RTT Welcomes Summer and a start to Phase III!

It's hard to believe that July is here! Last week we successfully began our Phase III of re-opening the farm, starting back with independent clients. While it was wonderful to see some familiar faces back at the farm--volunteers, clients and family members, we are also still missing all those who are still waiting to return.

Many thanks to all of our staff who helped with preparing the farm for the resumption of lessons; and to our volunteers and returning clients for their patience with our new procedures! We are all doing the best we can in these circumstances and we know that things will continue to change as we learn more about COVID-19 and best practices.

I hope that in the coming weeks we will have a clearer picture of when we will be able to "open our doors a bit wider" including starting future Phases. In the meantime, we will continue our outreach to clients and volunteers through this newsletter (now bi-weekly), phone calls and emails. If you have any questions or concerns, please email or call me at 892-2813, x 12.

Be well,

Sarah
Sarah Bronson, PT
Executive Director
An update on RTT's phased re-opening plan can be found here .
Featured Horse of the Week... Andy!

Andy is one of a few special Haflingers on the farm, distinguished by his uniquely dark coat and stocky build. Andy is 21 years old and has been at RTT for 9 years! He is one of our most dependable lesson horses, and with his steady gate, calm nature, and strong back he is able to carry almost anyone from small kids to adults. Andy is steadfast, patient, and full of personality.
Andy shares his thoughts with you...

Hi everyone, Andy here. I think everyone knows me as a farm favorite, a steady fellow who can be relied upon. With my deep palomino coat, luxurious blonde mane and tail, and broad blaze, everyone says that I am a “looker”! I am known for my patience, kindness, love for treats (and grass!), and my sense of humor! Because I’m so steady and strong, while still being a pony, I fill a role on the farm that is hard to match. I have a huge personality and I can pretty much make anyone laugh -- and love me. I love trail riding and swimming in the ocean (both of which I am missing so much right now). For the past few months, I have been healing from an injury, so I have had to be in the barn a lot. However, I recently had a medical treatment that is making me feel so much better and I have been able to go out on the grass too - which helps! It may be a while before I can be in lessons again, but I hope you will come visit me while I'm recovering!
RTT From Home
Can you match the instructor to their 'vintage' pic?? Try this matching game to see if you can identify your instructors from way back when!

You might spot some safety faux-pas along the way - as we like to say 'know better, do better' and we certainly know a lot more about safety these days!
Grilling with Nick!
Usually by now, Nick would be grilling up a storm for RTT participants and volunteers at various events. Since we have missed many of these special occasions, Nick showed us some of his favorite recipes for the grill - using RTT's All Purpose Denny Mike's seasoning (available for purchase at the farm)!
Staffing Changes

In June, Laura Rochette, our Office Manager for the past 9 months, left RTT for a new position. Laura had quickly learned the many tasks of the front office and was always willing to help out with the many "additional duties" at the farm. We wish her the very best in her new job.

Last week, Lorena Coffin, our former Office Manger, returned as our Interim Office Manager, and she'll be with us at least through the summer. Lorena will work a couple of days in the office and the rest of the time remotely. Welcome back, Lorena!

Email contact info for the the front office remains the same!
Continuing Education for Volunteers!
**Covid-19 Zoom Trainings**

We are continuing to offer Covid-19 training via Zoom - please note that you must complete the training to return to volunteering at the farm . Once you are trained we can work towards finding times and tasks that work for you! Our next trainings are July 15 at 9:00 am and 12:00 pm . Email Nick for more information and to RSVP! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or need an alternative to Zoom.
Stay Connected
Follow us on Social Media
If you don't already, follow us on social media to see herd and farm updates. Find us on  Facebook   , Instagram (@ridingtothetop),  YouTube   , and on our private  RTT Participants and Volunteers group   .

Send us an e-mail
We want to  hear from you ! Tell us what you want to see from us, or just send us a hello!

Keeping Track!
We have been packing these newsletters full of information and resources and wanted a way to keep track of it all.   This document   contains links to  RTT Safe at Home Activities and Resources!
Shopping from home? Shop for RTT!
Choose RTT as your charity of choice on Amazon Smile , while you're shopping, pick out a few items on RTT's Wish List !
Riding To The Top | ridingtothetop.org