Post on 18-Sep-2020
transcript
Hoof and Hearts News Quarterly
Faith Equestrian held a fundraiser at the newly reno-
vated Mars Theatre in Springfield, GA on Novem-
ber11, 2014. The night included a silent auction,
finger foods and the showing of a newly released
production entitled “Riding My Way Back”.
The award winning documentary chronicles one
solder’s journey back from the brink of suicide.
After returning from multiple deployments in Iraq
and Afghanistan with a traumatic brain injury and
post traumatic stress disorder, he becomes ac-
quainted with the unlikeliest of saviors—- a horse
named Fred.
Through caring for Fred, Staff Sergeant Aaron
Heliker begins the difficult process of reconnect-
ing to the world around him and healing the invisi-
ble wounds of war that nearly defeated him.
Faith Equestrian has been working towards devel-
oping a program for our wounded warriors and
with the showing of this film we are hopeful to get
the word out to those in need.
If you, or someone you know, would like to learn
more about this program, please contact Bonnie
Rachael at (912) 728-3728 or (912) 655-1480.
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
Remembering
Danielle Collins
2
Effingham Schools
Update
3
Mocha Has Sur-
gery
3
Our Mission 4
Year End Volun-
teer Appreciation
4
D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 4
B O A R D O F
D I R E C T O R S
Veronica Rachael, Presi-
dent
Wendy Partain, Secretary
Judy Wolfe, Treasurer
Michael Holton, Member
Barbara Thureson, Mem-
ber
Advisory Board
Amy Holton
Kirk Meals
Paula Williamson
Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center Inc.
Horses helping people help people
F O U R T H Q U A R T E R , 2 0 1 4
Veteran’s Event Held at the Mars Theatre
Hoof and Hearts News Quarterly
Judy Wolfe, Editor Contact: jwolfefetc@yahoo.com
FETC’s Athletes Return from Georgia Special Olympics Competition
Four of our students competed in October in Gainesville, Georgia at the 2014 Georgia Special Olympic
Competition. Pictured reading left to right are Lauren Todd, Erin Pevey, Michael Holton, Jr. and Avril
Hubbard. To recap their success:
Lauren Todd won a silver medal in Showmanship, Beginner 1; a
silver medal in English Equitation, Beginner 1, and a silver medal in
Trail, Beginner 1.
Erin Pevey won a gold medal in Showmanship, Intermediate 1; a
gold medal in English Equitation. Intermediate 1; and fourth place in
Trail, Intermediate 1.
Michael Holton, Jr., won a bronze medal in Showmanship, Ad-
vanced 1; a bronze medal in English Equitation, Intermediate 1 and
a silver medal in Trail, Advanced 1.
Avril Hubbard won a bronze medal in Showmanship, Beginner 2;
fourth place in English Equitation, Beginner 2 and a gold medal in
Trail, Beginner 2.
Congratulations to all our competitors—we are so proud of you!
P A G E 2
Remembering Danielle Collins
H O O F A N D H E A R T S N E W S Q U A R T E R L Y
Danielle Collins was born March 3, 1986 with spina bifida
and was confined to a wheelchair. She first became inter-
ested in horseback riding when her physical therapist
recommended it as a way to increase her strength and
balance. That’s all it took—she became Faith Equestrian’s
very first student when it opened its door in May, 2006.
Bonnie Rachael remembers it like it was yesterday!
She remembers Danielle saying “The first time I got on a
horse, I was really afraid, but soon I realized that if I could
ride a horse, I could do anything!”
That very much sums up Danielle. She was a girl that
could and did do anything she set her mind to. She played
basketball and tennis, rode horses and took all life’s chal-
lenges in stride.
She was extremely dedicated to our mission and was
recognized each and every year as FETC’s top fund-
raiser and most faithful supporter.
Danielle passed away unexpectedly on October 9, 2014. It
happened to be the day that Faith Equestrian Therapeutic
Center left to take this year’s student athletes to the 2014
Special Olympics in Gainesville.
