The Heartbeat - Horseshoes from the Heart

C A L ENDAR OF U P COM ING EVE NTS
Baytown
Special
Rodeo
Pasadena
Rodeo
Parade
Sept 13th
Sept 20th
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Pasadena
Little Wranglers
Rodeo
Oct 4th
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Charity
Meeting
Oct 15th
Oct 25th
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Oct 1 th
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Wi ld We s t
Oct 23rd
Oct 18th
6-9 pm
Call Chris
832-559-8881
Call Lori
713-726-0689
Museum of
1st Annual Horseshoes
Natural Science Cowboys & Indians
Nov 16th
Trail Ride
Hosted by
Congregation Emanu El
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Spring
2009
Call Lori
713-726-0689
A HORSESHOES TRAIL RIDE TRA
A DDIITTIIOONN
The 2008 Horseshoes From The Heart and Los
Vaqueros Annual Campfire, School Ride and
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Day Parade
A Horseshoes Tradition…… 1
13th Annual Campfire…….. 1
Alabama-Coushatta Indians… 1
Houston, Texas
Fundraiser at
First Edition 2008
Inside This Issue
Nov 13-14
Call Lori
713-726-0689
The Heartbeat
W ANTED
Chronic Illness
& Disability
Conference
7-9 pm
Fieldtrip
Houston City
Zoo
2008 Special Needs
Conf. & Resource Fair
Entry Due
by
Texas Medical Center
Zoo-Boo
The Arc of
Fort Bend
Art Contest!
were all a huge success. These yearly signature events reflect our
mission to include disabled individuals in any and all outdoor
activities, while creating a unique opportunity for participants to
learn of Texas history and the trail ride traditions. Through the
hard work of its dedicated volunteers and supporters, Horseshoes
From The Heart has dedicated two custom made wagons specially
designed to accommodate wheelchairs and children with special
needs for our events.
Annual School Ride………... 2
VOLUNTEERS & BENEFICIARIES
Singing Robyn………………. 2
Los Vaqueros Ride…………. 2
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
Gentle Giants ………………. 2
VOLUNTEERING OR PARTICIPATING,
PLEASE GIVE US A CALL AT
Houston Rodeo Parade……. 2
Beneficiary Highlight……... 3
713-726-0689
Volunteer of the Year …….. 3
Galveston County Fair……. 3
For the most current event information
please go to our website at
WWW.HORSESHOESFROMTHEHEART.ORG
or call 713-726-0689.
Thanks for contributions to this edition: Chris Crawford,
Kent Crawford, Rhonda Exley, Deborah Filip, Brianne Getz,
and Lori Waldo-Torrez.
A & E Graphics has generously donated
printing to honor long-time employee
Troy Husmann.
Israel’s 60th Anniversary… 3
Fishing Tournament………. 3
Calendar of Events………... 4
Signature Events
The 13th Annual Horseshoes & Los Vaqueros Trail Ride Campfire
had
the largest attendance in years! The weather was beautiful — just cold enough to really appreciate our donated firepots, wood and hay bale chairs. When the chow bell rang, the hungry riders and guests lined up for
sausage on a stick and BBQ sandwiches with all the fixin’s; beans, potato salad and fresh rolls all served by
loyal volunteers. It was evident the meal was lip smackin’ good seeing that our volunteers steadily served
hungry guests, trail riders and Indians for over two hours!
Annual Campfire
*
Annual School Trail Ride
*
Houston Livestock Show
and Rodeo Day Parade
Special Events
5118 Redstart
Houston, Texas
77035
Shop with a Cop
*
Thanksgiving Day
Parade
*
Soar with Eagles
*
Fishing Trips
*
Camping Trips
*
Halloween Zoo Boo
*
Easter Egg Hunt
& More...
