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CONTEST ENTRIES

Giving Back's Honorable Mentions
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Davidson Knoll Farm Canandaigua, New York
www.davidsonknollfarm.com

Davidson Knoll Farm Inc. (DKF) is a small farm located in Canandaigua, NY with 300 acres of woods, fields & hills to ride on. DKF has been giving back to the horse community since it’s beginning in 1995. Lisa Sykes, the Owner, started out small with donating her land for Pony Club and 4-H. In 2000, she donated one of her steady & true horses, Iggy to a therapeutic equestrian center. In 2003, Lisa began a 4-H club for the local horse crazy kids without horses. The kids concentrated on ground skills with borrowed horses and miniatures. In 2007, Lisa volunteered weekly at the EquiCenter, helping the at-risk youth learn horsemanship skills.

For almost ten years Lisa has been hosting Hunter Paces on her farm. On occasion she will include a poker run where all proceeds go to an organization in need – Equine rescue centers, world disasters & humane societies top the list. Rescuing horses can be a challenge to any farm; Bringing in diseases, problem horses and lots of work, not to mention what it does to your pocket book. In 2003, Lisa helped rescue a farm full of miniature horses. She brought home 3 horses for a few months, found homes for two and kept the pregnant mare. With joy, DKF welcomed their mascot Black Pearl on July 22, 2003. Pearl is still with the farm. DKF donated 75 bales of hay to the cause where a large number of the miniatures were taken.
In the winter of 2006, three horses were rescued from starving, freezing, and poor health conditions in Ontario County. The horse community was called to help with the survival of these horses (financially.) DKF came to the rescue with bags of senior feed. The horse community came to help the day the local humane society rescued 100’s of large animals from a farm in Syracuse, NY. Lisa and her trailer were the first ones there in long line of wonderful horse lovers to help place these horses in a safe environment.

In 2005, DKF, hosted, ran & organized a Trail Trial. All proceeds benefited the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit. The Trail Trial raised $2,500. The following year, 2006, Lisa wanted to raise money for someone closer to home and with more of an impact. Lisa’s good friends, Jon & Stacy Friedlander, ran the EquiCenter; the EquiCenter is a therapeutic equestrian center for people with disabilities and at-risk youth located in Mendon, NY. The EquiCenter was local and it was a great cause. Lisa was impressed with the relationship the students developed with horses and the strength the children and adults gained in their trunks. Therapeutic riding centers help kids and adults get out from sterile therapy sessions. They become more grounded and closer to nature. Jon and Stacy loved the idea. A committee was developed and the Trail Trial took off. The name was changed to EquiTrails. Riders, volunteers and spectators enjoyed the 1st event. The first year we raised $11,000. This was so exciting for all of us. The EquiCenter had just purchased their facility and needed the money to survive. 2006 EquiTrails was successful and teams of volunteers were all ready to go for the next year so the partnership continued. In 2007, we got bigger and better. The idea was quality, not quantity. We limited the event to 100 riders. Each rider gathered pledges for their rides and winners received prizes donated by the horse industry. There was plenty of food, activities, sponsors, prizes and enthusiasm. In 2007 we raised $20,000. This was a success that we knew it had to continue. 2008 is here and we are continuing the EquiCenter and DKF’s relationship -- EquiTrails. The date is set for June 29th. We already have our presenting sponsor and many of our obstacle sponsors. Advertising is set and calendars have listed our event. Cross your fingers for another successful “sunny” event.

Moonreach Ranch Peoria, Arizona
www.MoonreachRanch.com

Every year, vanloads of students from Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) venture on field trips to Moonreach Ranch, a natural horsemanship training center near Phoenix, Arizona. Way beyond pony rides, the visually impaired kids enjoy a sensory safari, taste-testing various varieties of hay and horse treats and learning to distinguish the symphony of stable sounds: anticipatory nickers, barn doors sliding open, Luxy peeing in his stall...

