Reach 4A Star monthly news & updates |
|
April is National Volunteer Month |
|
In the United States, April is National Volunteer Month—a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes.
This year's theme, Volunteering Is Empathy In Action, is a great description of how Reach 4A Star volunteers operate. It affirms the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy. This profoundly human connection is at the heart of healthier individuals and stronger communities.
We are so grateful to all of our volunteers for their great work! We could not serve the community as we do without them!
|
|
Above: Instructor Justice Hayes with Leo |
|
Farewell Instructor Justice Hayes |
For the past ten months I have had the amazing opportunity to be part of the Reach 4A Star family. What started as my practicum placement for my senior year of my bachelor’s degree turned into an amazing opportunity to also instruct and become the volunteer coordinator. Coming from a background of horse training and riding instruction I just couldn’t turn it down. What I thought was just going to be a fun and doable job as I completed my final year of my degree turned into a once in a lifetime experience. During this time, I met some amazing people who truly made an impact in my life.
As of May 7th, 2022, I will no longer be a riding instructor or the main volunteer coordinator at Reach 4A Star. On Sunday, May 15th I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree in social work. On Monday, May 16th I will begin my new position as a substance abuse counselor. While I still plan to be involved with Reach 4A Star, it will not be at the capacity that I was.
It has truly been a blessing to get to know you all and thank you for an amazing year.
By Justice Hayes, Instructor
|
|
 |
Message From The Board
We have some unfortunate news regarding our newly selected Executive Director (ED) announced in the last newsletter. After taking the steps to hire Ryan Jackson, he was offered another position and decided it was better suited for him. Ryan's decision to leave our organization has us starting over in our search for a new ED. We are grateful that Ryan is still wanting to work with our organization on a volunteer basis and we wish him well in his new role. Karol Santistevan has had to resume the ED position until a new ED can be interviewed and hired. We, as a board, will work diligently and quickly on posting, interviewing and hiring again for our ED position.
Thank you to Karol for your willingness to work with us until we can find a future ED.
-Jennifer Hepp
Reach 4A Star Riding Academy
|
|
|
|
We are currently hiring
2 full time positions!
Executive Director-Seeking a minimum of five (5) year’s experience/background with non-profits that may include service to the community, health and safety, finance and budgets, etc. Candidates with successful grant writing/donor development and/or experience with equine assisted activities may receive preference. See the full job description here.
Adaptive Riding Instructor- Preference for someone already PATH Certified, but we will consider training the right candidate. Must have a minimum of one (1) year experience in working with riding programs and equine management.
|
|
|
|
April is Occupational Therapy Month!
Occupational Therapy (OT) Month is all about celebrating the holistic approach that Occupational Therapy has brought to healthcare. We feel very fortunate to have OT Therapists Karol Santistevan OTR/L, CTRI & Genie Hensley COTA/L, CTRI of Ropes & Roses Therapy Services working with clients at Reach 4A Star!
|
|
1st Photo: Karol Santistevan OTR/L, CTRI |
|
2nd Photo: Genie Hensley COTA/L, CTRI |
|
|
Above: Kelsey Mammen PPC, CTRI & Surprise |
One of the ways we help keep our horses happy, healthy, and promote longevity is through bodywork. One type of bodywork that we utilize is called the Masterson Method—which is an interactive bodywork method that relieves built up tension. Masterson practitioners utilize the responses of the horse to release tension. This method works with the horse’s nervous system. The horse actively participates in the process. So, rather than working ON the horse, we are working WITH the horse to address built up tension so that we can help improve movement, performance and overall health of the horse. Because the practitioner watches for the horse’s responses and adjusts accordingly, this method is a fast way to build a communicative relationship and trust with the horse. Our horses can take on a lot of physical and mental stress during their work days, and we utilize the Masterson Method to help reduce this stress so that it doesn’t build up over time. We are so thankful to be able to offer this method to our beloved therapy horses at Reach 4A Star Riding Academy. Currently, one of our long time volunteers, Rox, has attended the 5 day advanced course and works with the herd. In addition, our instructor, Kelsey, is finishing up her Masterson Method Certified Practitioner course in May. Completing this course took about a year and a half of intense course work and hands on work to be able to achieve certification. Anyone can learn Masterson Method—if you are interested please visit mastersonmethod.com to learn more.
Reach 4A Star Riding Academy
|
|
Above: Farrier Levi Hostetler attaching Ollie's special shoes |
|
Does The Horse Have Shoes? |
As a volunteer, it's a question I often hear. For many of our riders that is the extent of their knowledge of hoof care. Some of our riders learn the basic structures of the hoof and how to lift and clean the hoof. Domestic horses require daily foot care to stay healthy. It is important to clean dirt and manure from the underside of the hooves as well as remove any lodged rocks or sticks that can cause discomfort and bruising.
A horse’s hoof may look like a solid object, tough and hard all the way through. However, the hoof is made up of several different layers and structures, each with a specific function. The very outside of the wall is protected by the periople. This layer protects the moisture within the hoof. The coronary band runs around the very top of the hoof. This is a blood-rich band from which the hoof grows, somewhat similar to the cuticle on our fingernail. On the underside of the hoof is the sole. This is a concave, thick but flexible padding of hard tissue that protects the sensitive sole directly beneath the bones of the foot.
