The Hoofbeat: February 2021

Warm Welcome to Kiz Richter

Kiz Richter is joining Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center as the new volunteer coordinator. Our current volunteer program manager, Sarah, is moving out of the area. Sarah has done some fantastic work here at Hearts, and we wish her all the best on her new adventures!

Kiz has been an extremely dedicated volunteer at Hearts for over three years and has held positions both as a team captain for lessons and on the Barn Crew. Kiz has worked for many years in the tech industry. We are delighted to now welcome her to the Hearts staff.

Thank you for joining us in welcoming Kiz to the team!

For the Love of Horses

Let's face it - every day at Hearts is like Valentine's Day for our horses. Our participants, volunteers, staff, and visitors alike shower them with love and attention. We decided to stay on theme with February and express our love for the herd even more by sending them personalized valentines.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our horse care fund by sending a special valentine to a Hearts horse. Our horses loved the extra, EXTRA attention!

Support our horses. Make a donation!

Horses Helping People

Our horses make a profound impact on our participants each day. Each horse has a unique set of skills and is matched with its participants accordingly. Horse and participant work together to achieve independence, strength, and overall well-being. We couldn't do this therapeutic work without our wonderful herd!

Here are a few stories about some of our extraordinary equine partners.

Lacey

Lacey is our beautiful paint horse who has to be the sweetest soul ever. One of Lacey's riders, Hailey, was timid about riding, especially trotting. However, now that Hailey has been paired with Lacey, her confidence has grown, and she loves to trot.

Lacey takes care of her riders and is very sensitive to their emotions. Lacey is so kind and wants to be her best for her rider in each lesson, and it shows. Hailey and Lacey make a great team. They have fun with each other in the classes. Lacey's quiet, gentle demeanor was just what Hailey needed to get her confidence back in the saddle. I am grateful for Lacey, and I think Hailey is too.

-Calsie, Therapeutic Riding Instructor

SeaGull

SeaGull is my go-to horse. He is such a steady eddy and takes care of his rider. Do not let his size intimidate you - he is a gentle giant. SeaGull is very attuned to his rider's emotions and knows when to be a calming force. I love to see the riders come out of their shell when they feel so brave and gain confidence by riding such a big horse.

One rider, Kelsey, has built up a lot of confidence riding SeaGull. He is excellent in the arena as a retired hunter-jumper horse, and he gets perked up when I put the cavalettis out for my lessons. He is also a wonderful horse on the trail with a "been-there-done-that" attitude. I love to see the riders bond with SeaGull.

-Calsie, Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Rocco

Rider Jesse has reached a point where he can lead his horse, Rocco, on his own. Jesse can be a little unsteady without his cane, but Rocco keeps him steady on his feet. When Jesse stops, Rocco stops. They are so in sync with one another. Jesse can even count on Rocco to regain his balance after a misstep. I love that horse!

-Lily, Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center | (805) 964-1519 | info@heartsriding.org | www.heartsriding.org