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“Changing Lives
One Ride at a Time!”
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MEET our Instructors
Page 3
Equest Center
Equest
Maranda takes
ponies to the park
Page 6
Page 2
for Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Free of charge
Times
Year-End 2009
3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341 You can call us at 616-866-3066.
Make a Difference Day – GRCC and Equest
Center Kick off THREE year partnership
By NATE CAMINATA
A
mid rather ugly conditions, something beautiful was in creation on
Saturday October 24 at the
Equest Center.
Armed with pitchforks, shovels
and workboots, students from
Grand Rapids Community
College weathered a chilly
rain, volunteering in numerous
projects on National Make a
Difference Day.
Over 180 students from GRCC
filled the Center’s 34-plus acres,
kicking off an unprecedented
relationship that will mutually
benefit both parties in the interests of
education and therapeutic experience.
The partnership was forged by Equest
executive director Kathy Ryan and
GRCC’s Dr. Mindy Firlan. While
Equest will benefit from the dramatic
influx in volunteer workers, GRCC
students are rewarded with a unique
work experience, along with Academic
Service Learning (ASL) hours, a
government-developed program that
compensates community engagement
with scholarship opportunities.
Shielded by a poncho, Firlan detailed
the unique aspects of what will be a
three-year relationship.
“It’s an interdisciplinary collaboration,”
is pursuing her degree in
Psychology. Kruer and her
“What they are doing
group are responsible for
here is not fluff work.
developing a curriculum that
involves working with the
They’re working their
Center’s
disabled children
tails off!”
and adults, observing the
equestrian benefits, and
assisting in the creation of a
forthcoming “sensory trail.”
“This has been well-organized,
and the instructors are
amazing,” added Kruer. “They
are really geared toward horses
and those with special needs.”
With over 100 special needs
she said, noting such educational
individuals on a waiting list,
disciplines as Psychology, Construction, the Center welcomes the help.
Nursing, and Biology, among others. Kathy Ryan beamed proudly of the
“There are students from different fields relationship’s official kick-off.
who will complete portions of their course “On a Saturday, college students could
work, and create solutions here at Equest. easily find other places to be,” she said.
Each group will have their own ideas, but “What they are doing here today is not
(a project) won’t be complete until they fluff work, and they’re working their
have collaborated with one another.”
tails off!”
Equest Center presents a number of
challenges and projects for the students
to take on which will tap nearly every
educational outlet offered by the school.
The students, meanwhile, earn what
can best be described as a once-in-alifetime experience.
“It brings students into an environment
where they can learn and grow,” said
GRCC student Jessica Kruer, who
GIANTs
PAGE 3: Two
always ready to serve
PAGE 5: Raise Your Hand if You
Love Equest
also INSIDE:
Our vision
for the future
The Many Hands One Vision Campaign
PAGE 2:
Dunk tank Divas
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s
i
a
r
d
s!
s
e
Fun
c
c
u
gs
n
i
h
s
a
l
p
s
Also INSIDE this ISSUE:
Hogs and Horses
“Horses and Hands”
Horse and Volunteer
TEAMS
e
v
i
s
u
l
c
x
an e
l
a
i
r
o
t
c
i
P
n
w
o
d
e
o
H
“You touch my bike. eh..I give you an apple treat?!?”
Long maned ponies join
motorcycle MOB
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
1
Scout soars like an Eagle!
It is so exciting to join forces with
the eagle scouts! Kevin is going to be
building special wheelchair accessible
picnic tables for an area on the sensory
trail! We welcome the opportunity to
partner with more kids working toward
their eagle scout ranking in the future.
tor
irec
D
e
h
t
m
Fro
Dear Equest Director,
Growing by Leaps
and Bounds
I saw an article about your
center and the needs that you
have in the Grand Rapids Press. I am a
Life scout in Boy Scout Troop 282 and I am
working on my eagle rank. To get this rank I
must carry out a project that benefits a nonprofit organization. In the paper I saw that
you were planning on building a sensory trail. I
thought that this may be a good opportunity
for me to help you. I am also open to any
other ideas that you might have for a different
project that would benefit the Equest Center. I
am looking forward to discussing this with you.
I
n this past year alone Equest Center has witnessed astounding growth and the establishment of many exciting collaborations and
community partnerships in all areas!
Equest serves 125-150 special needs riders each
week throughout the course of the entire year.
This statistic puts our center in the top 2% of
the Therapeutic Riding Centers throughout the
country. Even at this pace we have a list of over 100
individuals waiting for services. In an effort to make
it possible to serve a larger number of riders as well
as those with even more severe health and mobility
issues Equest Center has embarked on a project
called the Many Hands, One Vision Campaign.
