10 Days – 10 Reasons to Get Tickets For the Gala
By Dan Roark Or more correctly, 10 posts. The days may not necessarily be consecutive, but we’ll do what we can. New Hope Gala posts on Facebook will also intermingle with the posts containing blog links there. Regardless, the next 10 posts will each give you a reason why you should get your tickets to […]
Volunteer Highlight – Madeline
By Dan Roark I was taking pictures the night Madeline went through orientation. During orientation, one can get a sense of which potential volunteers will actually follow through and sign up for lessons. I had no doubt Madeline was earnest in her desire to volunteer. I was not wrong. She is cognizant of the riders […]
Expressions of New Hope – Darren
By Dan Roark New Hope has riders of all ages, which is also true of the new riders this year. It’s hard to tell which riders are the most excited – those who are returning or those just getting started. Darren is one of the older returning riders. He began riding at New Hope in […]
Horse/Dog Highlight: Tommy and Dani
By Dan Roark Last Saturday morning, as will happen with any of the horses at any given lesson, Tommy was tacked up and ready for a lesson, when a rider – for whatever reason – was unable to make it. Since it would be a while before Tommy would have a rider, Emily took him […]
And They’re Off!! – Fall Lessons Begin
By Dan Roark Using the theme for the New Hope Gala, – “And they’re off!” – the beginning of the season’s lessons kicked into full force last Saturday, September 7. Due to the rain the first of that week, Saturday was “opening day.” The current riders enjoyed starting back up after the summer. The two […]
New Hope on Local Podcasts
By Dan Roark New Hope has had the good fortune to be featured on two local podcasts. Sharla and Dave spoke to Nicole Osei on the WBAP Impact Texas podcast on July 16. They discussed the history and purpose of New Hope with insights that had shown themselves along the way. But the highlight of […]
Caring For an Ageing Herd
By Dan Roark When the heat kicks in, so does its affect on the herd – particularly an ageing herd. Horses get cranky, too (it’s not just us), which cannot only exacerbate symptoms, it can also be a sign of symptoms. Yet, beyond that, the heat does have a negative effect on the horses in […]
Saying Good-by to Missy
By Dan Roark Knowing that it is an aging herd still doesn’t prepare all of those involved for one of the horses being let go. Our dear Missy was ravaged with tumors as a result of colon cancer and it was necessary to let her go today. Although it isn’t any comfort for those still […]
Barn Manager Highlight – Kim Martin
By Dan Roark When you have a herd of 11 horses and a mule, two goats, and a pig, you would think that the barn manager was the hardest working person on the property. With Kim Martin, barn manager at New Hope, you would be absolutely correct. She manages the people on the feed crew […]
Cooling Vests, Fans, Heat and Horses, Oh My!
By Dan Roark I frequently borrow and alter my favorite line from Wizard Of Oz, like I did in the title. It’s actually one of the few lines and songs that I remember from the movie. Because it oozes urgency and and anticipation of unknown forces. Which certainly applies here. As we approach what’s called […]
The Family That Volunteers Together . . .
If you have been present on any Saturday morning in the past 5 years you’ve probably heard the Tarzan-like yell of Ho-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-rse from Jim Robison followed by three echoes of the same from his children Ben, Abby and Gavin as they lead their horses and riders into the riding arena. That is because almost half […]
Rider Highlight – Tonya Goes to the National Veteran’s Wheelchair Games!
