March Newsletter

Joy Riding
THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING & CARRIAGE
DRIVING FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
“Horses helping people discover their abilities”
A quarterly publication of We Can Ride, Incorporated
March 2009 · Volume 9, Issue 1
Its Not Too Late!
Come join us at the 14th Annual Chefs’ Brigade Dinner on March 8th, 2009! The sights and smells of this exquisite
gourmet event are certainly worth experiencing, and this year we’re bringing even more to your table! Chef John T.
Riley is preparing an Indian-themed five course meal, and our live and silent auctions are packed with great items for
bidders! The social hour and silent auction begin at 4:30, dinner begins at 6:15 PM. The event takes place at the
Edinburgh USA Country Club in Brooklyn Park, MN.
Still not convinced? Check out some highlights of our exciting auctions, and remember, all proceeds from this event help support our
mission to serve children and adults living with disabilities through great partnerships with horses!
Silent auction:
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Live auction
New Aussie Bushman Delux Gas Grill
“A Day at the U of M Equine Center”
One round of golf for four at Southview Country Club
Meal certificates to a variety of Twin Cities Restaurants
Uniquely themed baskets
Ken Zylla signed proof: “Fall Plowing” — an image of MN past
Gift certificate to make a wine of choice at Vine Park Brewery
A tour of KSTP studios for 20 guests
Vacation packages to Ruttger’s Bay Lake and Sugar Lake
Lodges
Cooler with selected beers from the Chefs’ Brigade Committee
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Kentucky Horse Country Package: Includes sedan pick up, airfare, lodging, and tickets to the Kentucky Derby
“Wine Jail” Filled with 45 bottles of selected wines from the
tastes of WCR board, staff, instructors, and volunteers
Afternoon Cruise on Lake Minnetonka for 60 guests, includes
appetizers
“Create Your Own” catered event for 40-50 guests
Catered Pig Roast for 40
Cooking class for 12 guests, taught by our very own Executive
Chef, John T. Riley
Hors’ d’ Oeuvres and wine party for 25
Tickets are still available, and we still need volunteers or new items for our silent auction! Contact Andrea in
the office for more information at 952-934-0057 or fundraising@wecanride.org
Introducing: Torie Hemingsen
My name is Torie Hemingsen. I volunteer at Woodpecker Woods for the carriage driving class.
My mom works at the farm, so ever since I was really young, I have been going there to help out and see
the horses. Some times when I was there, it would be on a We Can Ride night, and I would watch the
class. I was too young to participate in it but I really
wanted to. Kathy and my mom would also take me to the
Inside this Edition of “Joy Riding”
demonstrations they would give, and I could help take care
From the Directors Desk
page 2 of the horses. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I
Tack Sale
page 3 could not wait to be old enough to help out. I finally
turned 15 in the spring of 2006 (I could now be an official
Client Corner
page 3 volunteer), and started to volunteer at class on Thursday nights. Those nights became one of
Thank you
page 4 my favorite nights of the week. I really enjoy watching the students grow and hanging out
with the coolest people ever (our volunteers). For the last three summers, I have tried to leave
Welcome Back Volunteers
page 6 We Can Ride nights open so I could make it to class.
The horses of We Can Ride
page 7
(Continued on page 6)
WCR PO BOX 1102 MINNETONKA, MN 55345 PHONE: 952-934-0057 EMAIL: OFFICE@WECANRIDE.ORG WEBSITE: WWW.WECANRIDE.ORG
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK...