Thank you,
Kevin Clinthorne
Equest Center is implementing a pilot program
with Gilda’s Club working with those whose lives
have been effected by cancer. It is an exciting new
program that will utilize our Equine therapists
in new ways through a new format. We will be
embarking on our pilot programs with Gilda’s
Club within the next 6 months and are excited
about the wonderful promise this partnership
holds for the future.
BBQ Party Cooks Up Equest Support
Marianna is no match for Equest board president and former baseball star Jeff Agar
Sr. Ann Francis
The sweet sound of music has infiltrated the
riding arena - courtesy of Sr. Ann Francis
Thompson, licensed Music Therapist and horse
enthusiast from the Franciscan Life Process
Center. I was literally brought to tears when I
witnessed her in the arena working with a horse,
guitar and rider—and I was not alone. She is in
the process of training with us to be a NARHA
(North American Riders of the Handicapped
Association) Certified riding instructor and then
a NARHA certified Driving instructor. Sr. Ann
is passionate about combining equine therapy
and music therapy and is excited about the many
possibilities it holds for our equestrians.
O
n august 6, about 400 people gathered at
Circle H Reining Horses in Oakfield Township to celebrate Rinck and Marianna Heule’s
30th wedding anniversary and their 25th year in business. Terri Bott conceived and organized the entire
event. Guests enjoyed Sandman’s BBQ, games, rides
and live music. The Equest staff set up a booth to raise
awareness of the Center. Games and gifts raised over
$4,000 for Equest. Thank you, Terri, for the tremendous effort! Thank you, Marianna and other volunteers, for “getting Dunked for Equest”!
Maranda PArk Party!
We have also began several partnerships with
individuals from the Boy Scouts of America
working to earn their Eagle Scout Ranking!
A
One of our biggest new collaborations is a 3
year partnership with Grand Rapids Community College as their Multi-disciplinary Community Partners!
In these tough economic times these innovative
partnerships are providing us with new, alternative
solutions which allow us to grow and reach our
goals of expanding and enhancing our services!
Each and every one of these partnerships and
projects is so important to the center—from the
lemonade stands to the Moose on Bikes hosted
benefits, to the new programming…they are
all creating new possibilities for so many of our
special equestrians and help us raise critical funds
to keep the center going! Please – won’t you join
with them?
2
In memoriam:
“Paint Her Pretty”
E
quest ponies Magic
and Silver joined
Maranda and thousands of kids from the
community for a day
of fun at MARANDA’s
PARK PARTY!
ll of our “equine therapists” were generously donated to our program. One
of our four-legged “stars” was Painter,
donated by Ashlee Gordon and family. Painter
served her family faithfully, carrying Ashlee from
lead-line classes up through the levels of 4-H and
High School Equestrian Team. When Painter was ceremoniously retired from the show ring in 2007, her family decided
that her temperament and training would make her a blessing to our
program. They also knew that she needed to be kept active through
her senior years and would be well suited to our needs. During her
time at Equest, Painter taught many children how to ride. Her small
size made her less intimidating to hesitant riders. Her flashy markings appealed to beauty-seekers. Her sweet and forgiving nature
made her a favorite among our volunteers. She made independence
possible for many children who had not been able to turn loose their
leaders with prior mounts. Her smooth and slow gaits made it possible for riders to move to the next level and finally learn how to
sit her rocking horse canter. Painter passed on one evening early in
October at the age of 27. She was surrounded by members of both of
her families. She will be missed by all of her friends at Equest.
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
”
!
!
x
i
F
t
s
e
u
q
E
“I need my
VOLUNTEER GROUPS
youth middle school and high school volunteers from all
over the United States and Canada help us over three
weeks this past summer. The organization hails from
Colorado and brings youth together in cities all over the
US. We were fortunate to work with such a hardworking
crew who accomplished much during their time spent
with us. We look forward to working with them again
next year.
EQUINE THERAPIST
Stormy
A
s our trusty steeds continue to bring our riders
to greater heights, there is another kind of
horsepower fueling Equest’s success- our great
volunteer teams. We have an amazing number of
volunteers that help run our week to week operation.
They become trusting and firm hands guiding horses for
our riders, creating special bonds and friendships along
the way. They are priceless to us. We have hundreds of
volunteers that some of the riders or staff never see…
they come from local businesses, youth groups, school
groups, Girl Scouts and 4H groups. They donate their
time spending the day at Equest doing multiple repair
jobs, unloading hay, paddock cleaning, landscaping, tree
removal, and clearing out trail area….the list could go
on and on. They tackle these jobs which allows our staff
to focus on our clients and horses.
Outstanding
Equest’s Mission is clear—and our volunteers are
committed to helping us achieve it! The rewards they
reap are small in size but fill their hearts. After a break in
class schedule, I have heard time and time again- “I need
my Equest fix” !! That “fix” is a nicker or nuzzle from your
favorite equine friend or a smile and hug from a rider
who missed you.
