The Centaurian Program - Reach 4A Star Riding Academy

VOLUME 6,
ISSUE 1
Volume 6, Issue 1
March 2010
The Centaurian Program
The Centaurian Program, our newest program, is going very
well. So well in fact, monies have been budgeted by Transitions to continue the program next year. We had our first open
house completion ceremony complete with an impressive drill
team exhibition performed by the students as well as student
led demonstrations. It was a great day!
The other part of the grant monies included programs for the
teachers who give so much. After talking to Rachel at the
Wellness Dept of NCSD, Julie and I set up our first class for
teachers. They have been coming out for the past couple of
weeks and really seem to enjoy it. Since most of them want to
sign up again and we have a waiting list, Julie and I have decided to go ahead and offer an additional class to accommodate the ever increasing requests. Karol
Chutes n’ Giggles,
Bigger n’ Better!
By Lynn Jackson
The Chutes & Giggles Rodeo was held
Jan. 16 in the “Arena” at the Central
Wyoming Fair rounds. The date was
not our first choice but everything went
surprisingly well. Even the weather cooperated. Once again we were partnered with Tom Parker and the Casper
College Rodeo team and once again
they were Great! So great that we hope
to make it an annual partnership and
will most likely have only Casper College riders paired with our riders.
We started the day off with a very successful Calcutta. A big THANK YOU to all
of the bidders. Then the fun started with
the exciting and very competitive
races. Every competitor rode each event
with so much concentration and determination you would never know they were
scooping up “road apples” or donning
goofy costumes! They were all there to
win!
“We Will Rock You.”
The participating teams were as follows: (R4AStar riders 1st & their partners), Jordan H. with Talea Sunde,
See Rodeo page 3
The day ended with the “ Synchronized
Bull Riding,” a very entertaining event with
costumes and coordinating music. We
had farmers with “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” and devils with “The Devil Went
Down To Georgia” and we had Queen
Elizabeth(s) and her Corgi with Queens’
Inside this issue:
Karol’s Korral
2
Pegasus Project Update
2
Take the link to the Rodeo Brochure!
“I have never won a
buckle with so much
meaning to it as this
one.” - Coley Wondra,
Casper College, AllAround Champion
Special points of interest:
•
Board President’s Report
3
•
Karol, “Woman of Distinction!”
R4AS, Red Cross “Hometown Hero”
4
•
Education for our Volunteers: Erin Schroeder
Volunteer Education Opportunities
4
•
“Outlaws” support Reach 4A Star!
Horse Report
5
•
The Horse Report
Calendar of Events
6
•
More Rodeo photos
Page 2
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1
Karol’s Korral
The days are getting warmer, the time
has changed and I can see green
grass a coming……it must be time to
ride! While we have had programs
going all winter, for most of you spring
is your chance to register for classes
and start riding again. We will start the
week of April 12th so get your registration form in as soon as possible.
December brought the close of our
very first year on our own and what a
year: New and exciting challenges and
accomplishments around every corner,
but we have built a great foundation.
We brought on Casper College to help
with the “Chutes ‘n Giggles Rodeo, TIC
through United Way built our new
mounting ramp, we have the foundation for our building addition
(complete with septic system, underground plumbing, and a finished
floor,) and we have started EAA/L
programs with the school district.
Now if you think that is exciting, hold
onto your hats for 2010. ALREADY,
we have installed heat in the arena,
put up framing for the addition and
most recently were selected as the
2010 “Hometown Hero Inspiration
Award” through the Red Cross! I
can’t wait to see what this summer
brings.
On March 6th we has a great volunteer training with lots of great new
volunteers and some experienced
volunteers as well. It’s not too late to
sign up to help with classes, so give
The Pegasus Project Update
by Karol Santistevan
Have you ever watched a new foal in the pasture? They get up on those wobbly legs, get their bearings, then run and buck with all the energy they possibly
can for about 10 minutes and then its time for a nap. That
is kind of how our building addition is going. We gather
material or funds and go crazy to get one part done and
then we have to take a rest. Well, as time goes on, the
foal gets stronger and can run and play for longer with
shorter breaks. I am hoping that is where we are at now
with the building.
We have the iron up and will probably have it enclosed
with a new entrance by the time you come out next.
McMurry Construction donated the iron for the framing a
me a call or shoot me an email to let
me know when you are available to
help. And if you are looking to help
somewhere other than the arena,
am also starting some instructor
training classes to explain the process of becoming and instructor and
to give information pertaining to being an instructor.
If you are interested in becoming an
instructor or if you ever wondered
why the instructor was doing something, feel free to join us. Our next
meeting will be April 19th at 5:30 at
the riding academy.
I look forward to hearing from you
soon and get back to the fun.
Karol
couple of years ago, but when Fabrication Technologies
donated siding and insulation and Byrnco provided the
roofing and trim, we could finally take that big jump of putting up the outside walls. Funding continues to be a huge
obstacle for us but the generosity of individuals and companies who continue to donate material to us keeps the
project going.