Board of Directors
Kelly Dietrich—Chair
VeeAnn Wood—Vice Chair
Mary Meland—Secretary
Larry Altman
Kris Swanson
Mark Brull
Scott Franz
Adeline Kohman
Pat McConnell
Monica Stanton
Therapists
Sarah Anderson/PT
Simone Brovege/OT
Rachel Gamm/OT
Doug Merz/PT
Tina Phelps/OT
Kathy Simcox/OT
Instructors
Anne Anderson*
Debbie Becka*
Stephanie Bowman*
Laurie Carlson*
Katie Carter*
Elise Ferguson*
Patti Franz*
Kathy Johnson**
Jenni McCoy*
Tina Phelps*
Signe Peterson*
Denise Sorensen**
* Registered Instructor
** Advanced or Specialty Instructor
Office Staff
Office Phone
E-Mail
Bradley Thorsen
Alisa Beery
Stephanie Bowman
Diana Valentine
Tina Phelps
Andrea Dahl
(952) 934-0057
office@wecanride.org
Executive Director
Finance Manager
Minnetonka Barn Manager
Volunteer Coordinator
PT Clerical
Client Coordinator
As I start as the new Executive Director of We Can Ride, I
want to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to be a
part of an organization whose mission is so important. Most
recently, I was the Executive Director of a nonprofit that
furnished legal services to the disadvantaged through lawyer
volunteers. Under my leadership the program increased in size
and programming each year and received state and national
awards. Before that, I was an attorney in private practice, with
some time as General Counsel for Kraus Anderson, a
construction and real estate company. And I was deeply
involved in Bar Association activities, gaining executive
experience as President of the Hennepin County Bar
Association, a member of the Executive Committee of the
Minnesota State Bar Association and a delegate to the
American Bar Association House of Delegates.
For many years I’ve also served people with disabilities through coaching Special
Olympics. My wife and I coach the largest gymnastics Special Olympics team in the
state, working with about 40 athletes every Saturday from September through the State
Games in June. And going back even further, I’ve also been involved with horses. Back
in the 1970’s and early 1980’s we showed Saddlebred Country Pleasure horses. I was
President of the Tanbark Cavalcade of Roses for two or three years and during those
years, we moved the annual show to the Coliseum at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds
where it continues to this day. When our two daughters came along, we had to focus
our time on them instead of the Saddlebreds, but now I’m excited to be back in the horse
community particularly in support of the mission of We Can Ride.
We face challenging economic times, but as a well-established organization with so clear
a purpose, We Can Ride will be up to the challenge. I have been impressed with the
We Can Ride, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt
organization whose mission is to challenge the physically, commitment of the staff and volunteers I have met and I am confident that together, we
mentally, emotionally and behaviorally disabled to will continue to enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities through the
enhance their skills and well-being through programs of therapeutic benefits of riding and driving.
therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving.
Therapy, including interaction with others, is achieved in
a safe, educational environment with specially selected
and trained horses. The Program is under the guidance
of trained professionals assisted by dedicated volunteers.
We Can Ride, Inc. is a non-profit organization under the
501(c)(3) IRS code. Contributions are fully deductible
for income tax purposes. We Can Ride, Inc. admits
students of any race, color, sexual orientation, national or
ethnic origin.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
INFORMATION
Our quarterly newsletter reaches over 1,500
households including riders and drivers,
volunteers, donors, and WCR staff. Call
952-934-0057 if you have questions regarding
rates & availability.
Size
BC
1/4pg
1/2pg
1NL
$30
$60
$100
2NL
$60
$120
$200
4NL
$90
$180
$300
Would you like to
receive the Joy
Riding Newsletter
via email?
If so, please contact the office at
office@wecanride.org
or call 952-934-0057
2
Bradley Thorsen
Welcome Brad Thorsen!
We Can Ride is happy to announce that we hired our new Executive Director, Brad
Thorsen, on February 16, 2009. We are excited about all the experience and talent he
will bring to our organization. Below, you will find his first Executive Director article
for the newsletter and be sure to introduce yourself to him at the Chefs’ Dinner. I know
WCR will be in good hands.
As I wrap up my tenure as Interim-Executive Director and Program Development
Director on March 16th I am glad that I will be able to continue to support WCR with a
few consulting hours over the next few months as I plan for my next career. I hope to be
able to return to teaching horseback riding, among other projects and eventually Greg
and I are planning to move back to Colorado to be near one our daughters and her
family.
As I look back at my different roles with WCR over the last 11 years, I appreciate the
support and understanding that so many of you gave to me as we worked together to
accomplish amazing goals. And although I know it is time for someone else to lead
WCR to accomplish even greater things, I will continue to be inspired by our riders and
drivers, I will cherish the relationships formed with parents, staff and volunteers and
will never stop being amazed at how our horses choose to become partners with us in
this important work! I know you all will find many rewards, as I have, from being
associated with We Can Ride. Until we meet again!
