Special Equestrians, Inc. April, 2009 - Issue 2
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April 18, 2009, 8 a.m.
Workday to Build Sensory Trail with FGCU Students at Special Equestrians
May 2, 2009, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open House/SE Rider Horse Show and Ribbon Cutting for Parent/Rider Viewing Area - Public is welcome
RSVP 226-1221
July, 2009, NARHA Premier Accreditation Site Visit
Date to be announced in next newsletter.
The ordering forms for our Commemorative Engraved Brick Program are
now availabe on our website. As soon as the first 100 bricks are ordered,
the engraved pavers will go into production.
Engraved Brick Link
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Ride-A-Thon...on the trail
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Greetings! |
 Special Equestrians 18th Annual Ride-A-Thon was a great day for all. Thank you to the 200 riders and 75 volunteers who came out to support our program. We earned close to $25,000 for the day! Special thanks to Mr. Syd Kitson and his Board for allowing us to have the Ride-A-Thon at Babcock Ranch, where it has been held for the last five years. It is an honor to present this fundraiser at such a spectacular location. We thank Arnie Sarlo and Casey Bruni for their help in the planning, and the Babcock Ranch personnel for being so gracious to all of us.
Gary and Pat Graef were the chief trail blazers and lunch planners for their 5th year in a row. The Lee County Auxiliary Mounted Patrol were there again to help with parking and monitoring the trails. Wayne Golden, EMT, and his crew were on call at the event, in case of an emergency. Our wonderful event sponsors included: Rib City, Coca Cola, Publix, Suncoast Portable Sanitation, The Hayloft, Ryder Orthopedics and Babcock Ranch.
The grand prize winner for highest pledge totals were Donna Messier and Tanner Malbon. They both won the beautiful custom belt buckles donated by The Hayloft. In addition, Donna was awarded a stay at the equestrian bed and breakfast, Our Father's Haven, in Bushnell, Florida. Tanner also won a $100 gift certificate to Best Buy. Congratulations to all our pledge earners and thank you for your support.
18th Annual Ride-A-Thon Photo Show
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Letter from Eric Hohman - Volunteer of the Year - 2008
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Speaking for myself, I would like to thank the
organization for all the joy and excitement that I see every Saturday at Equestrians.
I never knew what to expect the first time I came to Equestrians. Children with
so many different types of disabilities, but you would never know there was anything
wrong with any of them once they get on those horses. The smiles that come over
their faces once that horse starts to move, is just unbelievable! I knew at
that point I was hooked.
 You and the rest of the gang took us under your wings
and taught us to fly (horse wise)! I look forward to coming to Equestrians
every chance I get. We've had moments where we were so dead tired from working so
hard, we thought is this really worth it. The answer to that is yes, yes, yes!
I'm so glad that you and Equestrians have the faith in
us, to let us run your operations at the farm when Michele is out of town. Again I have to Thank not only you Jan, but Dee,
Sherry, Karen, Freda, Michele, and everyone else who has made me feel like
I can make a difference in the lives of these very special young people.
"I have a Special place in my heart for all those kids!"
THANK YOU!
Eric
P.S. I wanted to thank you for the wonderful recognition
of Volunteer of the Year. It was
definitely a surprise, thanks again.
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| Parent/Rider Viewing Area is a reality! |
Wow, the long awaited and much
needed Parent/Rider Viewing area is finally complete, and it is a spectacular
addition to our beautiful covered riding arena. Not only does it provide
comfort and shade, it also allows for an easy approach for our riders and
guests to the riding and mounting
area.
Though it may seem to some like the
finishing touch we have all been waiting for, be assured the SE volunteers are
hard at work adding additional amenities. There will be a
bulletin board to post important dates, reminders and safety information,
lighting, flowers, benches and grass. This area will be host to many exciting
events and to the SE "Miracle Trail" paver area. Be sure to order yours soon.
Total
project cost $ 33,347. Grant Funding received $ 30,000. Amazing!
We again want to
thank all our contributors who made this project a reality:
Southwest
Florida Community Foundation - Funding for Roof Structure
Claiborne and Ned
Fould's Foundation - Funding for
Concrete surfaces and paths Taste of Love 6 Patrons - Additional funding needed United Way of Lee,
Hendry and Glades - Funding for Sound System Bob Murray - Hole
Montes, Inc. - Design, Drafting, Permitting and Construction Supervision
Don Komito - Structural
Engineering Services
Craig Meyer - Craig Meyer & Associates - Design
- Drafting Services
Mark Stevens -
Stevens Construction Inc. - Permitting Support
Dave & George
Foote - Dave Foote Environmental Construction Inc. - Underground drainage
Brian Richardson, Sunbelt
Rentals - Donation of Bobcat for site preparation
George Richardson -
Site preparation |
Two Special Horses - They will always be remembered.
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In the past six months, two of our retired Special Equestrians' therapy horses have passed away. They have left us, but their spirit is with us and their unwavering service to children and adults with special needs will always be remembered.  Kaama, the little black pony who taught so many children and small adults to ride, came to Special Equestrians as a donated pony in 1994. She served Special Equestrians for the next 13 years and was nominated twice for NARHA horse of the year. She was always patient, steady and kind. Kaama was a pony we could always count on and trust. This wonderful little pony mare spent her retirement living with Karen and Craig Meyer. Kaama got the very best of care at their farm, which we call the Cold Comfort Spa for horses. We will miss her always.  Andy was donated to Special Equestrians in 1992 when we were at Hanging Tree Ranch. He gave his special gift of patience and heart to many little riders during his time with us. He was a valuable member of our therapeutic riding family for 9 years and when he needed to retire, Eileen Whaley became his new partner. She had a very special bond with Andy and we were so grateful that Andy enjoyed the rest of his eight years of life with Eileen. Andy was boarded at Dee Hollander's farm where he was doted on by Eileen, Dee, Sherry Gilbert and Jan Youngling. |
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We encourage you to forward this newsletter to anyone and everyone! You can help Special Equestrians' newsletter reach more people and spread the word about our therapeutic riding program which is "Making Miracles Happen."  Sincerely, |
Jan Fifer  Special Equestrians, Inc. PO Box 61528 Fort Myers, FL 33906-1528
239-226-1221 (o)
239-226-1279 (f)
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Special Equestrians' mission is to provide therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted activities to children and adults with physical and mental challenges. We serve individuals from Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties in Southwest Florida.
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