The
A
C
I
LABAMA - OUSHATTA NDIANS captured our hearts again this year! We were
blessed to have these wonderful guests share the rich history of their heritage by demonstrating their native
dances during a campfire lit dinner. For many years now, members of the tribe have
been performing at the Campfire held the night before the School Trail Ride. Many
parents in the neighboring communities bring their children to enjoy our outdoor campfire event year after
year. The kids never seem to tire of watching the Indian
dancers clad in the vivid colored outfits with beads,
feathers and ancient songs into the moonlight. Spectators of every age are fascinated by the rhythmic movements set to the drummer’s beat. Some dances are like a
vibrant living kaleidoscope of color and patterns while
others tell an ancient tale through the dance movements.
A “story dance” may have a clear lesson or moral and
other stories are just for fun! Each year, the Indians also join us on our trail
ride through Bellaire and Houston. Together on horseback and in chuck wagons, we visit several schools in
celebration of “Go Texan Day!” that provides a visual image of Texas History for students and teachers
alike. The nearly 100,000 school children we visit not only get to see real “Cowboys & Indians” but also the
accomplishments of our special needs riders as they ride by the crowds with pride. The smiles lasted for
miles.
BENEFICIARY HIGHLIGHT
Troy Husmann, one of our long-time special riders, has worn western boots, shirts and a cowboy hat
13TH ANNUAL HISD & BELLAIRE TRAIL RIDE
The purpose of our rides is to involve special needs children and adults in an outdoor activity that most people would not believe possible. With this mission in
mind our caravan of riders proudly blazed a trail from Westbury Little League
field, through Bellaire and ended at the Williams Tower. We stopped at several
HISD and private schools to provide an authentic Texas Trail Ride experience as
we celebrated “Go Texan Day.” This year, a welcomed new addition to the ride
was the Anderson Elementary School band—they filled the air with music and
enthusiasm. Bellaire PD, HPD and Constable Pct 6 generously provided us with
a safe passage through the busy streets. A big thanks from “the heart” to all who
make the annual school ride possible each year!
ROBYN SINGS LIKE
A
BIRD
Our very own yodeling sweetheart, Ms. Robyn
Mundy, returned to entertain our Campfire guests on
Thursday night and the children during the Horseshoes
School Ride on Friday. Always a crowd pleaser,
Robyn sings some of the old favorites and also some
current hits on the country and western circuit.
Thanks Robyn!
THE LOS VAQUEROS TRAIL RIDERS
The Los Vaqueros Trail Ride has the distinction of
being the longest ride. They began in 1973 with
Larry Ramirez as their President and Trail Boss.
Larry brought the group of “diehard” riders in
from Reynosa, Mexico into Texas. They make their
way to Houston, traveling 386 miles! The Los Vaqueros Trail Riders have strong family values.
These values have been passed on from generation
to generation. Larry passed those values on to his
Sal Ramirez
son Sal Ramirez who became
the next Trail Boss. A few years ago, Sal retired’ as
Trail Boss and passed the reins on to younger brother
David Ramirez. Now, instead of leading our Annual
School Ride as Trail Boss of the Los Vaqueros, Sal has
become one of our Wagon drivers!
A very special “Thank You” goes out to the Los Vaqueros
and to the Ramirez Family!
David Ramirez
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK
SHOW & RODEO
DAY PARADE
After many years of
persistence and hard
work, our hearts were
filled with pride once
again to see our own
special Horseshoes From
The Heart wagons roll
down the street alongside the traditional
wagons in the world’s
largest Rodeo and
Parade. Constructed
in late 2005, our wagon was believed to be the first wheelchair equipped wagon of its kind. It debuted in the Houston
Rodeo Day Parade held in Feb. 2006. Then in 2007, we dedicated our 2nd wagon, the “ Memorial Wagon,” to our fallen
riders. Each year, during the campfire ceremony, a plaque
with any fallen rider’s name is added to the side of the wagon
in remembrance of their life. Several other trail ride associations have recognized the efforts and accomplishments of
our special needs riders and Horseshoes mission and they have
expressed interest in coordinating future events with their
rides to include our participants!