Judi
WE CAN RIDE IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP FEED THE MINNETONKA HORSES IN THE AFTERNOONS, CONTACT STEPHANIE, BARNMANAGER@WECANRIDE.ORG
Spring is here!
It's almost here - the Spring Session of We Can Ride! For those of
you who have not participated in class since last year, here are some
things to remember:
1. Make sure that all the original 2009 required forms have made it to
We Can Ride. This year the Medical History is to be completed by
the client's physician and it's up to you to make sure it's
been received.
2. How's that helmet? Could be that heads have grown over the
winter...please check your client's helmet for fit. We don't want to get to class that
first night and find out it's not right or is not in proper working order.
3. Has your Session Fee been paid? Unless contact has been made with our
Finance Manager, all fees are due two weeks before the start of the Session.
Thank you for your attention to these issues. We look forward to continuing
our so-far terrific 2009 year of programming!
And in We Can Ride office news, Patti Franz has resigned the position of
Client Coordinator, effective March 13, 2009. Patti, her husband, and
horses have moved to their own hobby farm up north and the office is,
unfortunately, too long a commute. She will continue to
serve We Can Ride as a Certified Instructor. In light of
Patti's departure, Andrea Dahl has resigned the position of
Fundraising Coordinator, effective at the same time, to
take on the role of Client Coordinator
Its that time of year again! The birds are singing
and starting to build their nests, the bunnies are
coming out a little more often, and there are even
a few pieces of grass emerging from those snow
banks that have been around since December.
What does all of this mean? Its time for the
annual We Can Ride Tack Sale of course! This
year the tack sale will be held on Saturday, April
11th, from 8 to 5 at Edenwood Center in
Eden Prairie.
There will be a variety of horse equipment from
halters and lead ropes to saddle pads and saddles.
We have clothes for showing and just wearing,
along with a wide selection of boots. We have a
nice selection of grooming supplies and general
barn supplies.
What You Need to Know:
Did you know?
We Can Ride can now accept donations online! Simply go to
www.wecanride.org and click on the
“Donate Now” button on the homepage.
When:
Where:
Who:
Saturday April 11, 2009
8 am to 5 pm
Edenwood Center
6310 Indian Chief Rd
Eden Prairie MN 55346
Everyone!
We Can Ride at the Minnesota Horse Expo!
We need your help! The Minnesota Horse Expo (April 24-26) is quickly approaching and we’re again looking
for volunteers to help bring the message of We Can Ride to the horse community in Minnesota and beyond.
Come see the bustling crowds at the State Fair Coliseum and catch a few demos – we’ll be having ours at the
U of M Equine Center! This is a great learning and networking opportunity, so come help us share our special
place in horse-lovers’ hearts! Call Diana in the office, at 952-934-0057, if you’re interested in being a booth or
demonstration volunteer.
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WE ARE LOOKING FOR SILENT AUCTIONS ITEMS FOR THE CHEFS’ AUCTION. IF YOU HAVE AN ITEM TO DONATE, CONTACT THE OFFICE.
We Can Ride is very thankful for the financial support of many caring
individuals, corporations and organizations. Without this support, We Can Ride
could never serve the hundreds of people we do every year. Thank you!
In Kind
Aaron’s Feed and Bedding
Auntie Ruth’s Animal Care and
Wellness Centers
Larry Altman
Harlan Anderson
Baja Sol Restaraunts Group
Chad and Alisa Beery
Jane Ann Bennett
Bibelot Shops, Inc.
Jane Brennan
Greg Burns
Katie Carter
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Linda Cooksey
Crimson Care Family Dentistry
Dick’s Sporting Goods
East Wind Farms
Espana Equine Products, Inc.
Elise Ferguson
Karen Field
Fox Hollow Framing
Scott Franz
Glen Prairie Press
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar
Guthrie Theater
Kristi Kelly-Raverty
Kick Ass BBQ
Adeline Kohman
LeeAnn Chin
Tammy and Tom Lueck
Bette Luhmann
MGM Liquor Warehouse
Motivacation
Norling’s Landscape
Old Log Theater
Panera Bread
Paradise Charter Cruises
PhotoEsq
Pittsburgh Blue Seakhouse/
Parasol Restaurant
Tina Phelps
Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge
Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge
Saint Paul Saints
Professional Baseball
Judy Siegler
Kathy Simcox
Southview Country Club
Spince Care, P.A.