In the middle of the sole sits the V-shaped frog. The frog contacts the ground surface as the horse travels and helps the blood circulate in the foot. The cleft of the frog runs down the middle of the frog and aids in flexion and grip.
The average hoof is 3 to 4 inches in length and the horse grows a new hoof every year. Wild horses wear down hoof growth naturally, but domestic horses require regular trimming by a farrier. Each of our horses receives a visit from a farrier around every 10 weeks. Farriers specialize in equine hoof care and maintain the hooves by keeping them trimmed and balanced. Using tools such as rasps and nippers they cut away excess hoof walls, dead sole and dead frog the hoof material.
Some of our horses are wearing shoes on the front legs for therapeutic purposes. The need for corrective horseshoes may be indicated by gait abnormalities visible when the horse is working, abnormal hoof wear, or lameness. You can watch farrier Levi Hostetler apply corrective shoes to Ollie via this link and Vero via this link.
by Rox Monterastelli, Volunteer
Reach 4A Star Riding Academy
Horse Wellness Committee
|
|
5/21 Trail Mix Run Wyoming
Registration is open! Click Here to register now & join us on 05/21/2022
The Trail Mix Run is a 3 or 10 mile mixed surface run with challenging hills, spring creeks, and usually MUD! This race benefits the Reach 4A Star Riding Academy, which serves residents of all ages and abilities through equine assisted activities. There is also a 3 mile wheelchair and stroller accessible route!
*NEW* Virtual option! If you want to support the Riding Academy from afar, this is the perfect option for you! The shirt order is due by April 22nd - registration must be received by then to guarantee a shirt*
-------------------------------------------------
June 3 Reach 4A Star Golf Tournament
Location: Paradise Valley Community Club, 70 Magnolia, Casper, WY 82604
Registration begins at 2:30 am - 3:00 pm Shotgun Start
Entry Fee is $500 per Team of 4 or $150 per Individual
Includes: Green Fees, Cart, Range Balls, Prizes, Dinner
*Gold Level Team Sponsorship includes team fee
We are also seeking EVENT SPONSORS! Deadline to sign up for players is May 31 /Sponsorship deadline is May 20
More info and registration here
-------------------------------------------------
Kids Grief Camps
Camp #1 June 20,21,22 &
Camp #2 June 27,28,29
In partnership with Central Wyoming Hospice, we will be conducting 2 Grief Camps over three days each for Kids on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the last two weeks of June. Those interested in attending should contact hospice directly via CWHP.org .
|
|
|
|
You may have seen this story on KCWY TV and KTWO TV news last week. Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions asked us to help fulfill one of their patient's wishes to spend some time with horses. She hadn't spent time with horses in15 years and missed them because they had been an integral part of her life for 45+ years. Her pure joy filled the arena as she connected with our healing horses, Leo, Sandy and Summer. "There's nothing like it,." she said. "I'll take it with me." |
|
|
|
A huge THANK YOU to Rodeo Rick with his wonderful team at WYOGENEROSITY and The Gaslight Social Club for hosting Reach 4A Star as the charity of choice April 13th! Thanks to to everyone who donated items for this event, our volunteers who helped us with packages/baskets and everyone who came out and supported us, $2730 was raised. We are grateful!
|
|
|
|
We will train volunteers to work with our horses, even if they do not have horse experience. Initial volunteer training to be able to work with the horses is about 6 hours with mentorship continuing until a volunteer is ready to work on their own without partnering with a mentor. There are several ways to volunteer outside of our classes including caring for and feeding the horses.
The work our volunteers do is so important because it helps keep our horses in top condition and living their best life. We focus, not only on their physical well-being and comfort but also on their emotional well-being. For example, shedding season is in full swing and this time of year so having our volunteers brushing/grooming the horses as their winter coat falls out really helps their comfort level. Volunteers who are interested can also attend a mini Masterson method lesson where our Masterson expert, Kelsey Mammon, will demonstrate some very simple but beneficial touches that help the horses release tension and relax sore muscles any volunteer can do when they have time.
If you are interested in volunteering, please download here and fill out our volunteer application then email it to office@reach4astar.org .
By Maria Antonovich, Barn Manager
|
|
|
|
We are offering new VOLUNTEER FEEDER TRAINING monthly . Please share the following dates with anyone you know who might be interested in becoming a volunteer at Reach 4A Star.
🐎 Saturday May 7th 9-11am
🐎 Saturday June 11th 1-3pm
We will be scheduling new VOLUNTEER HORSE HANDLER/SIDE WALKER TRAINING soon.
Those interested in volunteering will need to fill out our volunteer application which can be downloaded from our website via this link and emailed to office@reach4astar.org. Horse experience is welcome but not required, as we will train.
|
|
2022 Session Dates
This year, to expand on our existing day camps working with Hospice (Grief Camp) & Girl Scouts (Leadership Camps), we will be offering 8 specialized 1/2 day programs serving 10 individuals each on Saturdays between July 5th- September 3rd. These programs will be focused on mental health & well-being for community members,
|
|
As always, we ask our Therapists, Instructors Volunteers & Clients to follow Health Department guidelines if you may have been exposed to Covid or have any symptoms of ANY contagious illness! Let's work together to keep everyone healthy. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