GENTLE GIANTS
JOIN RIDE
We were honored to have the help of Mr. Wes Hardy and his son Dylan this year
on our annual Horseshoes School Ride. Wes brought a matched set of flaxen Belgian draft horses that were excellent with the children at the schools. This team is
equal to, or in some cases larger than the Budweiser Clydesdales, and they seemed
larger than life to the wide eyed children as our cowboys rode by.
since childhood and has always enjoyed Rodeos. In 2002, Troy was invited by a volunteer of our organization
to attend our Annual “Los Vaqueros Campfire”. The dancing Indians, rough tough trail riders and an open
interaction with other special individuals made Troy captivated! He has attended every year since and soon
became loved by all. In 2004, he joined Los Vaqueros for a day ride with his new trail ride duster, donated by
Horseshoes. This marked the beginning of a special tradition for Troy and his father. Troy has really stretched
his abilities and goals to new levels! In 2005, father and son rode a few hours from Richmond into Houston.
In 2006 and 2007, they went even further and made the 2 day ride in from Kendleton, TX with the Los Vaqueros crew. This year Troy is the first to beat an all time record for our organization.
Our duo met up with Los Vaqueros in Victoria, TX where they rode all week and finished at the Annual Campfire! We are all so very
proud of Troy and his accomplishments. Troy’s father says, “… these trail rides and the camaraderie that goes on around the late night
campfires have really enriched and influenced my son’s life positively. These events have not only taught him about Texas Trail Rides, but
have provided a sense of being accepted as a part of a group that has encouraged him to grow as a person.”
A very special thanks to the Los Vaqueros, Troy, his dad and to everyone who makes these moments possible.
2007 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
It is never easy to highlight any one volunteer when so many make our work possible; but Horseshoes would like to
give extra special thanks to one of its hard working volunteers, Deborah Filip. Deborah has brought new drive
and vision to our organization. Her efforts were instrumental in pioneering our dream to participate in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo day events. Until Horseshoes From The Heart joined the Rodeo Day Parade in 2006,
no other parade of its scope included individuals with restricted mobility. Deborah is an excellent organizer, leaving nothing to chance (except for those eight feet tall tunnels.) It is her compassion for the kids that continues to drive
her out into our community to join hands with supporters, volunteers and special needs families so that we can
continue our mission. In 2007, Deborah’s efforts got our special ‘wheelchair accessible’ custom wagons in the
Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade– a first for the City of Houston!
GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR ~ APRIL 2008
Our wagons joined the Sante Fe and Texas Independence
Trail Riders on a ride down Hwy 146 to the Galveston County
Fairgrounds to kick off the County Fair. The following week,
we took our wagons, which are designed to accommodate
wheelchair riders and participated in “Special Kids” day.
u
k Yo
n
a
h
T
rah!
De b o
Kids Charity
Fishing Tournament
April 2008 * Baytown
Wes Hardy and son Dylan brought their Belgians to pull one
wagon. Louis Guidroz and his friend Rick joined us again this
year with an extra wagon and team. The event hosted close to
1000 kids. Over 200 had the opportunity to be “Trail Riders”
that day thanks to the efforts of our great volunteers!
holds a Kids
Charity Fishing Tournament on
Eastside Honda
ISRAEL’S 60TH
ANNIVERSARY
PARADE
April 2008
Thanks to the efforts of Arriene Kaplan, mother of our long-time special
rider Rachel, Horseshoes From The Heart was invited to participate in a parade honoring Israel’s 60th
birthday. Parents and families of the riders walked beside the wagon with our volunteers while a
posse of clowns kept the kids laughing. One brave clown jumped onboard for the ride. Enthusiastic parade watchers along the 1 1/3 mile route cheered their support for our group. This
proved to be a great opportunity to distribute brochures and talk to people who had not yet heard
about us or our mission to see that the “little things in life” are accessible to ALL.
Thanks “Houston Jewish Special Needs Group” for your invitation to participate in this special event and build memories that will last!
their 34 acre private lake each year.
The lake is stocked with big bass,
catfish, crappie, brim and perch for
a fun filled family day of fishing for
all to enjoy.
No Boats! All fishing is bank fishing and all proceeds went to the
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
at the annual Ride for Kids. The
event was over at 5 PM but our
crew stayed till dark and had a
great time!
