Lumberton, N.J. - Feb. 4, 2020 - Since the late 1990's, the
Gleneayre Equestrian Program's (GEP) mission has centered around "bringing horses and people together for the betterment of each other's lives." Based out of Lumberton, New Jersey, founders Bob and Ellen Healey have dedicated their lives to growing the program into the success that it has become today. With the GEP in its 30th year, the Healeys were inspired to host an event that honored a fellow professional equestrian whose support has been vital to the program's growth. On Saturday, February 1, in Wellington, Florida, the Healeys recognized one of their longest supporters, Stacia Klein Madden.
Over the years, Madden has also helped raise funds, donate horses, and dedicate her time to the Gleneayre Equestrian Program.The Healeys opened their Wellington home Saturday to Madden's friends, family, coworkers, and students, past and present, to celebrate the countless contributions that she has made.
As a seasoned professional rider, trainer, judge, and clinician, Madden is one of the most sought after names in the equestrian sport. She is known for developing young riders to become both respected horsemen and competitors, with many continuing on to represent the United States at the highest levels.
Alison Johnson, Managing Director for the GEP, said, "Stacia is a very kind-hearted, warm person who is interested in making people do the best that they possibly can. Thank you, Stacia, for pushing me to take that first step, for the horses that you have connected the program with, and for the person that I am today for the Gleneayre Equestrian Program. I am truly grateful."
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Ellen Healey and Bill Rube
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The GEP is centered on three main programs - the Working Student program, the Equine Facilitated Learning program, and the Mental Health program. The GEP serves a wide range of individuals, including veterans, juvenile first-offenders, and those who are in need of additional support. All of the horses within the GEP are donated, including many former show horses, that have years of purpose left to give.
To commemorate Madden's contributions, Healey presented Madden with a Tiffany's glass clock that was inscribed with the phrase, 'There is no greater gift than time.' Ellen Healey noted, "The program was founded by my husband and me when we brought forward the question, 'What if youth could remain connected to horses throughout the turbulent years of adolescence? Would it make a positive impact on the rest of their lives?' When we think of Stacia's legacy, we often think of the program's mission, and how she has impacted so many through her love for people and commitment to the horses."
Following Healey's speech, guests enjoyed a special video honoring Madden, featuring stories and anecdotes from her coworkers, past students, and staff at Gleneayre.
Click
here
to watch.
To conclude Saturday evening, a live auction was held to raise funds that would directly impact the people and horses within the GEP. Two deep-sea fishing cruises were auctioned off, courtesy of
Viking Yachts, as well as a saddle featuring the work of artist Lisa Curry Mair of
Canvasworks Designs, previously ridden in by Olympic show jumping gold medalist Beezie Madden.
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Beezie Madden signs artist Lisa Curry Mair's saddle for Avril Cox-Mills
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GEP Executive Director Bill Rube added, "This program resonates with me so much because if it was around when I was a kid, it would have changed the trajectory of my life. I feel really thankful for this opportunity to have come to me. I am a firm believer that people should always pay it forward, and this is enabling me to do that."
The Gleneayre Equestrian Program would like to extend its sincerest thanks to those that were involved in making the evening possible, including Johnson, the GEP Managing Director, Stephanie Enoch, the Assistant to the GEP Executive Director, Jeannie Mattioni, the Assistant Trainer at GEP, Donna Capri, the Assistant to the GEP Managing Director, and Chris Benson of
Lamplight Films.