This year Equest went national with our volunteer
groups. Working with Group Work camps, we welcomed
Horses give us steady legs, but you, volunteers, you give our Center wings! Thank you!
STORMY
Registered Name: Grand Stormy
Birth year: 1982
Came to Equest: 2003
Breed: Morgan
Sex: gelding
Height: 16.2 hands
Weight: 1100 lbs
Color: chestnut
Markings: strip
Donated by: Tom Prescott
N
Amway Volunteer Group
A GRCC building and trades class lead by Instructor Keith
Furgeson take a break from working on houses to tackle
renovation of Equest’s newly acquired barns. This is one of
the many ways the partnership is having a fantastic impact
on our capital campaign efforts!
NOT working
tail off!!
Foremost Volunteer Group
W
Horses and Hands
hen horses come to The Equest Center,
they are typically donated from a family or
an individual owner. When they become
part of The Equest family, they lose that one on one
person time, as they are handled by many different
staff, volunteers, and the riders they serve.
We implemented a volunteer based program to give
the horses some one on one, non-work time. “Horses
& Hands” began with a group of volunteers who
were over 16 and had consistently volunteered for at
least six months. During specially designated times,
volunteers spend time grooming, massaging, grazing,
and walking “their horse”, some have even chosen to
include music during their sessions. Response has
been very positive. The horses realize every time they
come into the barn does not have to be work time
and even seem to recognize “their person”. Volunteers
involved in the program are able to get great responses
from the horses they spend time with in and out of
the arena. Volunteers have even commented that they
enjoy the relaxing quiet time as much as the horses.
We are so grateful for the extra time and dedication
that they continue to give.
his
KIDS “TAKE A STAND”
FOR EQUEST!
athan Scott
Covell raised
$36.80
by
setting up a lemonade
stand at his Grandma’s
garage sale! Nathan
was motivated by his
friend who is a rider
at Equest and wanted
to help! Nathan not
only made the lemonade and signs- he put
together information
about Equest’s program and how it helps
special needs riders
and shared that with
shoppers! We are so
impressed by Nathan’s
initiative and support
of our center!
WWW.EQUESTCENTER.ORG
Keep up to date on the latest
Equest News through the Equest
Center website located at
www.equestcenter.org.
Features include:
• Calendar of Events
• Therapeutic Riding Program & Volunteer
• Information (download forms)
• Summer Horsemanship Day Camp (including
forms available for download)
• Photos and Bios of all of our Equine Therapists
• Wish List
• Online Newsletters
• Much More
Donate Securely on
our website!
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
Find us on
3
many hands
one vision
Our Vision for the Future of Equest
For nearly 20 years Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding has touched the lives of thousands of children and their
families. Horseback riding transports individuals with special needs into a new, unexplored world providing a
sense of independence and freedom that defies disabilities. When riding, individuals escape their braces, crutches,
wheelchairs and disabilities, replacing them with the gentle gait of a well-trained horse.
T
oday, the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding is literally bursting at its seams. This Fall session, more than 100 individuals
were unable to take part in Equest Center programming and
had to sit on the sidelines watching from the waiting list. Also, the
Equest Center facilities, its barn and other equipment, are suffering
from being loved by nearly twenty years of enthusiastic riders.
or an addition to riding, opening up the world of horses to those
who may be unable to ride due to weight, balance, fatigue, fear of
heights, the inability to sit astride, or other issues.
• Equest Center’s new Sensory Trail will offer enhanced therapeutic
options- especially for the many individuals suffering from Sensory
Processing Disorder.
To position itself for the future and to meet demand for its services,
the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding is proposing $ 923,000 of
improvements, enhancements and a land purchase. These improvements
will both improve the quality of experience for current participants as
well as expand capacity to meet service demand.
Many Hands One Vision Committee
Eileen DeVries, Honorary Co-Chair
Star Meijer, Honorary Co-Chair
Wendy Gerber, Honorary Co-Chair
Rachel Mraz, Committee Chairperson
Beth Spica, Member
Maggie Lancaster, Member
Lori “Maranda” Cook, Member
Lucienne Lightfoot, Member
Jeff Ott, Member
Kim Boyer, Member
Kevin Kuske, Member
Equest Center’s Many Hands-One Vision Campaign includes 4 major
components:
• Improvements to the riding arena and stall area include physical
improvements as well as an addition with appropriate handicapped
accessible bathrooms and improved ventilation throughout the
building. These improvements will provide a more comfortable
experience for riders and horses as well as allowing Equest to serve a
larger number of clients with more severe health and mobility needs.
