. over seven weeks, June-August. Please send resumes to
[email protected]
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Volunteers Needed... Join the Team!
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Volunteer Opportunities - Join the TEAM!
We are looking for additional support during the following times:
Thursday mornings
(8:30am-12:30pm)
Friday afternoons
(1:00pm-5:00pm)
Saturday mornings
(8:30am-12:30pm)
Saturday Volunteer Training Team
(8:30am-12:30pm) Seeking experienced volunteers to assist with weekly volunteer trainings starting May 1st as we move volunteer training to Saturday mornings!
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| Save the Date! |
APRIL
Apr. 11th: Team Captain Meeting
Apr. 15th: Join-Up & Leading
Apr. 19th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
Apr. 22nd: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
Apr. 24th - 30th: Volunteer Appreciation Week
Apr. 28th: Barn Dance at the Carriage Museum
Apr. 29th: Grooming & Tacking
Apr. 30th: Volunteer Appreciation BBQ
MAY
May 3rd: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
May 6th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
May 13th: Join-Up & Leading
May 17th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
May 20th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking/Camp Training I
May 27th: Grooming & Tacking
JUNE
June 3rd
: Horse Show
June 10th: Join-Up & Leading
June 11
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-18th
: Session Break, Hearts Closed
June 14th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
June 17th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
June 24th: Grooming & Tacking
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