We will have construction going on all summer to try to get
bathrooms completed before the end of the year. I will try
to get the webpage updated so you can watch our progress even if you don’t come out weekly. I will also put our
material list out there so that is you have or know someone who has material to donate which could help us finish
this project you can contact me. That foal may look like
he’s playing in the field but really he is in training and will
soon be off to the races. Hope to see you at the starting
gate!
The roof
and the
walls go
up on the
addition.
We can
hardly wait
for plumbing!
Page 3
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1
From The Reach 4A Star Board President
I am so pleased to be starting this year as Board President for R4AS. During the past four years I have been involved
with the riding academy either through my employment with I REACH 2, as a volunteer, or as a spectator at classes and
events. There is so much to be excited about, and I hope that as you read this newsletter, you might see an area that you
want to be a part of. I have a specific wish list:
We need more board members. Board members are asked to attend a monthly meeting and participate in
fundraising and public relations activities
We need committee members, particularly for the Ticket to Ride fundraiser and for Marketing and Publicity
Various projects could use volunteers, in small or large groups, to work on a one time project or an ongoing
need
If you would like more information about volunteering, as a board member, committee member, or for projects, please contact the riding academy at 472-7827 or [email protected].
And lastly for now, Gretchen Wheeler has registered the riding academy as a benefit charity for two search engines:
Goodsearch.com (yahoo) and Give2network.com (Google)
Here’s how it works: Go to either of the above and enter the Charity you would like to support, by typing
“Reach 4A Star Riding Academy” and then enter. It should show as verified and you can begin to search.
Every time you use this, the riding academy will get a few cents, and it all adds up!
Denise Murphy
from Rodeo, page 1
Sierra A. with Coley Wondra, Sheyrl D. with Trey Sheets,
Tawnie G. with Zach Fashner, Wendy U. with Kaiti Adrian,
Charlie P. with Lindy Speiser, Michael G. with
Scotty Kotiska, Molly B. with Patty Grose, Roger B. with
Blain Phillips, Patricia G. with Clay Smith( Moses S. with
Jenna Shearer and Troy E. with Julie Vold. Teams with
partners from the community included: Michael G. with
Scotty Kotiska and Molly B. with Patty Grose.
The winners for each event were: Keyhole race, Road Apple Relay, Costume Race, Ribbon Race and Synchronized
Bull Riding.
Thank you to our successful Calcutta bidders: Big O Tires,
Charlie Vogel, Nichole Stenfeld, Tracy Griffee, Leigh Flack,
Julie Greiner, Cecelia Brimmer and Deb Farris.
The all-round winners were Sierra A. and Coley Wondra.
Every one had a great time and one of the Casper College
riders said he was coming back next year even though he
will be attending The University Of Wyoming! We will see
you all next year!
Thanks to our Rodeo
Sponsors and Donors.
To see more rodeo pictures
as well as a copy of this
year’s rodeo brochure go to
http://
www.reach4astar.org/2010chutesngiggl
esprogram.pdf
Please take a moment to acknowledge our fine rodeo
sponsors and donors!
Page 4
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1
Congratulations Karol!
Nominated as a “Woman of Distinction”
Reach 4A Star is now
on Facebook!
And she didn’t even tell us!! That’s right, we had to find out
from the Casper Star Tribune.
Of course we all knew Karol was a woman of distinction anyway. This accolade just makes it official. And just who nominated Karol for this honor? When asked that question Karol
replied it was her husband Tracy!
“I told him,” she said, “That was just
about the best Valentines Day gift a
girl could possibly receive!”
Isn’t that just TOO COOL!!
Be sure to check it out. You might want to become a
R4AS friend on “Facebook” to keep up with our latest
pictures and postings.
Here is the web address: http://www.facebook.com/
pages/Reach-4A-Star-Riding-Academy/289378363770
Thank you Kelsey Holloway for creating the account.
As of today, Reach 4A Star has 202 friends.
Education’s the thing…for our volunteers! Thank you, Erin!
On February 27th local horse trainer Erin Schroeder came
to the arena to give some of the longtime volunteers a clinic
on horsemanship. In the future we hope to reward our volunteers with more of this kind of thing.
Erin began her career training horses with an internship at Al
‘Marah Arabians in Arizona. She then spent some time at
“Arabian Nights” theme park in Florida as it was owned by
the same family which owned Al’Marah.
Erin spent three years at Silver Aspen Ranch in Washington
state where she got valuable showing experience and really
learned how to “finish” a horse.
For eight years Erin was head trainer at Hiser Farms here in
Casper. Her job duties included training and showing horses
professionally as well as giving riding lessons. Last year Erin
Reach 4A Star named “Home Town
Hero” by The American Red Cross
Nominated by Becky
Wolf for the “Inspiration”
category, Becky wrote
that the riding center is
an “inspiration to the
community.”