• The purchase of nearly eleven acres of abandoned land adjacent to
the current facility will allow Equest to obtain seven more horses
for the program as well as additional land for our Sensory Riding
Trail and Carriage Driving program track. These improvements
will allow Equest Center to increase its capacity, serving additional
riders currently on our waiting list.
• The development and implementation of a Carriage Driving
Program. Using a horse and carriage gives participants an alternative
4
“The Many Hands, One Vision campaign is an exciting opportunity
to greatly improve and expand Equest’s facilities while increasing their
capacity to serve riders. With Equest’s breadth of services- across West
Michigan, in various disabilities, and in age of riders- the therapy that
horses can offer is obvious not only from the smiles on the riders faces,
but the success stories of individuals who have made significant progress
after coming to the Equest Center.”
Rachel Mraz - Campaign Chair & Board Member
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
O
n Saturday October 10th more than 200
guests moseyed in to kick up their heels
for Equest Center’s third annual Horsin’
Around Hoedown for Equest’s Kids presented
by The Northern Cross Foundation (the Spica
Family) and Applause Catering & Events. The
event was a smashing success!
Our center was transformed into an old wild
western town, complete with authentic games and
activities from the day as well as dinner, auctions,
music, and therapeutic riding demonstrations from
some of Equest’s outstanding special equestrians.
Many Thanks to Honorary Co-chairs Beth and
Rob Spica, Doug and Star Meijer, Wendy Gerber
and Eileen and Brian DeVries for their strong
support. Over $35,000 was raised in one evening
which will provide more opportunities to help the
many amazing special needs riders Equest Center
serves throughout each year.
Special thanks to: Joe Sack and American Expositions, our MC - Maranda from WOTV4, Joel
McClure - for the beautiful layout & design
of the event’s printed materials, Ray Jakolat - our
lighting and sound man and the many volunteers
who helped plan, set up, clean up for the event.
This boot stompin’ event was made possible
through the amazing planning committee:
Lucienne Lightfoot
Bridget Lassig
Karen Bakale
Meg Moore
Chris Ackerman
Angela Taylor
Kelly Wujkowski
Kathy Ryan
Presenting Sponsors:
The Northern Cross Foundation
(The Spica Family)
Applause Catering + Events
Triple Crown Sponsors:
Doug and Star Meijer
Grand Prix Sponsors:
Dean Trailways of Michigan
High Point Sponsors:
Warner, Norcross and Judd, LLC.
HeuleGordon, Inc.
Photography donated by Holly DeGarmo - Professional Photographer
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
5
The Equest Staff
Kathy Ryan
Marci DeVries Kelly Wujkowski
Executive Director Equine Program
Coordinator,
Instructor
Volunteer
Coordinator
Instructor
June Arver
Instructor
Lindsay Stelma
Angela Taylor
Jan Parker
Laura Pingston
Jennifer Dys
Shelly Fox
Liz Hoyt
Instructor
Office Manager
Client Program
Coordinator
Instructor
Facilities
Coordinator,
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Please visit www.equestcenter.org for our schedule of
activities and events and our wish list (gifts-in-kind)
61st Dist. Ct. Overdue Group
Accola Household
Ada Bike Shop
Ada Hospital For Animals
Aetna Foundation
Agnes and Leon Schwartz
Ahavas Israel Congregation
AJ’s Lawn Maintenance
Al and Beverly Manes
Alan Anderson
Alan and Pamela Pike
Albert and Rosemary Embo
Albert Silverman
Algoma Sunshine Circle
Allism Wheeler
Allison Bower
Alticor Foundation
Alticor Quixtar
Amanda Sanderson
Amerisure Mutual Insurance
Amey Dykema
Amy and Don O’Keefe
Amy and Jonathon Bushey
Amy and Kristin Smith
Amy and Randy Freeburg
Amy Donaldson
Amy Michalski
Amy Smith
Andrea Landis
Angela and Jeremy Taylor
Angela Plainte
Angie and John Gleason
Ann Broker
Ann Heffron
Anne Risch
Anthony Cimmarrusti
Arlene Nelson-Donders
Art Smith
Arthur Nasso
Authur Silverstein
Autism Society Of Kent County
Baerwalde Household
Barbara & James Antonucci
Barbara and Thomas Kent
Barbara and Tim Kwekel
Barbara Beineman
Barbara Harrison
Baudville, INC
Bayberry Apartments
Behler-Young Co.
Bement Household
Ben and Sally Thomet
Bess Danos
Besser Family Trust
Beth Dupuis
Beth Spica
Betsy Kaylor
Better Life Institute
Betty and Ron Houtman
Betty Zylstra
Bieniewicz Household
Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus
Bill and Anita Crawford
Bill and Liz Loker
Billing Feed Store Inc.