By Dan Roark It’s been quite a journey! This weekend, Tonya Andrews, a medically retired disabled Air Force veteran, will compete at the National Veteran’s Wheelchair Games in New Orleans. Tonya qualified to compete in Bocce Ball, Archery, Bowling, and Power Soccer. Let me go back to the beginning. For background, see my Thanksgiving post […]
It’s Always Something – Water Drainage
By Dan Roark [Author’s Note: It occurred to me that, with the constant influx of new expenses that can plague a nonprofit involving a herd of horses, It’s Always Something would be a good title for a weekly fundraising post. There are many ways to support and help New Hope. While it is true that […]
Volunteer Highlight – Melissa Sines
By Dan Roark I followed Sharla when she took the New Hope trailer with a few horses to the Stock Show and Rodeo grounds in Ft. Worth for Chisholm Challenge in January. It was not her only trip. When we got to Will Rogers Coliseum paddocks, Melissa was at the door. She helped get the […]
Expressions of New Hope – Ella
By Dan Roark Like most riders at New Hope, Ella is happiest on a horse as you can see by her expressions. And their vibrant smiles are mirrored by the smiles of the volunteers. And their squeals of delight when trotting or learning something new warms the hearts of those around them regardless of the […]
Horses Helping Heroes, New Board Member
By Dan Roark Sometimes an episode of a television show will start out with a scene that is actually the ending with the important parts missing. Then “three hours (or whatever) earlier” flashes across the screen. Then the actual episode begins. So….. New Hope, while all board members are very much appreciated, has a new […]
The Farrier Returns – Wyatt Myr
By Dan Roark Not only was it the customary fifth week for the farrier to return to New Hope, it was also the return of Wyatt Myr to work after breaking his neck and back in an accident during a polo match. Fortunately, the doctor told him it was the best case scenario for neck […]
It’s Always Something
By Dan Roark There is always something to do. But particularly so for nonprofits, especially when that nonprofit includes a herd of horses (and a mule) and various other animals. Depending on volunteers (who are very much appreciated) means there will be times when there are – for whatever reason – no volunteers available. The […]
Expressions of New Hope – Eduardo
By Dan Roark When I first began taking pictures at New Hope, and New Hope events, Eduardo barely opened his eyes and didn’t talk much – other than the random sports recitations during lessons. At first, it had as much to do with my being a new person in his therapy sphere as it did […]
Instructor Highlight – Susan Altshuler
By Dan Roark I walked into the New Hope barn and decided to check the folder to see if any volunteers had filled out their questionnaires. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Susan had filled one out – marking out Volunteer and adding Instructor. I have purposely taken pictures of Susan for just such […]
Sponsorships Needed for the Third Annual New Hope Gala
By Dan Roark While you’re making plans for after the heat that’s coming when things get cooler, mark your calendar for the Third Annual Hope Gala – this year themed “A Night At The Races” – benefitting New Hope. It will again be at Lucky Spur Ranch in Justin, Texas. You can get your tickets […]
The Hits Just Keep on Coming – Expenses-wise!
By Dan Roark While I was posting about how well Libby was dealing with equine Cushing’s disease, her health began to go south, adding to the vet issues and bills which accelerated with Olivia’s visit to the equine ICU recently. Libby contracted pneumonia, causing an overnight stay at the vet hospital – which also revealed […]
Expressions of New Hope – Margaret
By Dan Roark Margaret is usually wearing sunglasses of some sort. She always has fun riding, but especially so on Family Fun Day. I don’t know if she took them off for my sake – the sun was still bright – but she did pose for me. In the picture in which Rain is trotting, […]
Equine Therapy is For Horses, Too – Libby
By Dan Roark The reason Sharla was clipping Libby during the Farrier’s visit was due to Libby having equine Cushing’s disease, as I mentioned in the Farrier post. Cushing’s disease, whether in humans or horses, involves the pituitary gland and is generally found in the female species of both. The effects, however, while both are […]
Before the Deluge Recap – The Coming of the Farrier
By Dan Roark The farrier comes every five weeks. The last time was on May 20 – before the torrential unforgiving rains. Joey was substituting for the regular farrier, Wyatt, who was in the hospital with health issues. Joey’s assistant was Rylee, affectionately referred to by Joey as the “Dutch Hammer.” One of the things […]
Before the Deluge Recap – Family Fun Day
