THE "NEIGH"-BORHOOD NEWS from Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center Volume 6, Issue 1 --March 17, 2010 HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY In this issue: Bridles & Bow Ties - Event of the Year! Benefit Horse Show Wine on Wednesday Student Spotlight Volunteer Spotlight Winter... a Wonderland? A HUGE "Shout-Out" Welcome to the Herd Upcoming Events DC's Spring Break & Summer Day Camps Spring Brings Showers & Philanthropic Gifts Ferraris on the Vine Adopt-A-Horse Stop and Shop Dream Catchers FB Link Need a Grant? How to Help Here's the latest . . . Our Benefit Horse Show The chilly temperatures and gusting wind did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the riders and guests at the Benefit Open Horse Show held at Dream Catchers on Feb 28th. After a long, rather snowy winter, it was obvious that both horses and riders were glad to be out of the barn and back in the saddle again! In addition to competitors from other local stables, several of the Dream Catchers’ instructors rode to showcase their talents and show-off a few of the beautiful horses which make up Dream Catchers’ herd. Classes throughout the day provided the opportunity for friendly competition in different skill levels. The stars of the event however, were the students who rode to proudly display their ever-increasing talents and abilities. One student had recently learned to neck rein and can now direct his horse all on his own. Another rider has mastered the skill of maintaining a two-point position while at the trot! For another student, who requires the assistance of the Sure-Hands Lift System to be mounted on her horse, it was with intense effort and concentration that she was able to move her left hand to ask her horse to walk on. These skills are the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication by the students, their instructors and the volunteers who support the riders during their weekly lessons. While the equine activities were taking place in the indoor arena, at the Administration Building other students and young volunteers manned a concession stand and happily served donuts, delicious chili, barbeque sandwiches, and hot cocoa, coffee and other goodies. Riding skills are not the only lessons being shared with the kids at the barn! Another Benefit Horse Show is planned for March 28. Plan on stopping by to enjoy the festivities! A "SHOUT-OUT": We have a "SHOUT-OUT" for Macklin Webb, an Eagle Scout, who has graciously built and donated a portable activity station to be used in our therapeutic lessons!! A HUGE Thank You from all of us at Dream Catchers. Winter...A Wonderland? With three sizable snow storms, this has certainly been a winter to remember! While the facility does look beautiful blanketed in the snow, and the horses love to play in the cold white stuff, there are many obstacles a barn must overcome during times of Jack Frost's reign. We would like to thank our fabulous Barn Crew who braved the treacherous conditions in order to make sure our horses were happy and safe. We would especially like to thank our neighbors the Pattersons, who fed the horses on the morning of January 30th when no one else could get out of their driveway! When the roads were safe enough to risk Dawn, Terry, Ben & Lauren had to battle other challenges. Because the horses were kept in during some days in order to stay warm and dry, their stalls were extra messy for the morning barn crews. This means more mucking, bedding, and work in general. Below-freezing temperatures make work less enjoyable and also cause ice to form in the horses' water buckets, which have to be constantly dumped and filled in order to ensure the horses have access to clean water. When the horses finally were able to be turned out to pasture, the crew had to carefully tromp through the snow and mud hoping not to lose their balance or their shoes! It might be weeks before our pastures and pathways are completely dry again. Luckily, we have the indoor arena to keep lessons operating. Hopefully the snow has had its fill of Virginia for now, but thanks to the dedication of our hardy Barn Crew staff the horses have been well cared for. Wine on Wednesday Event to Benefit: Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center Wednesday (of course), April 21, 2010, 6pm-8pm Please join us for fun, food, wine, and a great raffle at the beautiful Williamsburg Winery. We will have one of our equine partners “ INDY” on site for the evening. Tickets: $10 (includes 2 glasses of wine, 1 raffle ticket) Purchase Admission Tickets & Additional Raffle Tickets: Online www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org[http://www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org/] By calling the center at 757.566.1775 Or from any Board Member. The Raffle offers a variety of unique items including a chance to win ONE ticket to our Bridles & Bow Ties Event (valued at $100). Other items include: jewelry, pottery, gift certificates, and more!! Additional raffle tickets are available when purchasing admission tickets online or during the evening of the event. Welcome to the Herd: Meet the Newest Members of the Dream Team We would like to welcome our two newest arrivals to the Dream Team: Macy and Jiffy. These lovely mares are each ten years old and have adjusted to life at Dream Catcher's wonderfully. Macy, an adorable dark bay Quarter Horse with a white star was purchased from Liberty Arabians in Suffolk, Virginia thanks to the contributions of our generous donors. Jiffy is a registered American Paint Horse donated by volunteer Annette Sherman, who was referred to us through Anderson's Corner Animal Hospital. Annette has been a tremendous help to us in our office, but still takes time to visit Jiff in the barn. Thanks to Annette, Jiffy is the envy of all as she's decked out in pink halter, lead