The Hoofbeat

Pegasus Luncheon 2011

2011-09-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Pegasus Luncheon, Hearts’ annual fundraising event, will take place on Thursday, October 6^th from 11:45 – 1:00 pm. Featuring heart-warming talks by riders and volunteers, the luncheon offers an inspiring demonstration of how therapeutic riding changes lives. At the event, guests will have an opportunity to partner with Hearts by making a financial contribution to support this important work. If you would like to attend, please contact Kirby Gillispie, Executive Director, at 805-591-9792.

Remembering Jan Montgomery

2011-09-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

In 1984, a tragic horse-back riding accident left expert horsewoman Jan Montgomery with severe injuries and a loss of mobility. Although she could not walk, her intense love for horses and her fiercely independent nature inspired Jan to dream about resuming horseback riding again someday. Would she be able to do it?

The answer for Jan was a resounding "yes!" She embraced her goal with courage, enthusiasm and determination. With the help of instructors at Hearts, and with volunteers supporting her from either side, Jan worked diligently to re-gain the strength and balance necessary to once again sit tall in the saddle. Eventually, she was able to ride independently once again. She progressed from riding in an arena at Hearts to trail riding throughout Hope Ranch on her own beloved Connemara pony named Luke. She also rode with the Sage Hens on their annual rides. Her “impossible dream” had come true.

Jan was one of the first riders to benefit from therapeutic horseback riding when Hearts was newly established in Santa Barbara as what was then known as "4-H Hearts". For 26 years, she remained a devoted supporter of Hearts and an advocate for therapeutic riding. Her passion for life also found expression in her fondness for travel and her deep commitment to protecting the environment as well as supporting women's rights around the world and here in Santa Barbara.

Jan Montgomery passed away on May 20, 2011. Her many friends at Hearts remember her abundant spirit and tremendous courage with great admiration.

Hearts Summer Camps 2011

2011-08-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hearts enjoyed another successful series of summer horse camps this year, enriching the lives of 45 kids. The first two weeks were inclusion camps, where kids with and without disabilities learn and play together. Our theme was “The Wild West.” Campers learned about different styles of riding, including the infamous “bareback” day.

We are thankful to Laura Denny for providing some wonderful art projects including painting on the Hearts horses (they make a great canvas!). Riders went out on the trail for a “cattle round-up,” and had a “bean bag shoot-out” in the arena. Some campers spotted a real bobcat, skunk and king snake around the Hearts property. Those were “unplanned” Wild West bonuses!

Another two weeks of camp gave children who are involved in CALM (Child Abuse Listening & Mediation) an opportunity to experience horseback riding and the self-confidence that comes from it. We appreciate the Santa Barbara Youth Project for funding this camp for 20 campers each summer – a tremendous gift to the kids involved.

One child from CALM had never been on a horse before. He told his instructor “I need to get off now,” after his horse, Buddy, took a few steps. After walking once around the arena, Dylan exclaimed, “I can do this now!” With encouragement from his volunteers and instructors be became braver and more independent each day. On the final day of camp, he was proudly barrel racing independently at the trot!! It was a sight to see and a highlight of the camp.

Connie Weinsoff, Program Director, and Cliff Earle, Instructor, conducted a specialty camp in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, which was focused on the natural history of the horse. In addition to riding, the campers fed the Hearts horses their breakfast and learned about nutrition, herd dynamics, and veterinary care. They also experienced vaulting, ground training, grooming and saddling, and behavior modification techniques. Of course, their favorite activity was cleaning the corrals and scooping up the poop!

Hearts extends a special and HUGE thank you to all of the hard working and dedicated volunteers who came out to help with camps all summer long. Thanks to the Hearts Summer camp instructing staff: Emily Larson, Alex Kincaid and Darcie Simson. We appreciate Dr. Saunders for his veterinary demos. Also, thank you to Alex Kincaid for showing the kids how to rope cattle and to Robbie Elconin for providing “The Vinnie show.”

Hearts summer camps are open to children between the ages of 8-13. They are some of the only “inclusive” summer camp programs in Santa Barbara County. This was a wonderful summer and we hope to see everyone again next year!

