It's a different summer in 2021!! |
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Welcome to Summer 2021--the pace continues to quicken around the farm and we are thrilled to now consider our programs fully re-opened as of the Summer Term. We have welcomed back many clients (photo of Greg, Aradis and team!) who have been away since last March and hope that the final clients who are still waiting patiently in the wings will be back this fall. My deepest thanks to our staff, volunteers and donors who kept RTT running and our horses healthy during the past 15 months, and to our clients who have been so patient with our phased re-opening. We still have situations where masks are required (click here for RTT Mask Update) but it's been absolutely wonderful to see so many long standing friends of RTT back at the farm.
In addition to many returning and new clients, the NIH study is more than halfway through the first cohort of participants, and our Summer Camps are underway under the "big top" (a large white tent that gives us expanded outdoor program space)!
Last but not least, please read on to learn about RTT's very own, Pat Niboli, who has been named the PATH Intl. Volunteer of the Year--I can't think of a more deserving person to receive this award!
As always, if you have questions you can always reach out to me via email.
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PATH Intl Volunteer of the Year! |
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You knew earlier this year that Pat Niboli had been selected as the Region I Volunteer of the Year, but we recently learned that she has been chosen -- from ALL the individuals who had received regional recognition -- as the one and only PATH Intl. Volunteer of the Year!
In the words of Janis Childs, a fellow volunteer and RTT Board member: "Pat and I both began volunteering in 2011. Over the years, I am sure that there is not anything she has not done at the farm! She mucks, she feeds, she invents, she is a horse leader in lessons and she is the "driving" force behind the carriage driving team! These are just a few of her gifts that she offers on a weekly basis!"
This distinguished recognition is so well deserved by Pat and we are delighted that she has been awarded this international award by PATH Intl. Congratulations Pat!
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Meet our newest herd member, Max! Max is a 21-year-old Tennessee Walker with experience in dressage, trail riding, and hunter paces. He has even been to the beach on several occasions! Max has a big stride and a big heart to go along with it. We are learning that he is very sweet and very smart! Since he started his trial period with us at the end of May, Max has had many schooling rides, several mock lessons with instructors and is settling in well. Since the start of the Summer Term he has been in lessons with participants and is a camp lesson horse favorite at this point -- he is already much loved. Welcome Max! |
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The NIH Study is off and running! |
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As you know from earlier newsletters, RTT is one of two centers who are host sites for a NIH funded research study examining the physiological changes that occur in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Two groups of participants -- a Therapeutic Horseback Riding (THR) group and a Barn Activity (BA) control group -- began on June 8th and 9th! The THR group comes on Tuesday afternoons and the BA group comes on Wednesday afternoons. |
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We have two fabulous instructors, Cynde Putney, PATH Intl. CTRI for the THR group and Lorena Coffin, a certified school counselor, for our BA group. Helping them are a dedicated, passionate group of RTT volunteers (shown in the photo above) working in conjunction with the research staff from Maine Behavioral Health (shown in photo at left).
We are delighted with how well both groups are going! Under the guidance of Cynde and Lorena, the students have learned beginning riding skills, horse knowledge , and elementary horsemanship. The progress through week 6 has been outstanding! Thanks to all who have made the long-awaited kickoff to this program a success!
This research study will continue for 3 more years with groups scheduled for three 10 week sessions throughout the year.
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Noelle Ballard, a rising senior at University of New Hampshire, has been interning with us since early June. She is an Equine Studies major, specializing in Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies. Through her course work and previous experience volunteering at another therapeutic riding center, Noelle is well on her way to becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor.
At RTT, she is soaking up as much as she can while she's assisting in lessons this summer! Please be on the lookout and give Noelle a warm welcome!
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Moving Forward Together for RTT! |
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What a day it was! On Sunday, July 11th, 11 horse and rider combinations met at Breakwater Farm in Cape Elizabeth and, after a quick breakfast, rode through the fields and on the trails, ending up on the private beaches of Ram Island Farm. We had many first time horses on this ride, so not as many swimmers as usual, but all of the horses at least got their "toes" wet! |
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This mighty group of riders raised over $19,000 for RTT thanks to more than 130 generous donors! We enjoyed a wonderful day, hosted by Jeanette Hagen and her family. Thanks so much to all at Breakwater Farm for providing us with a beautiful place to ride, fabulous food, and a wonderful spot to celebrate our successful fundraiser! |
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RTT families, friends, staff and volunteers raised over $11,000 during the very successful "Rally for RTT," held during the month of June. The Modern Woodmen of America has made a matching gift of $2500, for a total of $14,004!!!
Eleven individuals or families, hiked, biked, walked, made art, lost weight, rode a horse or volunteered during June to raise awareness and funds for RTT!
The winners in each of the categories:
- Scotty was the top Fundraiser!
- Missy was the top Friendraiser!
- The Howes Family--pictured--won the raffle prize ($25 Amazon Gift Card)
- Five individuals raised more than $1,000 and received a $500 RTT lesson credit!
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Riding it Forward: It Takes Two Farm |
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During the month of May, It Takes Two Farm in Windham hosted a virtual ride-a-thon to raise awareness and funds for equine-assisted services at RTT. “Ride it Forward” raised nearly $3,000 in support of the clients, horses and programs at RTT!! Thank you to all the students, staff and instructors at It Takes Two Farm who participated in this event!
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Hannaford Helps!
Hannaford Helps for the month of July 2021, Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Hannaford store located at 797 Roosevelt Trail, Windham Mall, No. Windham ME.
Windham Eagle Awards--VOTE TODAY!!
VOTING IS OPEN for the Windham Eagle Awards! Find RTT in the NONPROFIT list and
Save the Dates!
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The Good Life Market Wine Tasting to benefit RTT will be held at the farm on September 25th. The event will be held in the arena and is limited to 100 attendees
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The RTT Virtual Auction will return September 26th - October 2nd! There will be a preview of all items for two weeks prior. If you are interested in donating an item or service or know of a business interested in sponsorship please contact Susan and thank you!!
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Keeping Track!
We have been packing these newsletters full of information and resources and wanted a way to keep track of it all. This document contains links to RTT Safe at Home Activities and Resources!
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Shopping from home? Shop for RTT! |
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