She touched us all in so many meaningful ways and
thoughts of her were with everyone as they travelled to
compete in this year’s competition.
We think of Danielle and her family often. We hope they
know how important she was to FETC and how loved she
was by everyone who knew her.
In her honor and memory, her family has taken on the
challenge of seeing one of our goals of having a covered
arena built at Faith Equestrian. They recognize the impor-
tance therapeutic riding had on Danielle and want to
provide that same benefit to other students by enabling
lessons and riding throughout the year.
If interested in being part of “The Danielle Collins Memo-
rial Arena”, make your check payable to Faith Equestrian
Therapeutic Center and mail to Vivian Meyers, P. O. Box
1291, Pembroke, GA 31312.
H O O F A N D H E A R T S N E W S Q U A R T E R L Y
Faith Equestrian is Part of Effingham County School Curriculum
P A G E 3 F O U R T H Q U A R T E R , 2 0 1 4
We are so proud of the fact that Faith Equestrian is now part of Effing-
ham County school curriculum for their students with special chal-
lenges.
This partnership started officially on September 18th. South Effingham
Middle School and South Effingham High School come on Wednesday
from 10 to 12:30 and Effingham County Middle School and Effingham
High School are here on Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:00.
There are two groups, one of the groups are involved in Equine Facili-
tated Learning (this combines typical school work with riding), while the
other group work in a CBVI Program. This Program is designed to be a
results-oriented process that is focused on improving the academic and
functional achievements of a child with a disability This program helps
students learn work ethics and helps them transition into the work
force upon graduation.
An example of this work is that a group of students are currently work-
ing on the ongoing fencing projects here at Faith.
And as with all things at FETC, we rely solely on the generosity of our
faithful volunteers to assist in this effort. If you, or someone you know,
is interested in making a difference in someone’s life please consider
helping us by giving of your time.
If interested, please contact Bonnie Rachael at the office at 728-3728,
on her cell at 655-1480 or by email to bonnierachael1293@gmail.com
Mocha Has Surgery at UGA
Mocha Chocolate Chip, better known simply as Mocha,
took a trip to the University of Georgia School of Veteri-
nary Medicine to have a growth removed from his left
rear leg. It was beginning to interfere with his mobility.
Our own Dr. Reese Myran made the trip to UGA to
assist.
Mocha is rehabilitating at FETC. He had to stay stall-
bound for a few weeks until completely recovered.
We’re very happy to report that he is fine now and will
be ready when classes resume in January!
He would love for ya’ll to come by and give him the at-
tention he so richly deserves! And bring treats—but ask
Bonnie first what he’s allowed to have.
This year’s Christmas and Annual Awards Party was held on Satur-
day, December 13th at the Education Center at FETC. Everyone
enjoyed a low country boil, an oyster roast, numerous delicious
side dishes, a bonfire and their time together.
Several of our volunteers were recognized for their donation of
time and talents so necessary for the ongoing success of Faith
Equestrian.
John Loomis was recognized for having the most total volunteer
hours for the year; Danielle Collins and family were recognized as
top fundraiser(s); Kirk Meals for being the longest serving volun-
teer, and others for their individual contributions.
We are so very grateful for each and every one of you! Thanks for
ALL you do to enrich the lives of children and adults with special
needs.
Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, Inc.
243 Appaloosa Way
Guyton, GA 31312
Mobile: 912-655-1480 / Office: 912-728-3728
Our Mission
Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, Inc. is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization formed to:
Offer equine assisted riding and educational
activities for children and adults with all
types of mental, physical and emotional chal-
lenges.
Help build life skills, confidence, and self es-
teem in a family friendly social environment.
Offer these activities without regard to race,
color, creed or financial need.
FETC Holds Annual Christmas Party
Agency
Under Bonnie Rachael group or Faith Equestrian Page
Visit us on the web at www.faithetc.org