Spiral Pursuits
The Blue Door Pub
The Wine Shop
Tri State Horseman’s
Association
University of Minnesota
Equine Center
Beverly VanderVorste
Ariel VandeVoorde
Vine Park Brewery
Joe Weber
Organization
Ameriprise Financial
ATK Community Involvement Foundation
Black River Asset Management
Campbell Foundation
John C MacMillan Family 1974 Trust
Labor Relations Associates, Inc.
Lawrence Auctioneering LLC
Lifecore Foundation
M P Saddlers
Meristem
Minnesota Harvest Horse Show
Sahara Sands, Inc.
Salem Foundation
Schatz Real Estate Group
Thomson West
Whitney Foundation— WW
Individual
Larry and Patti Altman
Donna Beck
Melena Bellin
Nancy Bendickson
Alan Bensman
Lori and Michael Bezek
Tom Bezek
Steven Bobzin
Kay Bortnem
Bonita Buckley
Sarah and Jerry Caruso
Robin Chosid-Brown
Libby Cichosz
Bill Clemens
Jim and Kathie Clemens
William Clemens
Deb Comstock
Linda Cooksey
Robert, Beth and Rachel Davis
Jenny and Larry DeVore
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Felten
Jeff and Elise Ferguson
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Doug Fiola
John and Christine Frankson
Jen Gallagher
Doug Gehrke
John Goggin
Terence Golden
John Halpin
Gloria Hamer
Pat Harlow
Chris and Esther Harrington
Lisa Hartell
Kathy Hess Stevens
Julie Holles
Scott and Jeanne Hollington
Hans Kabat
Jeff and Renee King
Steven Klaysmat
Laurie Koenig
Adeline Kohman
Brian and Renee Kujawa
Tom Kvale
Shari Lackey
Peggy Lekander
Tammy Lueck
Kathy and George Magdal
Melodie Martin
Paula McGinty
Deborah McIntyre
Kari Lee Melhus
Doug and Diane Merz
Anne Meyer
Lee Meyer
Kimberly Miller
Chad Moody
Dana and Kari Mortensen
Julie Oberley
Jackie Roberts
Stuart Ruehle
Rich and Patty Rumppe
Holly and Greg Ryback
Julie Schmieg
Louis and Diane Schweizer
Linda Schwichtenberg
Robin Skorka
Lori Smith
Brigid Spicola
Caitlin Spicola
Mary Straley
Carol Sund
Amy Taber
Julie Tufte
Carrie Twedt
Julie Vangsness
Ron and Michelle Veith
Char Weber
Lisa Weigman
Pat and Pam Wendt
Milt and Darlys Westlund
Richard Westlund
Dawn and John Westrum
James and Mary White
Yvette and Jamie Woell
Gretchen Wronka
John and Beverly Zollars
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE DESIGNATED WE CAN RIDE AS THE RECIPIENT OF THEIR PAYROLL DEDUCTION FUNDS.
Did you know that We Can Ride can be named as the beneficiary for
your company’s United Way Campaign?
In Memory Of….
Frieburger Family Foundation
Hickory Knoll Fund, Inc.
Norman Voight Foundation
Dusty Sather
Dick and Bev Lindeman
Dick and Bev Lindeman
Jeannette Pepin
Jennifer Zick
Sandra Werts
Kay Christenson
Timothy Laing
Betsy Scott
Betsy Scott
Betsy Scott
Betty Sather
Bonnie LaBatt
Bud Lindberg
Cathy Burch
Dan Blomquist
Gary Weedman
Greg Taber
Greg Taber
In Honor of....