By Kristine Eckert, Hearts Summer Camp Director

Many Thanks For A Wonderful Party!

2011-08-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Hearts Horses celebrated their Birthday in great style, thanks to the generosity of their many friends at Hearts, especially the Heart Strings volunteers, led by Ellie Tuazon, who organized the party in their honor.

Advisory Board member Tracy Beard arranged for a beautiful cake to be donated by Robyn Loves Cake (www.Robynlovescake.com), along with popcorn from The Dreier Group, strawberries from The Berry Man (theberryman.com) and lots of treats for humans and equines alike. The Santa Barbara Camera Club contributed the amazing photographs below.Thirty guests tried to guess the weight of Vinnie the Mini, with Patty Clements coming in closest at 260 lbs. (Vinnie weighs 264 lbs.).

The horses (and staff) are shouting out a huge “Thank-You” to the following friends for the amazing birthday gifts:

The Beechick Family

Rachel Brown

Bruce Bennett, Jaime Raney and Anna Hanne and Daniel Dreier

The Dreier Group

Lou Dartanner
Jeannette Iwatsuki

Jedlicka’s Saddlery

Sue Jackson

Si and Karen Jenkins

Heather and Jan Kaarsh
Judy McGrath

Roxanne Murrell

Carol Newton

Lura & Aidan Pearson

The Reardon Family

Lisa Runyan

Denise Stevens

Nancy Tuomey

Lorraine Wilson

AND all the wonderful people who purchased and left gifts for Hearts at Jedlicka’s Saddlery and La Cumbre Feed Store.

If you gave us a gift and are not acknowledged here, please let us know so we can thank you personally for your generosity.

Hearts - Braille Institute Program Featured in SB Independent

2011-07-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Click here to read an article in the Santa Barbara Independent about our exciting program with the Braille Institute!

Blind Kids Saddle Up for Riding Lessons

Pilot Program Hopes to Continue in Fall
Friday, July 22, 2011
By Rebecca Robbins

Farewell to Phil Johnson

2011-07-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

A wise young man with a big smile and even bigger heart will be leaving Hearts in August and heading home to Mississippi. Phil Johnson, Director of Volunteers, has chosen to pursue a doctorate in Child Psychology. Phil credits Hearts with helping him make the decision to continue his education and specialize in helping children with special needs.

“The value of therapeutic horseback riding will always stay with me,” he noted. “So often when a person begins riding at Hearts, what I hear is, ‘I can’t, I can’t, I can’t. But let me put them on a horse and after six weeks I will hear, ‘I can, I can, I can!’ It’s astounding to see such change in the capabilities and attitudes of our riders.”

Phil is passionate about encouraging others to overcome challenges. He has been a great mentor, coach and friend to our riders and volunteers. We will miss his positive attitude and generous spirit. Phil -- come back and visit us soon!

Annual Report 2010

2011-07-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Hearts Annual Report is now available, showing our growth and accomplishments in 2010.

We are grateful to our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, staff members, volunteers, families and donors for doing your part in helping Hearts grow into a thriving organization and a uniquely warm and supportive community.

Click here to see the 2010 Annual Report

New Board Members Join Hearts

2011-07-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Andy Dowen, Lesley Torgeson, Tamara Simmons, Mark Pasternak

Hearts is proud to announce that 5 new members have joined our Board of Directors.

We are grateful for the faithful dedication of our long-standing board members: Barbara Toumayan, John Reardon, Lisa Runyen, Mark Pasternak, Katie Upton, Pam Cary and Bruce Bennett.

We are excited to welcome our newest board members: Nancy Tuomey, Lesley Torgeson, Dr. David Agnew, Andy Dowen and Tamara Simmons.

The Board is responsible for conducting long-range planning, establishing organizational policies, and raising funds to ensure the long-term sustainability of Hearts. Thank you all for your enthusiasm about Hearts and your dedication to our riders.