Ten-year-old Mary declared she was not an animal person and had no intention of getting within breathing distance of a horse. Coaxed by Moonreach Ranch co-owner Ralph Carr, the young blind girl ran her hands over Zoe from head to hoof, softening her demeanor as he showed her how to "see" Zoe's Paint colors: the white spots feel cooler than the dark spots! Mary whispered something to her chaperon.
"Ask Sam," he told her. She addressed Moonreach Ranch co-owner Sam Madden.
"Is Zoe a girl horse or a boy horse?"
"She's a mare, which is a girl horse," Sam explained, proud of herself for teaching the kids a horse term in her answer. She was not the least bit prepared for what came next.
"Can I feel a boy horse?"
FBC newly blind adults, adrift in a sea of self-doubt, muster the confidence to ride for the first time, spurred by a "cowboy up" dose of determination from Sam, blind herself since age 29 and a kidney and pancreas transplant recipient and former diabetic with osteoporosis, anemia, a clotting disorder, malabsorption narrowly escaping requiring a home feeding tube, admonishment not to ride from her doctors, and a dream. Sam was crowned Ms. Country Western Arizona, the only totally blind woman ever to earn the title and reign as a rodeo queen, and has won countless English and western horse show championships against sighted competitors, above and beyond making her dream a reality: developing a fixer-upper horse property into a custom teaching and training facility, where husband/head trainer Ralph makes time among his other lessons to coach her daily. The couple volunteers their time giving motivational presentations to nonprofit organizations including North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association, Arizona Council of the Blind, Arizona Kidney Foundation, Donor Network of Arizona, and FBC staff and administrators.

An annual Christmas tradition, Moonreach Ranch foregoes personal gifts from clients in favor of contributions to Arizona Humane Society. They have also orchestrated three different clients donating horses to Scottsdale Sertoma for resale, netting the charity thousands of dollars to benefit the hearing impaired.
Ralph and Sam also offer free educational clinics laced with overtones of optimism to the public. Sam imparts her expertise in gratis demonstrations, RIDING WITH FINESSE: SO EASY, EVEN A BLIND WOMAN CAN DO IT, performing upper level movements with her beloved rescued Arabian Pixel. And Ralph gives his own complimentary demonstrations, TICKLE YOUR IMAGINATION, in which he illustrates the advanced partnership possible to achieve with your horse, riding his adopted Mustang Bucky bareback and bridleless.They have welcomed guests from across the country to their home – anyone needing a touch of toughness and a glimmer of hope - to behold living proof of the Moonreach Ranch credo: Dare to dream in color, but turn your dreams into goals and make them come true. If you do your best and believe in yourself, you can lasso the moon! Sam aspires to share the Moonreach Ranch magic on an even grander scale via her screenplay, LASSO THE MOON! "It's my life story, but it's not about me. It's about everyone touched by it and the potential within them to lasso their own moon."
You are rich when you feel you have enough in yourself that you are able to give to others. Moonreach Ranch may be mortgaged to the hilt, but Ralph and Sam feel rich in all they have to give to others in a very personal way. Inspiration is priceless! To perpetuate the circle of giving, Ralph and Sam's charity of choice to receive half the $10,000 endowment is United States Equestrian Federation to establish a scholarship for ParaEquestrian riders in leadership roles giving back to the community.

Signature Arabians Union Grove, Wisconsin
www.signaturearabians.com

We have ALWAYS had a policy of giving free riding lessons, and supporting all area kids who want to learn about horses and many of these children have gone on to be owners and accomplished riders. We have supported many military families, especially while one of the family members has been deployed. We have tried to give them a place to hang out and get their minds on something more enjoyable. We have even gone to pick kids up or drop them off, when a parent is unable to provide transportation both ways.

Why do I have this perspective? When I was growing up I got to ride a horse that belonged to a woman with whom my mother worked. I would never have learned about handling horses, and been able to run my own facility, if I hadn't had that great start that she gave me, all those years ago. When I think of her, I wonder if she has any idea what a great mentor and influence she had on me. I have told her several times, and had her out to the farm to see what we have developed into. But I truly think that giving back to society is the best thank you, and complement for the way she treated me.
When Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program was looking for a home for their program, we immediately welcomed them to our facility. We helped them build a therapy room and an office and donate the use of that space to the program. We are always happy to support the Christmas parties, Easter Egg hunts, Therapeutic Horse Shows, and fundraisers, no matter the challenges we face to make it happen!

We have supported many different groups to include 4H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Big/Little Sisters, school tours, school fundraisers, Caledonia Conservancy Fundraisers, EAA, MTRP and many more. A lot of our stable merchandise and riding lessons are donated to fund raisers, charity auctions and more.
We have rescued many horses from situations, and made sure to get them into a good home, or personally cared for them thru their final years. It seems that when we get one taken care of, the next one automatically appears! This past year we sponsored a mustang with the Midwest Mustang Challenge. Not only was it a great learning experience for all of us, we developed some incredible new friendships. It also allowed for another homeless mustang to appreciate being domesticated and find a wonderful permanent home. We organize a yearly trail ride for the boarders, and coordinate hauling the horses to spend the weekend at a campground/trail facility. We spend every possible weekend trail riding or helping at horse shows, which includes donating the use of our own horses. During my years on this earth I have had some pretty major accidents, several of those, doctors are surprised I have lived thru or did not go to assisted living after getting out of the hospital. As a result, I sometimes wonder what path exactly, the Lord was intending me to follow. From the bottom of my heart, I do know that helping children to learn about these glorious animals, care for, and treat them with the respect they deserve is definitely part of the reason I am still on this earth. I am grateful to be alive, but even more grateful to be in the presence of these incredible animals and people on a daily basis.