Blake and Anna Mazurek
Blake Hollenbeck Auto Sales
Boals Timothy
Bonnie and Dennis Mogle
Borisch Manufacturing Co
Botanic Innovations
Botts Household
Bowman Household
Brandi Haik
Brent and Deborah Clover
Brett and Ellen Pawloski
Brian and Cheryl Doyle
Brian and Rachel Pickerd
Bridget and Steven Lassig
Bridget Bisel- & William Wells
Bruyn Household
Brys Estate VineYard & Winery
Buist Electric
Busk Household
Capital Area United
Way Inc
Cara Nieboer
Cariano Household
Carl Heule
Carl Verspoor
Carle and Jim DeWitt
Carol and Frank Roest
Carole Horling
Carolyn Mayne
Carter Tyndall
Catherine Fye
Cathy Marchido
Cathy Raexsky
CC’s Kitchens, LLC
Celina and Daniel Belfer
Centennial Country Club
Centennial Securities
Chandler Woods
Charitable Gift Fund
Charles and Ioma Hand
Charles & Margaret Henry
Charles & Mary Grayson
Charles Burt
Charlotte and Randal Fisk
Chemical Bank West
Employees Fundraiser
Cherie Gleason
Cheryl Coutchie
Cheryl Ehlert
Cheryl Teri
Chester Miller
Chinook Enterprises, Inc
Chirico Household
Chiropractic Health Ctr Of
Rockford
Chris & Michelle Rabideau
Chris Rossman
Christian & Mandy Chardoul
Christina Daisy
Christine Maclean
Christine Vanthof
Christopher Barnes
Chuck and Cindi DeSibour
Cichewicz Household
Cindy Quinn
City Of East Grand Rapids
CJ Zdun
Claire Belfer
Claire Mahave
Clorox Foundation
Cochran Household
Color House Graphics
Community Automotive
Repair, Inc
Corey Household
Cormier Household
Cornucopia Family
Foundation
Cornwell Household
Craig and Amy Hume
Craig Terpstra
Cray Mulder
Crystal Flash Limited
Partnership Of Michigan
Culver, Wood & Culver, CPA’s
Cummings Bridgeway LLC
Curt Gunneson
Cutlerville Shoe Repair
Cynthia & Ronald Heinbeck
Cynthia Ann Alt
Cynthia Baizaire
Dale DeHaan
Dale Drooger
Dale Eichenberg
Dan and Carol Blundy
Dan and Jan White
Dan and Karen Kirkwood
Dan Trierweiler
Dana and Teri-Jo Mettler
Dana Winniman
Daniel and Janet Edwards
DataComp Appraisal Services
Dave and Patty Royce
David Hall
David and Ann Disabato
David and Jeanne Eyde
David and Karen Deurloo
David & Michelle Pezzato
David & Nancy Morrison
David and Ruth Pruis
David and Susan Murphy
David Finkelstein
David Rein
Dawn Cole
Dean and Janet Bailey
Dean and Marcel Freyling
Dean Transportation, Inc.
Deb Ralya
Debbie & Robert Matusiak
Debbie Kober
Debbie Welby
Deborah Shoemaker
Debra Kochin
Deena Frost
DeGarmo Household
Delores Greenberg
Dematic Employee Association
Dietrich Foundation
Don and Patty Patterson
Donald and Bluma Herman
Donna Wolz
Donnielle Geil
Doug and Diane DeVries
Dr and Mrs Krouse
Albert & Shirley Lewis
Dykema Excavators Inc.