The award was received
by Karol, along with
Becky, during the
“Hometown Heroes”
Awards Breakfast at the
Wolcott Galleria on March 23rd.
A publication included in the Casper Journal, which celebrated
all the category winners, had a wonderful article about the
arena. The article described several of the programs at the
riding center along with an explanation of the benefits of
equine activities.
opened her own business “Schroeder Stables” at which
she boards and trains horses.
“The day was fun and educational,” Katie Pattison said
about the clinic.
Bethany Wheeler wrote on the subject, “I had a lot of fun.
I learned new ways to control my horse. I learned how
smooth and rough Prince was. Riding Prince is like being
in a fantasy. I had fun riding with my friends and being
around the horses. I can’t wait to do something that wonderful again.”
Erin provides an example to which some of our horse
loving riders might aspire. At every opportunity Erin
seeks to increase her knowledge of horses and riding.
She encourages others to do the same.
Thanks, as always, to our donors!
For those who responded to the Year End Letter, Thank
you! Those folks who donated included:
Tom & Laurie Reese
T.L & M. J. Schroeder
Gene & Rox Monterastelli
M & D Skovgard
Julie Andrew
Guy & Kim Robinett
Katie Pattison
Ted & Janet Atchley
Robert & Teri Narotzky
Fred Price
David Weinrich
Joan & Wayne Neumiller
IBEW Local 322
Shirley Costopoulos
Dennis Stoval
The folks at Lenhart, Mason & Associates again donated the proceeds from their “Friday Jeans Toll.” Thank
you friends for the $250.00 donation.
Page 5
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1
The Horse Report
Welcome to our new volunteers...
The horses have weathered winter with only a few
changes.
Two trainings, one for the Chutes n’ Giggles Rodeo and one just
recently have brought aboard a number of new volunteers. Those
folks include:
Tarjo, that good and steady friend has left us. He was
just so steady, always there at the end stall looking
for his feed. There to give a good ride without complaint, there wanting to be groomed, always generous
with his attention. We miss you, friend.
Ginger has found a retirement home. She is now a
companion to Monorah at Runge’s house. Dell is still
looking for a retirement home. If you know of a place
where she could keep the foals company or hang out
with some other older horses, please let us know.
Pacos is still with the herd. He is working at finding
himself a place.
One new addition to the herd is Prince. He is a five
year old Arabian gelding. He is still young but ispretty
laid back for his age. His color is grey and he is 15.1
hands. Originally he came from Hiser Farms. He will
initially be used for the Centaurian Program.
Charlie Vogel
Lana Phillips
Emily Allison
Billie Nania
Chad Cohagen
Debra Giovetti
Emily Allison
Marisue Marsh
Alicia Michael
Ron Weiss
Teresa Morrow
Kris McAnally
Karen Weiss
Carey Dye
Kirk Adams
Julie Greiner
Rachael Smith
Sherry Adams
Bruce Malson
Sue Messina
Dave Dole
Kelsey
Holloway
Donna
Drinkwater
Samantha
Valentine
Amanda
Casteel
Horse’n Around…
Please be aware of the following local horse shows to which we
have taken riders in the past.
Wyoming Arabian Horse Association Arabian Class Show—
Hiser Farms, May 15th
Wyoming Horse Owners Association Open Show—Glenrock
Livestock Arena 5/8, 6/12, 7/10, 8/14, 9/11
“Outlaws 4A Cause” Support R4AS
Casper cowboy John Silva is a steer wrestler on the professional
rodeo circuit. He and two friends have formed “Outlaws 4A
Cause” to “build awareness and generate funds” to help the
arena and other non-profits. They also plan to help with the program when they are in Casper. Thanks, guys!!
To follow these “Outlaws” go to http://www.facebook.com/#!/
pages/OUTLAWS-4A-CAUSE/103438039690892?ref=ts
Above:
Wendy
rides Zip
Left:
“Queen”
Patty and
her helpers
Right: A
Casper College Cowgirl waits
her turn
Volume 5, Issue 1
REACH 4A STAR RIDING ACADEMY
4250 N 6 Mile Road
Casper, WY 82636
Phone: 307-472-7827
Fax: 307-473-7827
E-mail: [email protected]
Www.reach4astar.org
Jared H. rides Lacey at the rodeo
Calendar of Events
COMING SOON
ARENA
CLEANUP DAY!
Session Dates
Spring — 4/13-5/22
Summer — 6/1-8/14
Fall — 8/31-10-9
June 19th
SPECIAL OLYM-
CNFR Special
PICS FALL TOUR-
Rodeo
NAMENT
SPECIAL OLYM-
10/1310/13-10/15
PICS TRAINING
6/16/1-10/9
August 4th
ARC Camp
Chutes n’ Giggles
Rodeo
March 16, 2011