Bruce Bennett

Pam Cary

Katie Upton

Lisa Runyen

Dr. David Agnew

John Reardon

Barbara Toumayan

Meet Sage

2011-07-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sage is 2 ½. He started riding at Hearts in September, 2010 and since then he has fallen head over heels in love with being a cowboy.

Sage loves not only riding, but raking the dirt, feeding the horses, and pointing out to whoever may be near that a horse left poo-poo on the ground.

Riding at Hearts helps Sage learn to speak. He can understand everything and is very smart, but his brain is not able to communicate to his mouth how to form sounds and therefore, words. This is a very frustrating and scary disorder. One of the biggest factors in how soon and how well Sage will learn to speak is how many times he is able to get effective speech therapy. Sage sees a speech pathologist twice a week and rides at Hearts once a week where he also works on his speech.

Sage’s mom reports that “Even though he has speech therapy twice a week at home, it’s his lessons at Hearts that make the biggest difference in his progress. In regular therapy it’s easy for Sage to get bored and distracted. However, when he is atop a horse, he is always excited and engaged. He longs to be able to communicate with his horse Cocoa, and he has made incredible progress since he started riding.”

Right now Sage has about 15-20 words and half of those words are in some way connected to his time out at Hearts. Being at Hearts has made a huge difference in his desire to speak and in his confidence in trying new words. When he asks a horse to “walk-on” or “whoa” and the horse does it, there is an immediate reward for Sage and he realizes the power of communication.

Because of Hearts, Sage is finding confidence in himself, and --- literally --- because of Hearts, we are hopeful that Sage will learn to talk one day. His mother is grateful to our supporters. She writes, “I cannot thank you enough for all that your generosity means to Hearts and especially to children like Sage and moms like me who get to watch their children thrive atop a horse”.

Happy Horse Birthdays!

2011-07-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Hearts horses are magical in many ways. For example, did you know that they all celebrate the same birthday? Well, they do, and YOU are invited to the party!

Please join us for birthday cake, yummy treats, great music, and fun games with prizes for kids and adults. The horses will have special treats, too. Bring a gift for your favorite horse and have your picture taken with him or her!

Date: Sunday, July 31st
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Hearts

The horses have whispered some secret birthday wishes to us. You can see their "wish list" by clicking here.

The Wish List is also registered at the horses’ favorite shops:

Jedlickas -- 2605 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara 687-0747

La Cumbre Feed --- 3652 Calle Real 687-1880

An Unusual Love Story

2011-06-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

All of the Hearts Horse Sponsors love their horses. However, the bond between Bill Calise and his sponsored horse, Max, is especially wonderful.

Max is a Draft-Quarter Horse Cross Gelding, born in 1987. Before coming to Hearts he was a retired forest service horse that spent most of his twenty-plus year career in the back country as a ranger's trail horse. He's a big softie, and everyone loves his unique "moustache!" Max was selected as the Hearts Horse of the Year in 2009, winning the opportunity to have his portrait done by the renowned equine artist, Katie Upton.

When Bill and Kathryn sponsored him in 2010, Max, at age 23, was beginning to slow down. His teeth were worn down, so he was fed nutritious pellets to supplement his hay. When Bill learned of this condition, he began grating carrots and bringing them to Max personally! The two struck up a fast friendship. Bill’s grandson, Wolfie, loved to visit with Max as well.

Finally, the day came when it was time for Max to retire from Hearts. Due to the generosity of Bill and Kathryn, he is now happily residing in a retirement home for horses in the Santa Ynez Valley, where the Calise family continues to visit him.

Hearts is grateful for the generosity of Bill and Kathryn Calise and our other wonderful Horse Sponsors. With their support, we are able to provide the best of care for our horse heroes.

Learn about sponsoring a horse!

Summer Horsemanship Adventure is Coming Soon!

