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