Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center
In This Issue
Reflections
Program Highlight
Community Quotes
Volunteers Needed
Staff Position Available
Volunteers Needed
Save the Date!
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August 2017 
Reflections
Dear Hearts Family & Friends,

Someone asked me recently what I liked most about working at Hearts. While it's hard to choose just one thing, I think the one that stands out to me is that every day I get to see the mission in action. Taking a break from my desk, and walking out to see a class, visit the campers, or talk to volunteers as they tack up horses - it's always a clear focus on our mission and seeing riders and participants expand their horizons, explore their limits, and find healing relief in the magic of the horses.

Our summer has been filled with our mission, from the many riders, to the busy summer camps - and we have just one more week of camp left for the year. Watching our participants have fun, feel excited, and look forward to coming back has been so amazing.

We have some exciting things ahead in the coming months with our Pegasus Luncheon on September 28th and our Halloween Event on October 25th. We hope to see you soon!

 Thanks for supporting Hearts!

Pamme Mickelson
Executive Director 
Program Highlight - Devon Sachey

Veteran shares unique bond with Hearts horse


Do you ever find yourself wondering, "What does HEARTS mean?" Horsemanship Exercise and Riding Therapy Support? Healing Equine Activities and Riding Therapy Services? Horses Empowering Adaptive Riding Therapies and Skills? Whatever acronym one conjures, imagine what it truly means to our participants.

While I can impart my rhapsody about therapeutic riding as a medically recognized form of therapy; how it is a medium to improve the quality of life for persons with cognitive, emotional and physical disabilities; or how the unique relationship formed with a horse can help improve interpersonal relationships, underneath this rests the true impact HEARTS bestows on our community.

Over the last 5 years, I have been enchanted with this powerful impact as it shapes our riders, community, staff, and even my own family. The biggest testament to HEARTS is its momentous community impact throughout the years as it has grown from a start up non-profit to a successful not-for-profit in the Santa Barbara Community.

As many of you know, Hearts manifested from a belief in the power of the horse over 32 years ago . It began with just two horses and two students. It has since blossomed over the years from 5 horses and 30 students, to 8 horses and 60 students, then 10 and 70, 12 and 80, and now 17 horses with over 100 weekly clients ! As we have expand ed our student base , programs, and spread the word about the benefits of therapeutic riding, so has our community's belief in the power of the horse.

This is something to be celebrated, something to be honored, something to be thankful for, and something I admire about every single individual that helped HEARTS mean something to our participants.
Community Quotes
 " You do a fabulous job with the students and horses and we are truly blessed to have you serving the needs of our community. Our folks at Alpha can't stop talking about their wonderful experience. Here's to many more rides!"
                                                      Alpha Resource Center

" Volunteering at Hearts has been such a source of inspiration to me! It's so much fun, and it's great to be a part of something that makes such a big difference in people's lives."
                                                     
A Volunteer
Volunteer Update - Dawn Nelson
 
The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you. Sometimes you need to talk to a child so you can understand life again. A child connecting with a horse opens their world up in an entirely different way, revealing life through every step with an equine partner at their side. These very steps help children build a connection with the world around them and strengthen our connections with each other. 
 
We officially have a massive opportunity and responsibility to provide an environment in which our children can thrive physically, emotionally, and mentally. Modern day children are exposed to a perpetual flood of information which they can't process or rationalize. They're growing up faster as we place them into adult roles and increase our expectations of them. Hearts provides a safe place for a balanced stillness, where the noise of life fades away - a peace for life to reveal itself. When we are absorbed in the horse experience, worries disappear and time stops as we move slowly and enjoy the surprise of what we encounter. Self-discovery, acceptance, and confidence are felt more freely next to a horse. Through moments in nature, the power of the horse, and a child's smile we stay connected at Hearts.

Part Time Assistant Needed... Join the Team!
Hearts is hiring a part time Marketing and Development assistant! It's a great way to be part of the Hearts team and join the fun we have here. For all the details, please check out the listing on our website: Please click here!
Volunteers Needed... Join the Team!

Volunteer Opportunities - Join the TEAM!
 
We are looking for additional support during the following times:
 
Tuesday mornings (8:30am-12:30pm)
Tuesday afternoons (1:00-5:00pm)
Friday afternoons (1:00pm-5:00pm)
 
Save the Date!
AUGUST
August 9th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
August 12th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
August 19th: Join-Up & Leading
August 26th: Grooming & Tacking
August 27th -September 4th: Hearts Closed
 
SEPTEMBER
September 6th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
September 9th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
September 16th: Join-Up & Leading
September 20th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
September 23rd: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
September 28th: Pegasus Luncheon 
September 30th: Grooming & Tacking

OCTOBER 
October 4th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
October 7th: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
October 10th: Team Captain Meeting 
October 14th: Join-Up & Leading
October 18th: Orientation (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
October 21st: Horsemanship & Sidewalking
October 25th: Halloween at Hearts   
October 28th: Grooming & Tacking