Thoroughbred Training Center Mocksville, North Carolina
www.ttcmocksville.com

Since opening in Sept. 1973 Thoroughbred Training Center (TTC) has been very supportive of local and statewide organizations. As one of the oldest equine facilities operating in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, TTC has been awarded numerous times from many different groups and organizations for its long-standing and continued support.
Since 1981, TTC has offered classes for Special Olympians in at least 20 shows each year. In 2002, TTC was awarded the Piedmont Triad Area Corporation of the Year by the North Carolina Special Olympics Committee. That year TTC went on to be awarded Outstanding Corporation of the Year (under 100 employees) for the entire state of North Carolina by the North Carolina Special Olympics Committee. TTC has also donated its facilities for numerous fundraising horse shows for the NC Special Olympics. TTC has been a long standing sponsor if its local county (Davie County) Special Olympics program donating its facilities to the equestrian program for lessons and clinics.

TTC has opened its facilities to accommodate many other groups for fundraising horse shows and events. TTC has donated all judges and facilities to help individuals and groups within the community to raise money for various cause from cancer treatment to church youth group trips. In recent years, TTC fundraising shows have contributed over $20,000 to help individuals, families and groups in times of need. TTC has opened its horse show concessions to many groups in need of a fundraiser. Glenn High School Drama Club, Triad Trackers Wheelchair Basketball Team, local Church youth groups, local Boy Scout troops, local 4-H groups and local Pony Club groups just begin to top the list of the many that been able to achieve their fundraising goals through the support of TTC.
TTC has been recognized and awarded for these efforts. In 1997 TTC was awarded for "facility use and gracious support" by the local Yadkin Valley Hounds Pony Club for its long-standing support of the club. TTC has graciously opened its facility to Pony Club and 4-H organizations in the past for camps, clinics, and open schooling events. TTC has been a very active supporter of local equine rescue organizations as well. TTC has donated judges and its facilities to the US Equine Rescue League on numerous occasions for fundraising horse shows. Due to its support and generosity TTC has been awarded for its "kindness, generosity, and unwavering support" by the US Equine Rescue League. As well, TTC is a sponsor and past host location for the Davie County Horse Emergency Rescue team Equine Clinics. TTC has donated hay and feed to many area equine rescue groups including USERL and Horse, Education & Rescue Org., Inc. (H.E.R.O). TTC has been home to many rescue horses over its 35 years.
TTC has also contributed to the community through means other than equine related events. TTC's tack shop took an open collection for local troops in Iraq and Afghanistan over the holiday shopping season and shipped several boxes to our military personal abroad. TTC had donated stuffed animal horses to children entering surgery at local Brenner Children's hospital. TTC has also opened its doors to high school students in need. TTC has partnered with local Davie country high school in through the Davie County High School Apprenticeship Program. This partnership has lasted for 20 years and still continues to this day. High school students interested in working with horses and learning the skills needed to operate a successful equine operation come to work for TTC and earn credit towards graduation
through their work with TTC. Students come from a variety of situations from very bad to very good. TTC feels they can make a difference in these student's lives and have several very successful former employees who came through the Davie County high School Apprenticeship Program.

Water Tower Farm Marshfield, Vermont
www.wtr-twr-frm.com

Dianne Lashoones and her husband Richard built Water Tower Farm from the ground up starting in 1988. What was a foreclosed dairy farm has become New England's largest Tennessee Walking Horse Farms in New England. The early years focused on breeding, training and sales of Tennessee Walking Horses.
Early on Dianne became committed to serving on the official breed registry board of directors and has worked constantly for the past 15 years to bring the wonderful pleasure qualities of this great breed to the awareness of the equine public, and to help strengthen the position of the TWHBEA in not condoning the illegal and unethical practices that some in the industry have perpetrated over the years. Hundreds of volunteer hours over the years have gone to educating TWH owners and the public on this great breed. Each year Water Tower Farm hosts clinics with nationally known clinicians at no charge for use of the facility in order to offer affordable clinics to New England gaited horse owners.

