Dear Happy Hooves Friends and Family,
"I want to help others and make a difference in my community." I cannot tell you how many times I have heard these sentiments from our volunteers when they are asked why they are helping our therapeutic riding program. National Volunteer month is coming up in April, and Happy Hooves is always looking for volunteers to donate their time and talents!
One of our most recent volunteers told us of an experience he had while volunteering with special needs students in our School at the Barn program. He had side walked next to a young man and engaged him in conversation. Afterwards, the special needs teacher asked him how he knew her student. He said this was the first time they had met. The teacher was blown away at how much her normally quiet student was so comfortable engaging in conversation while on horseback. She said her student was normally not so verbal, but therapeutic riding changed that!
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Happy Hooves needs help Mondays through Fridays and horse experience is not necessary. You may get a bit of horsehair on your clothes, but you will also get plenty of hands on horse time, hugs, and the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in the lives of special needs children and at risk youth, one stride at a time.
We can't wait to see you soon,
Becky Sweeney,
"Then the King will reply: 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." ~ Matthew 25:40
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Volunteer Spotlight!
Jane Wyche
I first got involved with the Happy Hooves a little over 10 years ago. There was an article in the newspaper with photos about Eden Farms and all it offers children and adults. I quickly called, got the information and went for my orientation. Since then, I've volunteered with School at the Barn , individual therapy lessons and educational field trips.
I find it especially rewarding to help with the therapeutic riding lessons. A disability doesn't have to limit a person from riding horses. Experiencing the movement of a horse can be very therapeutic to a rider. I have seen children completely transformed when sitting in the saddle. One sweet little boy was able to walk a few steps after several lessons. Another child began to speak a few words. All riders love the horses, the games played while riding, and their instructor.
When I'm not at Eden Farms, I am at my home caring for my 3 horses, 4 rescued dogs and 3 rescued cats. One of the first Morgan horses I bred is a 2 time World Reserve Champion in the Hunter Pleasure division. His name is Jane's Addiction.
I met my husband Sam at Furman University and we have been married 52 years. We have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. We have lived in Pickens for 17 years. I grew up here and went to Pickens High. Sam played professional football for 9 years, was an assistant coach for the 49ers for 4 years and Buffalo Bills for 2 years. He was Head Coach for the Cincinnati Bengals for 8 years and Head coach for Tampa Bay Bucs for 4 years. After coaching, he was a broadcaster for the NFL on CBS and NBC. A year and a half ago he had a heart transplant and is in excellent health now. He has volunteered at Eden Farms, also.
I have made wonderful friends here - Amy and her family, Becky, and Avril- and all the other volunteers. We are like one big happy family!
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Wanted: Free Lease Horses
Do you have a horse that you would like to receive free daily board, lots of love, and make a difference in the lives of individuals in the Upstate of SC? Eden Farms and Happy Hooves are looking for horses to free lease to be part of our riding lesson program, therapeutic lessons for special needs children, trail rides, and summer camps.
We are looking for healthy horses between 6 to 15 years old. They need to soundly walk, trot, and canter in the arena. For over 16 years, Eden Farms has been family owned and operated and has offered horseback riding for all ages and abilities. The horse would remain under your ownership and we would provide it full board at Eden Farms and use it in our riding programs here.
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Like us? Love us? Please review us!
Your online reviews will help others find out about the horseback riding we offer here! It's free and easy!
For Eden Farms (able-bodied riding):
Please click here to review us on Eden Farms' Facebook page
For Happy Hooves (therapeutic riding):
Please click here to review us on the Happy Hooves' Facebook page
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Workplace Giving - Employee Matching Program
Many employers also have programs designed to match their employees' charitable giving, and this is an easy way to double your impact! You can ask your employer if they have an Employee Matching Gift program and you may be surprised to find out there are many companies who offer this.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Amy Goudelock and she will be happy to help you at
[email protected]
or 864-898-0043.
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Supporting us just got easier, every time you shop on AMAZON!
Every time you SHOP on Amazon, you can be donating to Happy Hooves at no extra cost to you. Just start your shopping here AmazonSmile and register Happy Hooves Inc. as your charity so all of your eligible purchases will benefit Happy Hooves!
And, SHARE this with everyone you know! We are a 501c(3) organization and would LOVE your support!
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Save the Dates!
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Benefiting Therapeutic Equestrian Programs at Eden Farms
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Christmas at the Barn
Family Friendly Fundraiser
Sunday, December 9, 2018
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Friends of the Farm
Special thanks to our recent donors for making a difference in the lives of special needs children and at-risk youth through equine related therapies:
- Helen's Hugs
- Dabo and Kathleen Swinney's ALL IN TEAM Foundation
- First Presbyterian Church of Greenville
- Cameron Construction
- Systems Specialties
- Pam and Robbie Cole
- Mike and Ellen Johnson
- Mark and Kym Klapperich
- Diane Smock
- Amy and Gary Goudelock
- Bob and Melinda Hoover
- Helen and Eric Graben
- Debra Spear
- Marilyn Jones
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- Bob and Mary Anne Inglis
- Tameh Jackson Jones
- Bucky and Edwina Crane
- Linda Schulz
- Frank and Courtney Eppler
- Mike and Ellen Johnson
- Cheryl Evans
- Amy Lawson
- Carolyn Smock
- Jonathan Godwin
- Amy Burns
- Sally Sanyour
- Randal and Judy King
- Irene Backer
- Iris Tetsch
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Did You Know?
Happy Hooves has been a PATH International Premier Accredited Center since 2005. In fact, we are one of only six Premier Accredited Centers in South Carolina, and the only one in the Upstate. This accreditation is a rigorous process requiring centers to meet stringent requirements for staff, facilities, and programs. A program must be re-accredited every five years.
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Your contribution helps special needs children and adults, as well as at-risk children and teens.
Happy Hooves is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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