Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center in Middletown, CT , a member of the Hospital for Special Care community, kicked off the fall season with our annual Mane Event fundraiser. The BBQ and silent auction raised over $60,000 to support program services. The center enjoyed a busy fall semester with over ninety participants benefiting from therapeutic riding and other equine assisted activities. We were especially grateful to the Community Foundation of Middlesex County for their support of our Pathways Youth Development program. Twelve youth ages 10-18 years, gained greater self-awareness and confidence through ground work focused on building trust-based relationships with the horses. The fall semester also welcomed back Middletown’s Macdonough elementary school students. Children identified as having experienced trauma and academically at risk, enjoyed both riding and unmounted activities that assist in emotional regulation and life skills. For more information about Manes & Motions, please call 860-685-0008 or visit us at: hfsc.org/sports-and-fitness/manes-and-motions/

Shepard Meadows in Bristol, CT, is proud to have two of our staff members recently certified as therapeutic riding instructors – Amy Degumbia and Katie Rogers. Earlier this month we held our second annual holiday open house; it was a beautiful day and well attended by the community with over 150 people. We are fortunate to have a working blacksmith shop on the premises and our board president, Dave Desmarais provided demonstrations throughout the day. We are pleased to have two new community partners for Equine Assisted Learning including the Bristol Boys and Girls Club. We look forward to a wonderful 2020 with continued growth!

High Hopes in Old Lyme, CT 2018-2019 Annual Report is available to read online at:
https://highhopestr.org/11/19/2018-2019-annual-report/ . If you would like to receive a hard copy, please contact Sara Qua, Development Director,  squa@highhopestr.org

The 9 th  Annual Holiday Market took place on Sunday, November 17, 2019. Over 3,000 people came through the gates, for a day of fun, food trucks, fantastic vendors, fine wines and small bites in the tasting tent, and a fabulous collection for the food panties. Due to the generosity of our Event Partners, Benchmark Wealth Management, entry to the market is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries and this year over 2,900 lbs. was donated by our visitors.  https://highhopestr.org/holiday-market-2019/holiday-market-round-up-and-thanks-to-all/
 
High Hopes will be running several workshops in February aimed at those involved in Volunteer Management and Non-Profit or TR Center Administration.
  • February 3, 2020 Volunteer Management 1 – Recruit—Train—Schedule—Retain (suitable for all non-profits)
  • February 4, 2020 Volunteer Management 2 – Program Specific Training – Placement – team-based solutions
  • February 10, 2020 Administration 1 – Facilities, Standards, and Risk Management (1/2 day)
  • February 10, 2020 Administration 2 – Non-Profit Organization & Administration (1/2 day)
  • February 11, 2020 Administration 3 – Non-Profit Development, Event Management & Communications
 
Find these and many other one-day workshops at:
 
Saturday, February 8, 2020 – Managing Challenging Rider Behavior– Registration DEADLINE January 8, 2020
This workshop is ideal for those seeking an interactive experience to further their understanding of participant behavior and behavior management techniques utilized in the TR and EAAT setting. The objective of this workshop is to provide instructors with an understanding of the functions of behaviors, and how to utilize research-based theories and strategies to respond to difficult situations. Participants will work in small groups utilizing strategies to problem solve common issues in the EAAT setting. The topics build upon one another as the day progresses, so at the end of the day each participant can go home with the tools knowing the answer to the big question of, “What do I do when my participant does _________________?”

PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning
February 15-18, 2020 –  DEADLINE January 13, 2020 – But normally fills fast so register early! 
The workshop is a requirement of the ESMHL certification. It is beneficial to have horsemanship skills and experience when attending the workshop but it is not required. Horsemanship Skills Test:   The skills test is held on day 4 following the ESMHL workshop.

For a list of all workshops and certifications available at High Hopes, together with deadlines and registration details, please go to:   https://highhopestr.org/event/esmhl-feb2020/