In addition, Dianne's other full time job as a physical therapist finally merged her two passions and culminated into Water Tower Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. The Center has become a NARHA Premier Accredited Center and for the past 6 years has provided services to youth and adults with special needs. One of Dianne's greatest feelings of accomplishment is to see some of her therapeutic riding students "graduate" into valued employees at the farm. They have not made the transition to a non-profit status, so about 50% of the cost of each session is absorbed by the host site at Water Tower Farm, else costs of sessions would be prohibitive. Since they are a for profit organization, they cannot solicit grants or tax deductible donations to help fund programs. Still, each year lessons are donated to various local charities for their fundraisers - the Autism Puzzle Foundation, Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, and the Cabot Coalition, a program for at risk teens.

This year the Therapeutic Riding Program began participating in the North American Riding for the Handicapped Assoc and Department of Veterans Affairs joint national program named Horses For Heroes which offers hippotherapy(physical therapy on horseback) and therapeutic equine activities to American service men and women of all war eras and to their families. Our first rider has become our most valued spokesperson for the value this program has to offer veterans. We have garnered support and encouragement from our US Senators and Congressman.
In working with the Vermont National Guard Family Readiness Program staff and seeing the immensity of their duties in serving our veterans, we have chosen this year if we were to win this year's contest, to have our charity of choice be the Vt. National Guard Family Readiness Program.

All Submited Entries

1. Anamchara Stables , Tennessee

2. Aspen Hill Ranch, Wisconsin

3. B&B Quarter Horses, California

4. Beal Farms, Indiana

5. Beaver Creek Farm, North Carolina

6. Bit-By-Bit Equestrian, Pennsylvania

7. Canterbury Manor Stables, Indiana

8. Carousel Stables, North Carolina

9. Chestnut Ridge, New Jersey

10. Christine Betz of Equity and Harmony in Horsemanship, LLC. Maryland

11. Cottonwood Riding Club, Colorado

12. Coyote Creek Stables, Illinois

13. Cressant Hill Arabians, Iowa

14. Nomination of Michael R. Privett, DVM of South Carolina

15. Nomination of Dr. Richard Markell and Coast Equine Practice, California

16. Nomination of Dr. Ellen Tinsley, North Carolina

17. Nomination of Chainey Briar Stables, South Carolina

18. Dr. Ellen Hoots, Hoofbeats Veterinary Practice, North Caroline

19. EBC Therapy, New York

20. Fairfield Hunt Club, Connecticut

21. Greensfelder Stable, Missouri

22. Griesey Farms, Indiana

23. Healing Strides, Virginia

24. Heart Ranch Equestrian Center, Oklahoma

25. Hidden View Farm, New Jersey

26. Double H Ranch & His Hands Ranch, Alabama

27. Ironstone Farm, Massachusetts

28. Nomination of Ivy LeDonne, Katanuma Eventing, North Carolina

29. Courtney Brock, Horsefly Creations, New York

30. Jessica Bishop Training, Oregon

31. Jodi Scott's School of Horsemanship, Arizona

32. Nomination of Linda Smith/China Cat Stables, Maryland

33. Lord Hill Stables, Washington

34. Lost Fortune Stables, Ohio

35. Lucky Cricket Farm, Maryland

36. Maslin's Little Acres, Maryland

37. Nomination of Melanie Jasper, Georgia

38. NBHA AL03 District, Georgia

39. National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy, California

40. Nomination of Nealia McCracken, North Wind Stables, New Jersey

41. Oak Crest Farm, Maryland

42. Odyssey Training Center, Michigan

42. Pendragon Stud Equestrian Center, Colorado

43. Pioneer Stables, Nebraska

44. Pony Pals, Georgia

45. Nomination of Rachel Richmond/Hundred Acre Wood, Maine

46. Rainbow Equestrian Meadows

47. Nomination of Rebecca Wyatt, North Carolina

48. R-Horse Ranch, California

49. Rise-N-Shine Stables, Oklahoma

50. River Valley Ranch, California

51. Camp Dovewood, Florida

52. Rosehaven Stables, Connecticut

53. Sahara Spirit Arabians

54. Sandy Ridge Farms, Alabama

55. Sonoma Equestrian Center, California

56. National Spotted Saddle Horse Association, Tennessee

57. Stephany Fish, dressage trainer, Florida

58. Still Waters Ranch, Nebraska

59. Sue Hughart/horse rescue, North Carolina

60. Susan Olson/horse rescue, California

61. White Cloud Ranch, California

62. Wings of Hope Ranch, Virginia

63. Winning Weekends Equine Events, New York

64. Pine Lake Pastures, Wisconsin