2011-06-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

The Hearts Summer Horsemanship Adventure is open to all children, ages 8 to 13, with and without special needs. Enroll your child now for a magical week at Hearts. The theme of this year’s camp is The Old West, and activities will include learning about horses, grooming and tacking, art projects, and of course, riding lessons. Click here for an application form

Camp dates are:

June 27^th – July 1^st

July 25^th – July 29^th

We will also offer two weeks of horse camp for children served by CALM. For more information about this program, contact Connie at 964-1519

Good Bye To A Beloved Hearts Hero

2011-06-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Lilly, our Icelandic mare and beloved member of the Hearts herd since 2002, passed away May 27 at the age of 19 after a long battle with laminitis, a degenerative and very painful disease of the hoof.

We'd like to share some of the notes and letters (below) that have been sent to Hearts, which show how Lilly touched so many lives in such meaningful ways.

Sincere condolences to all of Lilly's fans and family at Hearts.

"Dear Connie and Hearts Staff,

I was so sorry to hear that Lilly's laminitis has overcome her great heart. I know that you worked extremely hard to help her heal. The decision to euthanize her must have been very painful. After all, it is the loss of a beloved Hearts family member.

It is a sad day for Hearts. I remember meeting Lilly in an evening parade for Halloween, I think, when I first started riding at Hearts and still had my leg braces. We were on a straw-filled cart and Rueven and Lilly were prancing alongside. She was every inch the performer, head held high and proud. I remember seeing her covered with hand prints the day after summer campers painted her. How she tolerated all that painting I will never know. Still she stood proud and beautiful with all the hand prints. Surprised the heck out of me.

I think of her now, running proud and free like a cloud across the meadows and valleys, surrounded by her horse friends. Every once in a while she will meander over to groups of children to be patted and told what a good horse she is.

I know your decision was tough but I believe in your ability to put her welfare first. It is good to be able to end pain. Our horse herd is older and in the end you care so much for the horses and their good hearts in teaching students to live well and joyfully. Necessary euthanasia takes a strong heart and a brave soul.

Again, I am so sorry for our loss of Lilly and for the need for you to have to make such a difficult situation. Love truly has no limits."

-- Catherine Callahan

I am sad to read this message and at the same time understand the need
to end the suffering she endured. I just notice Lilly on Saturday when I
took Tribeca to her lesson.

Lilly so beautiful spent a great deal of time rubbing her bum on the
reeling in her stall.

It was very funny. She is in a wonderful place where she has lots of
little girls and boys just lined up to pet and brush her."

~Tribeca, Trinity & Trianna.

"We are so sorry for the loss of Lilly, but she lives on in Brandon's heart. He has a white and black bunny named after Miss Lilly and several stuffed animals in her name. God Bless you all for your support to our kids and to the horses. Love you all"

The Szumski Family

Hi Connie,

This is Peter. Could I plant some white cala lilies right by Lily"s stall? This would help us remember her.
I could buy them and plant them.

-- Peter

I am so saddened to hear of Lilly's passing, she will forever hold a spot in my heart as she was the very first horse Sorel ever sat upon. I still remember the day she was hoisted onto Lilly and there she was, my daughter, my daughter with special needs, my daughter whom I mourned the loss of so many things she would never do, my daughter on a horse and a horse so beautiful! She sat on Lilly, the little white Icelandic, and with tears in my eyes I saw my daughter a princess on her white horse......a moment for me of healing and moving forward, a change of pace on this path we walk. So thank you Lilly for that moment, rest in peace you are forever in our hearts.

With Love,

Megan, Chris, Sorel and Xander Kolendrianos

I so loved Lily! She taught me to trot, to tolt, and how to fall off. When I did fall, I broke my helmet and I was so very proud. Lily made me a real rider.

Lily was breathtakingly beautiful. My favorite visual memories are of the beautiful young Angelique with her long golden princess hair atop this white exquisite creature that only lacked a horn to be a real unicorn. Lily will be so very mourned. She will live in my heart forever.

Amen, mym

Beautifully said and absolutely agree, Megan! Hearts has been a place of healing, hope and new eyes in which to see our daughter – the way our Ava desires to be seen – capable, eager, independent, joyful, an overcomer, hardworking, respected, encouraged, celebrated and especially lovely when sitting atop Lilly!