EGR Middle School
Ed and Ann Roubal
Ed Koehn
Edith Nicholson
Edsenga Household
Edward& Kay Finkelstein
Eenhoorn, LLC
Ehle Household
Eileen Pickard
Eileen and Brian DeVries
Liz and Thomas Cowden
Elizabeth Armstrong
Elizabeth Henry-Unzens
Elizabeth Hoogstra
Elizabeth Topliffe
Ellen Adelson
Ellen Fishman
Elsie Doane
Eric and Anita Bennett
Eric and JoAnn Harrison
Eric Spungen
Eric Staley
Estelle Plous
Esther Weisberg
Family Friends Vetrerinary
Hospital
Feyen-Zylstra
Fifth Third Bank
Foremost Insurance
Forest Hills Schools
Foxfield Arabians
Frank & Gertrude Dunlap
F. F. Carel Heule, TTEE
Fred & Kathleen Burkhart
Fred Platte
Fred Selinger
Frederick & Catherine Idema
Fredric Weisberg
Masons Of Michigan
Freel Household
Frey Froundation
Fulton Street ARTisans Market
Fusionary Media
Gail and John DeKraker
Garnet Silverstein
Gary and Susan Klaiss
Gary and Toots Doucette
Gary Mills
Gary W. Dietrich Family
Foundation
Gay Sykes
Gayle and Gregory Fox
Geertruida Heule
Gene and Phyllis Gilmore
Gene J Gilmore
Genesis Seating
George Adams
George and Barbara Bailey
Geralyn Pasi
Gerber Household
Gina and Todd Bovee
Ginger Kircheis
Girl Scout Troop #1340
Girl Scout Troop #2312
Girl Scouts Of Michigan
Troop 2046
Glenn and Susan Disosway
Gooder Household
Gordon Bohman
Gordon Food Service
Gordon Food Service
Gordon Household
Gordy and Sharon Pickerd
Grand Bank
Grand Rapids Chapter
Coffee Dunkers Of America
Grand Rapids Community
Foundation
Grand Rapids Controls
Grand Rapids Gravel
Grand Rapids Griffins
Grand Rapids Western
Horse Club
Grand Rapids-Sparta
Lodge #50
Grassmid Household
GRCAC Community
Media Center
Great Lakes Rodders
Guikema Household
GVSU Rodeo And
Equestrian Club
H.S. Die & Engineering
Hair Unlimited
Ham Household
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Harrison Rental LLC
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Haymarsh Hunt Club
Heather Coyle
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Helayne Sherman
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Hendon & Slate Agency
Hendrene Gesink
Henry and Connie Mast
Henry and Suzette Jaskie
HermanMilller Foundation
Heule Gordon Print
Sytems Inc
Heule Household
Honey Creek
EquestrianHoxie Building
ICNB
Industrial Firebrick Warehouse
Insurance Data Services
Irvin Wolfson
J & L Roofing
Jack and Laurel Gravelyn
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James Williams
James and Mary Danielski
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James and Shannon Davis
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Janet and Brian Giersch
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Janet Chambers
Janice Barnes
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Jansen Household
Jason and Casey Gordon
Jayelynn and Denny
Bergers
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Jean Ott
Jeanette St Louis
Jeanne and Bill Bentley
Jeanne Comeau
Jeff and Becky Agar
Jeff and Brenda Schroeder
Jeff and Maria Hawkins
Jeff Hundley
Jeff Schroeder
Jeffery and Karrinda Miller
Jenison Ambucs
Jenkins Household
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Jenny and Robert Matusiak
Jerome Nickels
Jerrold and Lois Minier
Jerry and Elizabeth Welch
Lykins
Jill and Richard FrazeeEitman
Jill Cogan
Jim and Kathy O’Dette
Jim Longhurst
Joan and Joseph Lubner
Joan Winniman
Joann Roche
Joanne Gorant
Jodi Steenwyk
Joe and Lori McInnis
John and Amy Gordon
John and Carol Heerman
John and Carol Hoffman
John and Karen Slaby
John and Marcia Ficeli
John and Nancy Folkringa
John Ball Zoo Society
John Bultema
John Cameron Jr. and Ann
Cameron
John Chandler
John Conklin
John Gardella
John Slaby
Joseph and Mary
Antonucci
Joseph Antonucci
Joseph Vanek
Joyce DeVries
Joyce Elliott
Joyce Mannor
Judith WIlson
Judy Joppie
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USA
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Company
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Andel Foundation
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THANK YOU,
DONORS!
Yes, I believe in the healing power of Equine Therapy!
Enclosed is my gift of:
q $150 q $100
q $50
q $25
q $_____other
q Check enclosed
q Please bill my credit card____________________________ exp. date ___/____ _____________________________
Signature
q
q
Name___________________________________
Address__________________________________ City________________ ST______ Zip____________
Email_______________@____________
(Please call for more information. )
q I will become a monthly sponsor in the following program:
q Sponsor a Student q Sponsor a Stall
q Mortgage and Insurance Fund
q Adopt a Horse q Farrier and Vet Fund q Hay and Oats Fund q Where Most Needed
q I am interested in becoming a volunteer at Equest. q I have specific skills/talent/experience in the area of
__________________________and I want to help. Please contact me!
q Please send me information concerning planned giving opportunities.
q I own a horse that could be very useful as an “equine therapist.” I would like to learn more about the specifics of gifting or
loaning a horse to Equest and my tax options. Please send me information.
q Please send information about Equest to these friends of mine:
Name___________________________________Name___________________________________
Address__________________________________Address__________________________________
City________________ST___Zip____________ City________________ST___Zip____________
Email_______________@____________Email_______________@____________
q We aim to eliminate duplicate or unwanted mail. Please check this box if you are not interested in receiving future mailings.
All gifts to Equest are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to: Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Inc. and send to:
3777 Rector NW, Rockford, MI 49341, or call us at (616)866.3066
Thank you for your gift to Equest!