Judi French
Jon and Cynthia Graves
Wanda Mrozek
Chad and Alisa Beery
Betsy and Meg Dickoff
Dick and Bev Lindeman
Sue Ward
Kay Falenzer
Jonn and Connie Jones
Anne and Dave Mickelson
Claudia Peltier
Greg, Dale, Levi and Jacque
Greg, Dale, Levi and Jacque
Joseph Mrozek
Ken and Wilma Bunkowski
Laura Sedgwick
Leila Schultz
Levi Ward
Norman Strohfus
Norman Strohfus
Norman Strohfus
Norman Strohfus
Sponsorships
William and Patricia Dahl
Lucille Smith
Phyllis Tearse
Christine Helgeson
Angie Howe
Diane Restrepo
Carrie Stolar
Peter Bornstein
Ann and Jeff Kropp
Jill Grier
Robert and Margaret Tollerud
Christine and Patrick Heinen
Ann and Richard Suever
Laura and James Miles
Mark Giovale
James Rovner
Andrea Dahl
Andrew Smith
Charlie Flanary
Connie Moret
Connie Moret
Connie Moret
Connie Moret
Dr. Robert Roach
Erin Falk
Nicole Rains, and Haji
Josh Altman
Juliet Heinen
Kathy and David Grey
Kitty Zimba
Lainie Giovale
Ruth Rovner
Silver
East Wind Farms
Betsy Aidrian
Rina and Pete Cooper
Kelly and Marv Dietrich
Fortune Financial
Michelle Marshall
Mary and Milo Meland
Brent Taber
Sally and Doug Taylor
Linda Videen
Make the Impact
Horse Sponsor
Malcom and Barb Burleigh
Neil N. Lapidus
Rev. David and Mary Lechelt
Tina Phelps
Janet Arnold
Andrea Dahl
Ardyth Jahnke
Grants
Scholarships
E. J. Wexler Gift Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation
Mark and Jackie Nolan Family Fund of the St. Paul Foundation
Minnesota Timberwolves Community Foundation
The McKesson Foundation
Jack
Kermit
Dan Blomquist
Ann and Bruce Allen
Karin Blomquist
Lucile Blomquist
Kelli and Shawn Brenny
Shelly and Darin Brooks
Mary and Aaron Larson
Bronze
Kate Bryant and Jon Lindfors
Wells Fargo Private Bank
Rcom
Wescraft RV & Truck
Kitty and Ken Zimba
Anne Mickelson Babe
Becki Sanford Kermit
Becki Sanford Dream
Jennifer and Patrick McPartland
Rebecca and Joseph Peters
Daniel and Karen Ryan
Kristin and Thomas Walters
Greg Taber
Bruce and Julia Taber
THANK YOU TO ALL THE HORSE OWNERS WHO HAVE DONATED THEIR WONDERFUL HORSES
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Introducing:
Torie Hemingsen
(Continued from page 1)
This fall, I was asked to write an observation paper in my English
class. An observation paper is just a paper that observes something in great
detail. We spent a week practicing how to use very descriptive language. I
decided it would be really cool to do a paper on We Can Ride. I could show
how amazing the organization is and how special it is to me. My paper goes
through one class of two students and the events that take place. This is my
favorite paper that I have written, not because I got an “A” on it, but because
I thought I really captured the greatness of the organization and why I love
being there so much. Here is a sample of my paper, entitled “A Class of
Hope”:
…At the other end of the arena there is a soft “thud”. Everyone turns to see
a bright orange cone lying on its side and a shy student hanging her head in
shame. The instructor rushes over to encourage the student that it is okay to
knock down a cone and even have fun. A loud student pipes up,
“I WANT TO KNOCK ONE DOWN TOO! A CONE, I WANT TO
KNOCK ONE DOWN!”
A key for teaching a class for individuals with disabilities is to be ready to
do impromptu activities. The instructor decides to take this time as a way to
show her shy student that it is okay to knock down cones and to let the
louder student have some fun.
“Okay, you can both knock down two cones. However, before you
can knock down a cone you have to ask the volunteer at that cone
what his or her favorite color is,” explains the instructor
The volunteers in the arena take this as their cue to stand next to a cone
“What is your favorite color?”
Asks the loud student in a voice slightly quieter than earlier
“Blue,” replies the volunteer
“Colo?”
It is barely a mutter but the volunteer understands what the quiet student is
asking and eagerly replies back,
“My favorite color is red. Now you can knock down a cone. Are you
excited? Its okay to knock down the cone.”