BENEFICIARY HIGHLIGHT
Troy Husmann, one of our long-time special riders, has worn western boots, shirts and a cowboy hat
13TH ANNUAL HISD & BELLAIRE TRAIL RIDE
The purpose of our rides is to involve special needs children and adults in an outdoor activity that most people would not believe possible. With this mission in
mind our caravan of riders proudly blazed a trail from Westbury Little League
field, through Bellaire and ended at the Williams Tower. We stopped at several
HISD and private schools to provide an authentic Texas Trail Ride experience as
we celebrated “Go Texan Day.” This year, a welcomed new addition to the ride
was the Anderson Elementary School band—they filled the air with music and
enthusiasm. Bellaire PD, HPD and Constable Pct 6 generously provided us with
a safe passage through the busy streets. A big thanks from “the heart” to all who
make the annual school ride possible each year!
ROBYN SINGS LIKE
A
BIRD
Our very own yodeling sweetheart, Ms. Robyn
Mundy, returned to entertain our Campfire guests on
Thursday night and the children during the Horseshoes
School Ride on Friday. Always a crowd pleaser,
Robyn sings some of the old favorites and also some
current hits on the country and western circuit.
Thanks Robyn!
THE LOS VAQUEROS TRAIL RIDERS
Sal Ramirez
The Los Vaqueros Trail Ride has the distinction of
being the longest ride. They began in 1973 with
Larry Ramirez as their President and Trail Boss.
Larry brought the group of “diehard” riders in
from Reynosa, Mexico into Texas. They make their
way to Houston, traveling 386 miles! The Los Vaqueros Trail Riders have strong family values.
These values have been passed on from generation
to generation. Larry passed those values on to his
son Sal Ramirez who became
Trail Boss and passed the reins on to younger brother
David Ramirez. Now, instead of leading our Annual
School Ride as Trail Boss of the Los Vaqueros, Sal has
become one of our Wagon drivers!
A very special “Thank You” goes out to the Los Vaqueros
and to the Ramirez Family!
David Ramirez
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK
SHOW & RODEO
DAY PARADE
After many years of
persistence and hard
work, our hearts were
filled with pride once
again to see our own
special Horseshoes From
The Heart wagons roll
down the street alongside the traditional
wagons in the world’s
largest Rodeo and
Parade. Constructed
in late 2005, our wagon was believed to be the first wheelchair equipped wagon of its kind. It debuted in the Houston
Rodeo Day Parade held in Feb. 2006. Then in 2007, we dedicated our 2nd wagon, the “ Memorial Wagon,” to our fallen
riders. Each year, during the campfire ceremony, a plaque
with any fallen rider’s name is added to the side of the wagon
in remembrance of their life. Several other trail ride associations have recognized the efforts and accomplishments of
our special needs riders and Horseshoes mission and they have
expressed interest in coordinating future events with their
rides to include our participants!
GENTLE GIANTS
JOIN RIDE
We were honored to have the help of Mr. Wes Hardy and his son Dylan this year
on our annual Horseshoes School Ride. Wes brought a matched set of flaxen Belgian draft horses that were excellent with the children at the schools. This team is
equal to, or in some cases larger than the Budweiser Clydesdales, and they seemed
larger than life to the wide eyed children as our cowboys rode by.
since childhood and has always enjoyed Rodeos. In 2002, Troy was invited by a volunteer of our organization
to attend our Annual “Los Vaqueros Campfire”. The dancing Indians, rough tough trail riders and an open
interaction with other special individuals made Troy captivated! He has attended every year since and soon
became loved by all. In 2004, he joined Los Vaqueros for a day ride with his new trail ride duster, donated by
Horseshoes. This marked the beginning of a special tradition for Troy and his father. Troy has really stretched
his abilities and goals to new levels! In 2005, father and son rode a few hours from Richmond into Houston.
In 2006 and 2007, they went even further and made the 2 day ride in from Kendleton, TX with the Los Vaqueros crew. This year Troy is the first to beat an all time record for our organization.
