❤️February Volunteer Newsletter ❤️

Upcoming Events

All of February

Valentines Fundraiser

February 19th, 2024

4:30pm-6:30pm

New Volunteer Open House

March 2nd, 2024

Last Day of Winter Session

March 7th, 2024

Rec Ride

March 16th and 17th, 2024

SMILES Equine Seminar and Tack Sale

March 23rd, 2024

9am-12pm

New Volunteer Training

Let's start with a big THANK YOU to our dedicated Winter volunteers for braving the winter elements to keep programing going!

Did you know we fill 154 volunteer spots every week?

This all happens because of you!

Yes, we had quite a few classes canceled due to weather, however please always assume we have class, unless you get a phone call/text or email.

We also post on social media for any cancellations.

Below is a link to the SMILES Facebook page.

Visit our SMILES Facebook page!

Who is Ready for Spring Session?

Spring will be a very busy session, so we are needing all the hands we can get!

2024 Spring Session Sign Up

This session begins on SATURDAY, March 30th!

New Volunteer Open House!

Spread the word! Do you know someone who would be interested in volunteering at SMILES?

We are gearing up for a busy Spring Session and are needing new volunteers to join the SMILES family!

February 19th, 2024

4:30-6:30pm

at the SMILES facility

Share with your friends and family!

Click here for email to RSVP!

Volunteer Workdays

Friday, Feb 9th, 12pm-4pm

Saturday, Feb 10th, 1pm-4pm

We are needing some volunteer support for an upcoming fundraising event.

These workdays will include indoor arena, lobby and barn prep and cleaning.

If you are available to assist, please email Melinda:

volunteer@smilestherapeuticriding.org

and let us know the day/time you are available. We will contact you either way.

Thank you!

Event Volunteer Opportunities

Cleaning Tack for the March Tack Sale Fundraiser

Wednesday, February 7, 9AM-12PM

Wednesday, February 14, 9AM-12PM

Wednesday, February 21, 9AM-12PM

Wednesday, February 28, 9AM-12PM

Wednesday, March 6, 9AM-12PM

Help with Tack Sale Set Up

Wednesday, March 13, 9AM-12PM

Thursday, March 14, 9AM-12PM

Friday, March 15, 9AM-12PM

Tack Sale Volunteer Positions

Saturday, March 16, 8AM-3PM

Sunday, March 17, 10AM-2PM

Have you ever wanted to join an event committee at SMILES? SMILES is looking for members for our Food Booth Committee. This committee will help come up with a menu for the events that require a food booth, help find donations of the food for the menu, and will take turns helping at the food booth during the events. It is a great committee that is involved with almost every event. Reach out to Emily if you are interested.

events@smilestherapeuticriding.org

262-882-3470, Option 6

Event Volunteer Opportunities Sign Up

February Volunteer SPOTLIGHT!

Meet Monica Uselding

How did you become involved with SMILES and how long have you been volunteering? As a Physical Therapist in the community, I first heard about SMILES from a patient. Then while volunteering at a cancer fundraiser in Delavan, the Boss foursome was there with their SMILES shirts on and I knew I needed to check it out. I have been volunteering since fall of 2021 with SMILES.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in the northern Chicago suburb of Waukegan IL. I took hunter jumper lessons when I was younger at an area barn and was fortunate to help with my families herd of mostly rescues in the Galena, IL area until after college.

Who is your favorite horse at SMILES and why? This is a hard one as they are all so special and unique. I think Judy and I have a special bond. I was able to lead her with one of her first students and quickly fell in love with her steadfast nature. She is so beautiful inside and out. Her kindness and quality of movement I just love.

Do you have a favorite SMILES event? If you are new, which event are you most interested in attending? I absolutely love the Student Horse Show. Seeing the pride, joy, and accomplishments from all the riders is just amazing. I’m so proud of them all and it truly is a celebration. It’s also great to meet other volunteers and students that I might not normally see or meet.

What would you say to someone who is interested in volunteering at SMILES? There is no time like the present to join!!! If you love animals and people, it’s a magical place that will fill your heart. From the moment you walk in the door, you will understand how special it is.

Is there anything else you'd like your fellow volunteers to know? I would like to thank all SMILES volunteers and staff. It’s so rare to find such a wonderful, caring, supportive, inclusive, and welcoming culture in an organization. This just doesn’t happen on its own, it takes work and the right people. SMILES is so special to me and I’m so proud to be part of the team. Thank you everyone for all that you do to create this team. 💗

From the Barn

Did You Know???

This month, we are learning about one of our newest therapy horses, Gin! For those that have not had the opportunity to work with Gin, she is a gaited Tennessee Walker, which means her movement is different from a traditional horse. Gin came to us from a local family that used her extensively for trail riding. Prior to coming to SMILES, Gin had a procedure on her stifle called a MPD (Medial Patellar Desmotomy) which now causes her gait to look a little different. The stifle joint can lock into place which is commonly known as a “sticky stifle.” This simple procedure (MPD) cuts the ligament to prevent the stifle from sticking, keeping Gin comfortable. Because of this procedure, Gin has a shortened stride in her hind right leg. Watch this brief video and notice how her hind right leg does not extend as far as her left. Although her stride looks different, this does not cause any discomfort. Gin is unique in her movement, and we love her all the same! Next time you see Gin in class, see if you can spot the difference in her gait!