It's hard to believe we're just two weeks away from the start of a new year--Miss B is looking merry, and as you can see in this video of Paxton, she and the rest of the herd are looking forward to opening their presents!! As I reflect on 2021, I am thankful for all we've been able to accomplish: finally being fully re-opened, starting the NIH sponsored research study, offering summer camps and this fall resuming in-person school groups! Most importantly, thanks to vigilance on everyone's part, we've been able to keep the farm a safe space for clients, volunteers and staff. Thank you to everyone for keeping safety for all top of mind!
As we close out the year, we are full of hope for 2022 and are looking forward to a busy lesson schedule and being able to offer more continuing education for staff and volunteers. As you'll see below, we'll be kicking off the new year on Jan. 6th with a mandatory annual volunteer training/review (the first of four offerings for 2022--volunteers need to attend just one these) and a Meditation followed by Grooming with Gratitude workshop by Linda Crabtree on Jan. 8th for volunteers and staff.
On behalf of RTT's Board and staff, our deepest appreciation to everyone who has helped to make 2021 a successful year despite the ongoing pandemic challenges. We are blessed to consider you all as a large extended family and as always, if you have questions please reach out to me via email.
With warm wishes for a joyous holiday season and a healthy and happy new year!
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Annual Volunteer Trainings and Continuing Education
As part of our compliance with PATH Intl accreditation standards, we will be holding four trainings for volunteers in 2022. ALL volunteers are asked to attend one of the trainings (each will cover the same information, so there is no need to attend more than one). The dates are:
- Thursday, January 6th: 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Monday, April 25th: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 16th: 1:00-3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 16th 1:00-3:30 p.m.
We will be sending information out about the January training soon. If you are interested in attending that training, please email Nick. In addition, we ask that your Volunteer Registration form is updated at the start of each year. A link to this document is here.
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On January 8th, we will also be offering a Linda Crabtree workshop on Meditation followed by Grooming with Gratitude. We will be holding two sessions (9-12:30 and 1:30-4:00) . Space is limited to 15 for each session. If you are interested in attending this please contact Kate. The fee for this workshop is $20.00.
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Learn about Volunteering for Driving Lessons!
Therapeutic Carriage Driving lessons provide an amazing and unique way for our participants to connect with horses! Our driving instructor, Mario Pascarelli, will be holding an information session on Wednesday, January 5th at 9:00 a.m. at RTT for volunteers interested in learning more about this part of our program. Driving volunteers learn about all aspects of the program, including the opportunity to drive! Please email Nick if you would like to attend!
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Leading from the right hand side!
In last month's newsletter, Kristin reviewed best practices for leading horses! In this video clip, she demonstrates leading from the off -- or right side -- and talks about why that is important for our horses. Enjoy!
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RTT Clients: 2022 Sign ups! |
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The winter term is right around the corner. If you haven't already done so, please fill out a Winter Term Sign Up Form form and email it to Kate.
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The 2022 calendar can be found here.
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Here is a link to the 2022 Scholarship application 2022 Scholarship Application. Please remember, new applications are due each calendar year! Also, financial information is best transmitted either directly by fax (207-892-6823) or by mail: 14 Lilac Drive, Windham, ME 04062. For security purposes, please DO NOT EMAIL FINANCIAL INFO!
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Welcome Smokey! In November, Smokey began a 60-day trial period at RTT. Smokey is a 14-year-old dark bay quarter horse with lots of training in flatwork, dressage and experience on trails. His owner, Kim, is so kind to share him with us and is helping out by exercising him on the weekends. Smokey has a super friendly, inquisitive personality that has already won the hearts of all that work with him. He loves his treats, too (just don’t try to give him a peppermint—yuck!) In the time that he’s been here, Smokey has gotten to know most of the instructors and has shadowed lessons. He is doing great will all aspects of his integration and we can’t wait to have him in lessons after the holiday break! |
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Immediate Staff Needs!
As many of you know RTT is in need of barn staff! Many thanks to everyone who has pitched in as we work on a reorganization plan for these critical positions. We are seeking individuals with significant equine care experience including feeding and handling horses to help with am and pm chores, including weekends. If you know of anyone who would be a good fit please contact Sarah. Our horses are at the heart of all we do at RTT, so finding the right personnel to care for them is key to our mission!
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This is the Giving Time of the Year!
RTT is fortunate to have so many generous volunteers and donors who make our work possible. During the holiday season there are many ways you can support RTT's clients, horses and/or programs.
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Support the Rider and/or Denise Clemens Horse Funds: Click here to make a gift in honor/memory of a loved one. RTT will send a note regarding your gift!
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Amazon Smile: Choose RTT as your charity of choice on Amazon Smile, while you're shopping, pick out a few items on RTT's Wish List!
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Bags for a Cause: Windham Hannaford Helps: For the month of December, Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the reusable Community Bag at the Hannaford store located at 797 Roosevelt Trail, Windham Mall, No. Windham ME!
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CLYNK Bags: an easy way to return bottles and cans to benefit RTT!
- Pick up CLYNK bags with RTT tags--call Lorena to arrange a time for pick up at 892-2913 x10.
- Fill the bag with your returnable bottles and cans – up to 20lbs per bag
- Drop off at participating Hannaford Supermarket CLYNK locations.
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Shop at Triple Mountain Model Horses: Triple Mountain Model Horses in Hiram, Maine (DownEast magazine's Best of Maine Toy Store 2021) has chosen Riding To The Top as their non-profit beneficiary for their "1% to charity" program, beginning 11/29/2021!
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Student from Germany in need of a Host Family!
Are you interested in hosting an exchange student? Mia, 17, is from Germany and is a Greenheart exchange student who fosters horses at home on an old farm with her family and two dogs. Her dad is a chimney sweeper, her mom is an accountant, and she has two younger sisters. She takes care of her little sisters when her parents are out, and she works as a waitress in a restaurant in her free time.
She is an A student, who speaks English well and she also speaks French! She is a Christian and would like to attend church. Mia will arrive in January and she will be attending Windham High School. Please contact Faith Morse: 207-333-7089 faithmorse@masiello.com for more information. The deadline is 12/17 to find a host family.
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