Tammy Reagan
Ted Blacklidge
Teresa Kinney-Gent
Teresa Thome
Terri and Jerry Bott
Terry Roer
The Aparche Foundation
The Benoit Family
The Buist Foundation
The Flynn Household
The Gilmore Collection
The Godlewski Household
The Kruger Family
The Novosad Team, LLC
The Salvage Groups, Inc
The Shupe Household
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The Tennant Family Trust
The Wright Household
Theo & Sharon Christensen
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Antonucci
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Thornwood Equine
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Titan Equipment
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Tobaccos
United Way
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Valley City Sign
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William & Donna Boorstein
William and Joanna Gerke
William and Ruth Peless
William Rothwell
WOOD TV
Wordhouse Household
Zel, Inc.
Zondervan
Zuiderveen Household
The Equest
Board of Directors
welcomes your
comments and inquiries
Jeff Agar - President
Vice President-Genesis Seating
Rachel Mraz - VP of Finance
Financial Advisor - Merrill Lynch
Jeff Ott
Partner - Warner, Norcross & Judd
Lori “Maranda” Cook
Wood TV 8 and Grand Rapids Press
Rinck Heule
Managing Director - HeuleGordon, Inc.
Anna Mazurek
Kent Neurological Association
MS Society
Blake Mazurek
Teacher- Grandville Public Schools
Gina Bovee
Development Director
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Lucienne Lightfoot
Assistant Vice President, Human
Resources - Fifth Third Bank
Kevin Kuske
General Manager - Steelcase Wood
and Turnstone
6
EQUEST CENTER’S
STAND-OUT
VOLUNTEERS
Brian Alcock, Travis Noid, Don Parker
Late Breaking News
“We had to wait until Rinck Heule (Editor-in-Chief of the Newsletter) went out of town
to slip this article in before going to print…” Kathy Ryan – Executive Director
I
n 2000, a wonderful partnership began with Rinck
Heule and HeuleGordon Print Systems that has greatly impacted Equest. Not only did Rinck join Equest’s
Board of Directors, Rinck immediately began using one of
his many areas of expertise by taking on a variety of projects
at the center including infusing enthusiasm, a fresh look
and much creativity into revitalizing brochures and Equest’s
printed materials, revamping the newsletters, invitations
and letters to our supporters…all at his own expense. For
the past 10 years HeuleGordon has tackled all printed projects from concept to design and never charged Equest a
dime for their work!! Amazing! All of this work has allowed
us to reach out and share Equest’s mission to so many more
individuals in the community and beyond!
In August, a party was given in honor of Rinck and
Marianna Heule’s 30th Wedding Celebration and 25 years
of successful business for HeuleGordon. The Heule’s once
again chose to bring Equest into focus transforming their
Marianna and Rinck Heule
own celebration into an Equest fundraiser by asking that all
gifts be directed in cash to the Equest Center’s kids!!
This very generous act (along with Marianna’s willingness to go in the dunk tank) raised over $4,000 for Equest
Center’s special needs riders. Many thanks to the incredible generosity of Rinck and Marianna Heule, and those at
HeuleGordon Print Systems and to the many guests at the event for the love and support shown!
Lucienne Lightfoot
Breakfast with the Bunny
E
quest Center for Therapeutic Riding welcomed over 700 Egg Hunters and a sky full of sunshine to its
7th Annual Breakfast with the Bunny on
Saturday, April 11th!
Virtually ALL areas of the facility were
filled with entertainment of all kinds: a
petting zoo, photo opportunities with the
bunny, face painting, horse drawn wagon
rides, the beautiful sounds of the stringed
quartet Amaden, and arts & crafts for the
kids. A professionally catered brunch filled
the Equest building, tents and indoor
arena while the outdoor arena and pastures
produced thousands of candy-filled eggs.
Kurt Lipka
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:
Applause Catering + Events
and supporting sponsors:
CC’s Kitchen, Centennial Securities
and Dykema Excavators.
Special Thanks to:
Paul VanderLaan & his amazing horses
Leather and Lace 4-H group
Ray Jakolat, our lighting & sound wizard
The Alpha Sigma Phi Sorority girls for
filling 7000+ eggs with Candy!
The event raised over $5000 for the Center
and will be used for rider scholarships and
operational funds.
Nancy Patten
Trailblazers Luncheon, “Changing Lives One Ride at a Time!”
O
n Wednesday May 13, 2009 Equest hosted the second annual Trailblazers Luncheon at Cascade Hills
Country Club. Over 220 people in attendance enjoyed
a fabulous luncheon while being amazed by the outstanding
equestrians they met and hearing their stories of achievement.
Angelica Sawyer
We are so grateful to our
dedicated table hosts who were
key to the success of this event!
Without their hard work and
commitment to our program
this event would not have been
possible! God Bless you!