By Dan Roark [More pictures can be found on the New Hope Facebook page. But I wanted to highlight the work Susan did to set up the games and facilitate the events.] Despite the rain the latter part of the week before, the sun shone bright for Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 18, which […]
New Hope – After the Deluge
By Dan Roark I had originally planned to begin by saying “after the rains and storms of last week” when the bottom dropped out again as I was sitting there. Then more rain came. The rain is freaking relentless. And so is the need for funds in this little nonprofit world we call New […]
Horses Helping Heroes, New Board Member
By Dan Roark Sometimes an episode of a television show will start out with a scene that is actually the ending with the important parts missing. Then “three hours (or whatever) earlier” flashes across the screen. Then the actual episode begins. So….. New Hope, while all board members are very much appreciated, has a new […]
Claire, FFA, and Horse Judging
By Dan Roark Claire and I were talking during one of the two Denton Riding Club Playdays in which New Hope riders participated. She was telling Cyndy and I about her team competing in Horse Judging events through FFA at school. I thought it would make a great post and asked her to write it […]
Expressions of New Hope: Ashwik
By Dan Roark In the couple of years since Ashwik began riding at New Hope, I have taken pictures of him on numerous occasions. When he first began riding, it was almost impossible to get a shot with his eyes open. Each lesson that I took pictures of him, he opened up a little more. […]
Autism Awareness Month and New Hope
By Dan Roark It’s been a busy month, but before Autism Awareness Month ends, I would like to get in a post in support. Riders at New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy are often dealing with a number of issues. In numerous cases, one of those issues is autism. Or, more precisely, they are somewhere on […]
Volunteer Highlight – Emily Klemme
By Dan Roark Emily is a regular volunteer at New Hope, in addition to being a substitute teacher in the Argyle school district. She recently moved to Argyle and she is mom to six “wonderful” kids. A love of horses and volunteering brought her to New Hope. As well as a desire to learn new […]
Kudos to Highland Homes Volunteers
By Dan Roark The sensory trail at New Hope is brighter, thanks to the painting skills of the Highland Homes Volunteers (HHV). They painted every game on the trail that really needed painting and revived the Number Doors game after scraping the old loose paint off. They also painted new rails for the Ball […]
Expressions of NH: Three New Hope Friends
By Dan Roark A few Sundays ago, Cyndy and I met Tucker and her mother, Sarah, in Weatherford and took Tucker to New Hope to ride and work with Claire and Juliana – two of her New Hope friends. Since Tucker and Sarah moved southwest of Weatherford, we have brought Tucker to New Hope as […]
Horses Highlight: Seeing the Doctor
By Dan Roark Or more precisely, the doctor came to the horses in the form of Dr. Jennifer Voellinger and her Precision Equine Mobile Veterinary Service. More about her in a minute, but she has a gentle personality conducive to both humans and horses. Torrin and I helped Kim, the barn manager, bring each horse […]
9th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot
By Dan Roark The days leading up to the 9th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot were cloudy with a little rain. But the sun came out Saturday morning with just a little wind, making it a beautiful day for supporting New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy. After registration and the signing of waivers, the welcome by Dave […]
Paddock Drainage Fundraising Campaign Reminder
By Dan Roark With the rain overnight, and more coming, it’s again painfully evident (for the horses) that paddock footing/drainage is needed. Every little bit adds up and matters. Please contribute to the Paddock Drainage Campaign. The horses will thank you! Ride on and Ride for hope.
Expressions of New Hope: Riders – Robbie
By Dan Roark The first rider I sidewalked with was Robbie. His mother is the other sidewalker. Robbie is a sweet boy, but he has his moods. He is very expressive in that regard. And he definitely has a playful side. Enjoy Robbie’s moods and expressions. At least you don’t have to be hit with […]
Denton Roundup Club Playday
By Dan Roark Due to the events of the past week or so, well, life, I’m playing catch-up with posts. As I said in the post last Tuesday, we went to the Denton Roundup Club (DRC) Playday for the second time on Palm Sunday. Despite the strong wind and cloudiness with intermittent sun, everyone enjoyed […]
Denton Roundup Club Playday – Daisy Mae Highlight
By Dan Roark New Hope riders, instructor, and volunteers participated in the Denton Roundup Club Playday for the second time. This time the horses were Cy (Cyclops), Chito, and the mule, Daisy Mae. Look for another post about the Playday and Susan, Claire, and Juliana’s rides and so forth, but I want to highlight Daisy […]