March Newsletter
Transcription
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: ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ 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 ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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, [email protected] 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. 3 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 4 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 5 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!”… 6 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 [email protected]. 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