Thank you, Hearts, for your commitment to your riders and finding these sweet horses that allow us to trust and enjoy this amazing experience! We will miss Lilly – she was such a dear to all of us Clarks... Especially my son who would tag along to Ava’s lessons – he always had to go check on her!

Blessings,
Ava’s Mom

I know.... why it is so windy this afternoon (Friday)- in Buddism.... the wind carries good souls on to the next journeys after they pass on...

Lilly must have been a very good one, judging by the wind... Gentle journey to her!

Indra and Liam Strong

Dear Connie -

Dick and I are so very sorry to hear about Lilly's condition. What an enormous loss for all those connected with Hearts.

We know that Lilly is in trusted, caring hands and that she (and all the other horses at Hearts) can count on you and the rest of the team to do what is right.

Please know our arms are around you, and around Lilly.

With love to one and all,

Jan Ann Kahler

Oh. I am so sorry. Lilly will live in Abby's heart forever. She was a special part of our early years. We were blessed to have had the time we did with her.
Forever grateful,
Abby Carroll and family

Connie,

So sorry to hear about Lily. Lana loved her so much and still always talks about her even though she hasn't been riding for a long time.

Daphane Turner

So sorry Connie

I love the poem by Kahlil Gibran

When you are sorrowful

look again in your heart,

and you shall see that in truth

you are weeping for that

which has been your delight

You and all the Hearts people who loved Lilly are in my thoughts with lovely memories of such a beautiful horse

Jeanette

So heartbreaking. We are so very sorry to hear.

She had a life filled with loving hands while she was with you.

Sincerely,

Cassie and Katie Ferguson

Pony Express Delivers!

2011-06-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

This year's Hearts student horse show, themed "The Pony Express," really delivered a fun time for all!

Congratulations to all our riders, who impressed and inspired everyone in attendance with their achievements in horsemanship!

And much heartfelt thanks to all the folks who make this very special event possible:

JUDGES:
Pam Cary and Don Goodman

SPONSORS:
Bruce Bennett
David and Alyce Boyd
Victoria and Jeff Chasney
Joyce and Heinrich Falk
Paul and Marianne Gertman
Steven Goss ,DVM
Audrey Griffin
The G&E Jennings Foundation
Mitch Kaufman and Joann Moran
Lynn Kirst
La Cumbre Feed, Inc.
Roxanne Murrell
Mark Pasternak
Jphn and Susie reardon
Lisa Runyan
Gerrie Shapiro
Jason and Hope Shapiro
Barb and Sam Toumayan
Ellie Tuazon
Katie Upton

SPECIAL THANKS:
Gene Granaroli and Equine Evacuation
Jordanos Food Service
Eve Briere and Laura Denny for the scenery
Mike Wheeler and Whitney Elizabeth for their photography services

HALF TIME PERFORMANCE:
Bruce Bennet and Alex Kincaid

AND A GIANT THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL HEARTS STAFF, BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ESPECIALLY

OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!!!

A special thank you to Dorothy Littlejohn for the wonderful video (above!) documenting this year's show! And to Melanie Jacobsen, for sharing these great photos from the show!

This year our Horse Show was documented by professional photographer Whitney Elizabeth. To see her photos, please follow the directions to her on-line
proofing gallery below. If you would like to purchase a photo, you may do
so from her website. All proceeds from photo sales will be donated to
Hearts!

1) Go to Whitney Elizabeth's website at
http://whitneyelizabethphoto.com/proofs

2) Create an account to login. Click the "Access Gallery" link once you have
logged in.

3) Enter the access code: ilovehearts

You can view the Horse Show pictures and order any that you love. Please be
sure to provide your correct shipping address so that orders can be
expedited properly. All proceeds will benefit Hearts.

Don't Forget -- The Pony Express Rides This Sunday, May 22!

2011-05-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

You don't want to miss the Hearts Annual Student Horse Show!

Not only will you be impressed, entertained and inspired, but you can get a rib-stickin' BBQ lunch too!

Click here to see photos from last year's show!

See you this Sunday, May 22, from 9am to 3pm, at Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center, located at 4420 Calle Real in Santa Barbara!