Our duo met up with Los Vaqueros in Victoria, TX where they rode all week and finished at the Annual Campfire! We are all so very
proud of Troy and his accomplishments. Troy’s father says, “… these trail rides and the camaraderie that goes on around the late night
campfires have really enriched and influenced my son’s life positively. These events have not only taught him about Texas Trail Rides, but
have provided a sense of being accepted as a part of a group that has encouraged him to grow as a person.”
A very special thanks to the Los Vaqueros, Troy, his dad and to everyone who makes these moments possible.
2007 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
It is never easy to highlight any one volunteer when so many make our work possible; but Horseshoes would like to
give extra special thanks to one of its hard working volunteers, Deborah Filip. Deborah has brought new drive
and vision to our organization. Her efforts were instrumental in pioneering our dream to participate in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo day events. Until Horseshoes From The Heart joined the Rodeo Day Parade in 2006,
no other parade of its scope included individuals with restricted mobility. Deborah is an excellent organizer, leaving nothing to chance (except for those eight feet tall tunnels.) It is her compassion for the kids that continues to drive
her out into our community to join hands with supporters, volunteers and special needs families so that we can
continue our mission. In 2007, Deborah’s efforts got our special ‘wheelchair accessible’ custom wagons in the
Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade– a first for the City of Houston!
GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR ~ APRIL 2008
Our wagons joined the Sante Fe and Texas Independence
Trail Riders on a ride down Hwy 146 to the Galveston County
Fairgrounds to kick off the County Fair. The following week,
we took our wagons, which are designed to accommodate
wheelchair riders and participated in “Special Kids” day.
u
k Yo
n
a
h
T
rah!
De b o
Kids Charity
Fishing Tournament
April 2008 * Baytown
Wes Hardy and son Dylan brought their Belgians to pull one
wagon. Louis Guidroz and his friend Rick joined us again this
year with an extra wagon and team. The event hosted close to
1000 kids. Over 200 had the opportunity to be “Trail Riders”
that day thanks to the efforts of our great volunteers!
holds a Kids
Charity Fishing Tournament on
Eastside Honda
ISRAEL’S 60TH
ANNIVERSARY
PARADE
April 2008
Thanks to the efforts of Arriene Kaplan, mother of our long-time special
rider Rachel, Horseshoes From The Heart was invited to participate in a parade honoring Israel’s 60th
birthday. Parents and families of the riders walked beside the wagon with our volunteers while a
posse of clowns kept the kids laughing. One brave clown jumped onboard for the ride. Enthusiastic parade watchers along the 1 1/3 mile route cheered their support for our group. This
proved to be a great opportunity to distribute brochures and talk to people who had not yet heard
about us or our mission to see that the “little things in life” are accessible to ALL.
Thanks “Houston Jewish Special Needs Group” for your invitation to participate in this special event and build memories that will last!
their 34 acre private lake each year.
The lake is stocked with big bass,
catfish, crappie, brim and perch for
a fun filled family day of fishing for
all to enjoy.
No Boats! All fishing is bank fishing and all proceeds went to the
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
at the annual Ride for Kids. The
event was over at 5 PM but our
crew stayed till dark and had a
great time!
C A L ENDAR OF U P COM ING EVE NTS
Baytown
Special
Rodeo
Pasadena
Rodeo
Parade
Sept 13th
Sept 20th
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Charity
Meeting
Pasadena
Little Wranglers
Rodeo
Oct 15th
Oct 4th
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Wi ld We s t
Oct 23rd
Oct 18th
6-9 pm
Call Chris
832-559-8881
Call Lori
713-726-0689
Museum of
1st Annual Horseshoes
Natural Science Cowboys & Indians
Nov 16th
Trail Ride
Hosted by
Congregation Emanu El
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
Spring
2009
Call Lori
713-726-0689
A HORSESHOES TRAIL RIDE TRA
A DDIITTIIOONN
The 2008 Horseshoes From The Heart and Los
Vaqueros Annual Campfire, School Ride and
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Day Parade
A Horseshoes Tradition…… 1
13th Annual Campfire…….. 1
Alabama-Coushatta Indians… 1
Houston, Texas
Fundraiser at
First Edition 2008
Inside This Issue
Nov 13-14
Call Deborah
713-533-0007
The Heartbeat
W ANTED
Chronic Illness
& Disability
Conference
Call Lori
713-726-0689
10am - 2pm
Oct 25th
Oct 15th
7-9 pm
Fieldtrip
Houston City
Zoo
2008 Special Needs
Conf. & Resource Fair
Entry Due
by
Texas Medical Center
Zoo-Boo
The Arc of
Fort Bend
Art Contest!