Kevin Kuske & daughters
Andrew Brainard (no picture available)
David Hall (no picture available)
Marissa Freyling
riding side-sadle
The heartfelt testimonials from
our guest speakers made the
Equest mission truly come to
life! Thank you for sharing your
personal stories with all of us.
Many Thanks to speakers:
Marissa Freyling, Equest Rider and volunteer
Michelle Fox, Parent of Equest Rider Mallory
Ed Bement, Parent of Equest Rider Patrick
Jeralyn Hunter, Physical Therapist from Spectrum working
with a number of our riders in our Therapeutic Riding Classes
Thank you also to our Mistress of Ceremonies: Maranda,
TV 4 and Equest Center Board
Member and to Rachel Mraz for
the use of the beautiful facility!
Over $32,000 was brought in
from this fundraising event in the
past two years. Most importantly,
this has been a stepping stone
allowing us to reach new friends in
the community and spread the word about how Equest Center
for Therapeutic Riding is “Changing Lives One Ride at a Time!”
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
7
Perspective
from the Editor
N
ot long ago, I was admiring pictures my
colleagues had taken on a trip to India.
As I admired the exotic fabrics, buildings
and unusual vehicles, they kept telling me that,
while the pictures were great, they just don’t relate
the whole experience. Without the sounds and the
smells and the oppressive heat, you cannot grasp
what is was really like over there.
In Equest Times we attempt to present you a glimpse
of what Equest is all about. But not until you have
seen the look on the faces of our special needs riders,
smelled the hay, touched the horses and heard the
sounds of lessons and laughter in the barn, you will
not fully grasp what Equest is all about.
The Equest Center is not a fancy equestrian facility.
The buildings have a lot of needs. But the magic
inside is undeniable. How else could you explain
this unlikely collection of people who go all out to
work for our Center? Here’s just a sampling:
A Harley biker
A Franciscan sister
A financial advisor
A boy scout
A psychology student
A TV celebrity
A fine artist
A high school teacher
A banking attorney
A business executive
•
•
•
•
Equest Center Wish list:
Clean dirt/fill
Wood chips for new sensory trails - TONS!
Gas weedwhackers, shovels, rakes
Horse donations- specifically looking for safe
solid horses that like being around a lot of
people and can handle the extra activity. At
this time we are specifically looking for:
A horse trainer
A commercial photographer
I could fill two pages, but you get the idea. These
people have nothing in common, really, except that
they all – for many different reasons – stopped in
at Equest one day. They were changed people when
they left. They were touched by what’s happening
at Equest. They see the work Equest does in the
lives of special people and they share the vision of
what Equest can become if more people join hands
around the Center.
Art Gallery
Select pieces from Equest’s
“Horses&Hearts-Prize” Exhibit
Original Art
Donated by riders and benefactors of Equest
If you have never been to Equest, I dare you to
make that short trip to Rockford. Yes, you will put
yourself at risk of falling in love with the Equest
Center for Therapeutic Riding; just like the people
in this issue did. But I promise you, Equest is worth
every minute and every dime you invest in it. Every
volunteer and every donor will tell you: the return
on your investment will exceed all expectations.
Enjoy the issue!
Rinck J. Heule
Editor-in-Chief
Equest Times
• A horse that can carry larger riders (approx
250 pounds) Perhaps a draft cross or a smaller
draft horse
• A smaller horse with a smooth gait, slow
jog and lope, perhaps experienced in western
pleasure classes
• Horses with gentle temperament sound at
walk, trot, canter
Leaving a legacy through planned Giving
Remembering Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding in your will is a simple way to directly impact the
lives of people with physical, mental, social and emotional challenges. Your legacy gift can become an
important part of your ongoing support of Equest! Please let us know if you have included Equest in
your estate plans. You can call Kathy at (616) 866-3066 or check the appropriate box on the enclosed
envelope and return it to us with your name and contact information.
Equest Center is now Able to Accept VISA and MASTERCARD for your Donations!
Published by Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Inc.. Equest is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Your
gifts are tax deductible. For more information on therapeutic riding, please visit www.nahra.com or come and
visit us at 3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341. You can call us at 616-866-3066.
Concept, design, layout and production donated by HeuleGordon, Inc.
Thank you, printers at News Web Printing Services of Greenville, MI, for making us look so sharp!
Equest
Times
3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341
MISSION STATEMENT:
We improve quality of life through equine-based therapy to physically,
mentally and socially / emotionally challenged individuals. Our unique
program integrates academic, social and physical skills, using the horse
as a catalyst.
We welcome your letters. Please send them to: Equest Center for
Therapeutic Riding, Inc. 3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341, or
email us at equestcenter@aol.com. You can call us at 616-866-3066.
Member Center
North American Riding for the Handicapped
Association Denver, Co.
Non-Profit Organization
US Postage
PAID
Greenville, MI 48838
Permit# 338