The volunteer has a warm smile that comforts the student. The student takes
her reins and ever so slightly pulls back her left rein steering her cream colored horse straight into the bright orange cone. ‘Thud’, ‘Thud’. Both of the
students succeed in knocking their cones over. Volunteers rush over to pick
the cones back up.
“WE DID IT!” exclaims the loud student, while the quiet one has a
small smile creep up her face.
After knocking down her next cone, she lets out a soft squeak of excitement.
Her able bodied whip whispers to her,
“Should we sneak another cone to knock down?”
This produces a giant smile form the quiet student. She is slowly becoming
more
confident and more outgoing. They
knock down a third cone without anyone realizing it but a lone volunteer who whispers
back,
“Good job!”…
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Welcome Back
Volunteers!
We Can Ride is gearing up for 2009 classes and it’s
exciting around here! The telephones are ringing with
calls from prospective volunteers, emails and forms are
flowing in, and
volunteer
trainings and
classes are
beginning to fill!
If you haven’t
received 2009
volunteer forms, please call the
office or email Diana at volunteers@wecanride.org. The
quicker you can return your forms, the better chance you
will have of being placed in the class of your choice.
Volunteer trainings are scheduled for February 24 and
26 at the U of M and on March 10, 12 and 17 in
Minnetonka. Therapeutic Riding classes begin at all
sites the week of March 23, with Hippotherapy classes
beginning the week of March 30 in Minnetonka and at
the U of M.
Once again this year there will be a pre-session training
week for all Therapeutic Riding and Carriage Driving
classes (but not Hippo) that will give instructors the
opportunity to provide more training and class-specific
details for their volunteers—new and returning
volunteers. So--if you’re a returning volunteer, please
remember that this first week of class is equally
important for you! It will give everyone the opportunity
to meet and have at least some familiarity with one
another before the busy, active atmosphere of class
begins the next week. Remember that returning
volunteers have a wealth of experience to share and can
be a great resource for new
volunteers as they are learning
and adjusting to the barn, to
classes and to clients.
I want to emphasize the
importance of volunteer
attendance. From my initial
communication with new
Volunteers, I stress that
attendance is crucial to the success of our classes. It may
be deceiving to even seasoned volunteers just how much
energy instructors expend during a class that is short of
volunteers. Our instructors are good at their jobs and are
trained to be flexible—but it’s not their preferred way
nor is it the best way to run a class. At the very least, we
need 24-48 hours’ notice when a volunteer must miss
class in order to find the sub(s) necessary. But we also
ask you to think twice before canceling and to strive to
miss no more than one class during a session. (None is
better.) Changing the paradigm for volunteer attendance
begins with each of you. Make your volunteer
commitment with We Can Ride a priority. Instructors,
clients, and everyone at We Can Ride thank you!
YOU CAN NOW DONATE TO WE CAN RIDE ONLINE! CHECK IT OUT AT,
WWW.WECANRIDE.ORG
!!!
Horses helping people discover their abilities
As our tagline, “Horses helping people discover their abilities” suggests, the key part to the
Therapeutic Riding and Carriage Driving at We Can Ride is the horses. At We Can Ride we are
lucky enough to have over 30 horses in our programs working every day to help our therapists,
Instructors, and volunteers provide services to our clients. Have you ever wondered what exactly
goes into caring for all the wonderful horses that work so diligently for us? Well, to simply feed a
horse for a month can cost over $100! In addition to feeding, our horses get regular farrier services,
which is what keeps their hooves trimmed and helps keep them from being sore and becoming lame.
The farrier comes every 6 to 8 weeks and costs around $50 per horse, so over the course of a year it
costs over $400 just to keep the horses feet in good shape. In addition to feed and farrier our horses
get regular vaccinations and visits from the veterinarian to work on their teeth or come help with injuries. The last component to being
able to care for our horses at We Can Ride is paying board for them. Due to the fact that We Can Ride does not own any of its sites,
we work in cooperation with all of the generous individuals and programs that house our horses, The Hennepin County Home School,
The University of Minnesota, Woodpecker Woods, and East Wind Farms. Some of these
collaborations involve us paying board for certain horses. These costs can total up to $500 per
month for a single horse.