were all a huge success. These yearly signature events reflect our
mission to include disabled individuals in any and all outdoor
activities, while creating a unique opportunity for participants to
learn of Texas history and the trail ride traditions. Through the
hard work of its dedicated volunteers and supporters, Horseshoes
From The Heart has dedicated two custom made wagons specially
designed to accommodate wheelchairs and children with special
needs for our events.
Annual School Ride………... 2
VOLUNTEERS & BENEFICIARIES
Singing Robyn………………. 2
Los Vaqueros Ride…………. 2
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
Gentle Giants ………………. 2
VOLUNTEERING OR PARTICIPATING,
PLEASE GIVE US A CALL AT
Houston Rodeo Parade……. 2
Beneficiary Highlight……... 3
713-726-0689
Volunteer of the Year …….. 3
Galveston County Fair……. 3
For the most current event information
please go to our website at
WWW.HORSESHOESFROMTHEHEART.ORG
or call 713-726-0689.
Thanks for contributions to this edition: Chris Crawford,
Kent Crawford, Rhonda Exley, Deborah Filip, Brianne Getz,
and Lori Waldo-Torrez.
A & E Graphics has generously donated
printing to honor long-time employee
Troy Husmann.
Israel’s 60th Anniversary… 3
Fishing Tournament………. 3
Calendar of Events………... 4
Signature Events
The 13th Annual Horseshoes & Los Vaqueros Trail Ride Campfire
had
the largest attendance in years! The weather was beautiful — just cold enough to really appreciate our donated firepots, wood and hay bale chairs. When the chow bell rang, the hungry riders and guests lined up for
sausage on a stick and BBQ sandwiches with all the fixin’s; beans, potato salad and fresh rolls all served by
loyal volunteers. It was evident the meal was lip smackin’ good seeing that our volunteers steadily served
hungry guests, trail riders and Indians for over two hours!
Annual Campfire
*
Annual School Trail Ride
*
Houston Livestock Show
and Rodeo Day Parade
Special Events
Horseshoes From The Heart
A 501.c.3 Charity
Run by Volunteers
Cherished by Participants
Supported by You
Phone
(713) 726-0689
Fax
(713) 726-1328
email
Kent@horseshoesfromtheheart.org
Website
www.horseshoesfromtheheart.org
5118 Redstart
Houston, Texas
77035
Shop with a Cop
*
Thanksgiving Day
Parade
*
Soar with Eagles
*
Fishing Trips
*
Camping Trips
*
Halloween Zoo Boo
*
Easter Egg Hunt
& More...
The
A
C
I
LABAMA - OUSHATTA NDIANS captured our hearts again this year! We were
blessed to have these wonderful guests share the rich history of their heritage by demonstrating their native
dances during a campfire lit dinner. For many years now, members of the tribe have
been performing at the Campfire held the night before the School Trail Ride. Many
parents in the neighboring communities bring their children to enjoy our outdoor campfire event year after
year. The kids never seem to tire of watching the Indian
dancers clad in the vivid colored outfits with beads,
feathers and ancient songs into the moonlight. Spectators of every age are fascinated by the rhythmic movements set to the drummer’s beat. Some dances are like a
vibrant living kaleidoscope of color and patterns while
others tell an ancient tale through the dance movements.
A “story dance” may have a clear lesson or moral and
other stories are just for fun! Each year, the Indians also join us on our trail
ride through Bellaire and Houston. Together on horseback and in chuck wagons, we visit several schools in
celebration of “Go Texan Day!” that provides a visual image of Texas History for students and teachers
alike. The nearly 100,000 school children we visit not only get to see real “Cowboys & Indians” but also the
accomplishments of our special needs riders as they ride by the crowds with pride. The smiles lasted for
miles.