Behind The Scenes: Thank You Gene Granaroli!

2011-05-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Gene with Hearts volunteers Thom Bateman and Harry Vant Erve

Have you heard that Hearts has a brand new, bright blue tractor? Purchased with grants from the Weingart Foundation and the Outhwaite Foundation, the tractor was a dream- come-true for many at Hearts – and especially for Gene Granaroli.

For 6 years, Gene faithfully maintained a 40-year-old tractor that was donated to Hearts by Jean Schuyler in 1985. In constant need of repair, the ancient tractor eventually became completely unusable. Undaunted, Gene purchased the useless tractor from Hearts, made the necessary repairs himself, and loaned it back to Hearts, free-of-charge.

Gene’s generosity enabled us to maintain our corrals, arenas, pastures and roads while seeking the funds to purchase a new tractor. When the tractor arrived, Gene inspired Equine Evacuation, a local horse rescue organization, to purchase and build a shelter to give it a new home. Thank you, Equine Evac!

Since childhood, Gene has loved all things mechanical. His family grew vegetables on an acre of farmland, where Gene first learned to drive a tractor. He was 12 years old when his father bought him his first car – a Model A Ford. Since the car did not run, Gene, spent a year acquiring parts and re-building the engine with the help of his pals and a local mechanic. Years later, Gene owned and operated Gene’s Auto Repair on Milpas Street, a thriving business for 43 years.

Gene with his son Mark and the worn-out tractor!

Gene has helped Hearts in countless ways over the years. Along with his son Mark, Gene helped construct the shelters in our horse corrals and built the wheelchair ramp for our Learning Center. He is always ready to transport horses, fix fences, or serve in any way that’s needed. We are truly grateful to Gene for his selfless service and years of dedication to our program.

Seeing Things In A New Way

2011-05-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

Kathleen and Bob from the Braille Institute of Santa Barbara visited Hearts the evening of May 4th to train the staff and volunteers on sighted techniques for guiding persons with visual impairments and blindness. This training was in preparation for a new class at Hearts. Eight teenage riders with visual impairments are coming to Hearts to ride horses for their first time!

Besides demonstrating the techniques, Kathleen made half of the participants don blindfolds and be led around the Hearts facility. Down stairs, through doorways, up on the mounting ramp and around the arena feeling the fences. It was an "eye opening" experience and will definately help the staff and volunteers be sensitive to the needs of our newest riders!

Don't Miss The Pony Express! May 22, 2011

2011-05-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

The fact that she uses a wheelchair will not stop Isa Topete from riding in a horse show at Hearts on Sunday, May 22nd. You are invited to come watch her!

Our Student Horse Show is the biggest event of the year at Hearts, where children and adults with special needs showcase their equestrian skills before a sold-out crowd of family and community members.

This year, the Hearts “Pony Express” will transport visitors back in time to the wonders of the Old West. You will sip lemonade while cheering for riders, ranging in age from 3 to 73, as they compete for the Blue Ribbon before professional Horse Show judges. A cowboy style BBQ, music, half-time entertainment, and a gift shop for horse lovers will round out the festivities. For directions to the show, visit the Hearts website at www.heartsSB.org.

If you are a student at Hearts, you are eligible to ride in the show! Please let Connie know you want to participate by Tuesday, May 10th.

For more information about therapeutic horseback riding, please phone 805-964-1519 or visit our website at www.heartsSB.org.

MAY 22, 2011: 9AM - 3PM
4420 Calle Real

Click here for directions!

Welcome To The Hoofbeat - Heart's New Blog!

2011-04-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

We're very excited to welcome you to The Hoofbeat blog -- a new way to stay in touch and up to date with all the latest goings on at Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Santa Barbara.

In addition to covering important news and updates, we hope this blog will be the place where we can share the amazing day to day stories of our riders, horses, instructors, volunteers and supporters behind the scenes. We'll be compiling a regular digest of articles that will be distributed as an electronic newsletter, but if you join as a follower of this blog, you won't need to wait!

If you have photos, videos, stories or news of interest, please email us so that we can share!