Why are we talking about all of this? Well, We Can Ride provides a wonderful program where
individuals, like you, can “Sponsor a Horse.” This program allows individuals to donate money
that will be used specifically for the care and needs of our horses. We are excited to announce that
this year we are going to have different sponsorship levels for our horses! There will be 4 levels of
sponsorships available: $40, $150, $1000 and $2000. For every sponsorship level, you get your
name on the horses stall, and a postcard of your sponsored horse or horses. The rest of the program
is still in the developing stages. Check out the June edition of Joy Riding for the exciting details.!
Coming up at We Can Ride…..
We Can Ride Tack Sale: April 11
Come to Edenwood Center, across from our Minnetonka site,
to get great deals on new and used tack, brushes, and other
riding equipment!
MN Horse Expo: April 24-26
Stop by the State Fair Coliseum and visit the We Can Ride
booth! We hold demonstrations of therapeutic riding, chat with
passers by, and connect with the Minnesota Horse Community.
Summer Ride-A-Thon: July 20-26 (collection)
Fall Ride-A-Thon: October 12-18 (collection)
This fundraiser is a chance for our riders, drivers, and
volunteers to reach out to their friends and families to support
We Can Ride! Bring in pledges and collect great prizes, play
games and celebrate your fundraising success!
**NEW**We Can Ride Race Night at Canterbury Park:
August 2
Watch for details on this new fundraiser in upcoming articles in
Joy Riding!
Harvest Horse Show: October 2-3
Come see show jumping at its finest! These classy equine
athletes and their riders light up the night. WCR volunteers
help with ticket sales and the banquet at the State
Fair Coliseum!
Red Horse Silent Auction & Annual Meeting: November 16
Celebrate the successes of another good year with your fellow
clients, family members, volunteers, instructors and staff!
Check out the unique, artistic items for bid at the silent auction,
and enjoy a pot luck dinner
Make the Impact Tour Dates
Tuesday April 7
Early Childhood, Minnetonka
9:00 am
Friday April 24
Hippotherapy, U of MN
1:00 pm
Tuesday May 5
Therapeutic Riding, U of MN
6:30 pm
Monday May 11
Therapeutic Riding, Minnetonka
7:45 pm
Monday June 15
Carriage Driving, Delano
7:15 pm
Tuesday June 23
Early Childhood, Minnetonka
9:00 am
Wednesday July 15
Therapeutic Riding, U of MN
6:30 pm
Tuesday July 21
Hippotherapy, U of MN
1:30 pm
Tuesday August 4
Early Childhood, Minnetonka
9:00 am
Wednesday August 5
Therapeutic Riding, Marine
6:00 pm
On St. Croix
Tuesday September 8
Early Childhood, Minnetonka
9:00 am
Thursday September 10
Therapeutic Riding, Minnetonka
7:45 pm
Monday September 14
Carriage Driving, Delano
6:30 pm
Tuesday September 15
Therapeutic Riding, U of MN
6:30 pm
WE CAN RIDE WEARABLES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE, WWW.WECANRIDE.ORG. GREAT VARIETIES AT GREAT PRICES!
7
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 81
Hopkins MN
JOY RIDING
We Can Ride
PO Box 1102
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Horses Helping People Discover
Their Abilities
March
1
Volunteer Registration DUE in office
8
Chefs’ Dinner
10, 12
New Volunteer Training, Mtka
16
Payment Due for Session I
17
New Volunteer Training, Mtka
♦
20-22
NARHA Region 6 Conference
♦
28
Barn Clean Up, Minnetonka
♦
30
Session I Begins at All Sites
♦
11
Annual Tack Sale
20
Volunteer Appreciation Week
24-26
Minnesota Horse Expo
June
15
Session II Begins at All Sites
July
20
RAT Collection Week Begins
August
2
Canterbury Downs Fundraiser
September
14
Session III Begins at All Sites
East Wind Farm
2008 Upcoming Events
JOY RIDING
April
WCR Wishlist
♦
♦
♦
♦
New office printer (color,
duplex, fax, copier)
Postage Stamps
Copy Paper
Folding Machine for mail
Financial Support to
publish Joy Riding
Newsletter in full color
Hay Cubes for
Minnetonka Horses
Big Wall Clock
New items for Live and
Silent Auctions