rope, and neon pink blanket. Both Jiffy and Macy are being used in lessons for children and adults. They are already captivating hearts as they carry their riders proudly and safely. Next time you're in the barn you should definitely check out these two lovely gals. Donations are welcomed! UPCOMING EVENTS Check out the website for more details[http://dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org] Mar 15, 2010 • Spring Registration begins Mar 19-20 2010 • No Lessons/Classes-NARHA Conference for Staff Mar 20, 2010 • 4H Meeting, 3-5 pm Mar 21, 2010 • Stonehouse Open House 1pm - 6pm Mar 23, 2010 • Make Up Lessons - Mar 23 - Apr 4 Mar 27, 2010 • Spring Registration period ends Mar 27, 2010 • Horse Handling Part 2, 2 – 4 pm Mar 28, 2010 • Benefit Open Horse Show Mar 30, 2010 • Board Meeting, 5:30 pm Apr 01, 2010 • Instructor’s Meeting & Potluck, 6:45 pm Apr 03, 2010 • 4H Meeting, 3 – 5 pm Apr 04, 2010 • Last Day of Make Up Weeks for Winter Session Apr 05, 2010 • No Lessons for Spring Break - Apr 5-10 Apr 13, 2010 • Spring Session begins - 10 weeks Apr 17, 2010 • New Volunteer Orientation, 2 - 3:30 pm Apr 17, 2010 • 4H Meeting, 3 – 5 pm[http://dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org/index.php/main/calendar_entries/4h_meeting_3_5_pm3/] Apr 17, 2010 • 4-H Show[http://dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org/index.php/main/calendar_entries/4-h_show/] Apr 21, 2010 • Volunteer Committee Meeting, 5:30 – 7:00 pm Apr 21, 2010 • Wine on Wednesday 6-8 pm Apr 24, 2010 • Horse Handling Clinic 2-4 pm Apr 25, 2010 • Matthews Horse Show Apr 27, 2010 • Board Meeting, 5:30 pm Apr 30 – May 2 • Ferrari on the Vine – Williamsburg Winery May 01, 2010 • 4H Meeting, 3-5 pm May 08, 2010 • New Volunteer Orientation, 2 - 3:30 pm May 15, 2010 • 4H Meeting, 3-5 pm May 15, 2010 • Family Appreciation Picnic 1-3 pm May 21, 2010 • No Lessons May 22, 2010 • Bridles & Bow Ties Dream Catchers Trades in the Horses For Bright Red Ferraris! Does this mean that Jake and Indy and Nobie are headed to a Ferrari dealership? And all our kids will be cavorting around in Ferrari 250 GTOs? The sweet sounds of gentle neighs replaced by the raucous rumble of high powered combustion engines revving up? No, not really. But it does mean that Dream Catchers will be the principal charity recipient of a wonderful event sponsored by the Williamsburg Winery. It is called Ferraris on the Vine and it features more than 50 scintillating Ferraris and a gala celebration of Ferrari pride on May 1-2 at the Winery. Now that Williamsburg Winery can claim world class wines, it is appropriate that a major world class automobile fest comes to the greater Williamsburg area and the Winery. The back story is that Car and Driver Magazine once matched a 1964 Pontiac GTO against a Ferrari 250 GTO. The Pontiac won! And Ferrari aficionados went berserk. Twenty years later there was a rematch which the Ferrari won. Now Ferraris on the Vine will bring back the original Pontiac GTO and a Ferrari 250 GTO for a rematch. Who will be the winner this time? Dream Catchers will be the winner. A healthy percentage of the proceeds from more than 2,000 visitors will support the Dream Catchers cause. There will be a gala display in Merchants’ Square on Saturday, a rematch at the Winery on Saturday afternoon and a tour around Yorktown and James City County on Sunday. A fabulous dinner Saturday evening at Wedmore Place will feature the best speaker on automobiles in the country, the famous David E. Davis, Jr. He is the former editor of Car and Driver and Automobile, and the man who started all of this classic automobile controversy. For more information and tickets to the event, go to www.wmbgwine.com[http://www.wmbgwine.com/] or email bweber@wmbgwine.com[mailto:bweber@wmbgwine.com]. It is going to be a great weekend for the horses at Dream Catchers and the prancing horses of Ferrari. How You Can Help Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Our riders pay only a portion of the real cost of lessons. The balance of our operating costs is generated through fundraising. Your gift enables Dream Catchers to maintain a safe and thriving equine facility -- happy, healthy horses; knowledgeable, nurturing instructors; and well-trained, conscientious volunteers. We depend on your financial gifts as well as your precious gift of time! We are always looking for volunteers, young and old, to support the dreams that our humble organization helps come true! If you would like to sponsor a horse, sponsor a child, or make a donation in honor of a loved one or friend, please send your donation to: Dream Catchers P.O. Box 1261 Williamsburg, VA 23187 or donate online at www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org[http://www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org/] Thank you for your continued support. Dream Catchers' Event of the Year Spring is just around the corner, and so is our 3rdannual fundraiser Bridles and Bow Ties! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 22, 2010. We will begin the evening events at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, music and a demonstration by our students. There will be lots of mingling and talk of the exciting events about to unfold at our dinner and auction. As you step into our riding arena be prepared for a wonderful surprise. We have a delicious menu planned and a list of amazing auction items. Many of you will have already purchased chances for the awesome raffle being drawn later in the evening but there will be another chance to buy tickets that night – assuming they have not all been sold. If you don’t want to miss out on purchasing tickets ahead of time, go to our webpage and buy tickets directly. They will be mailed to you upon purchase. How easy is that? Our auctioneer has some fun games planned to get the night going and you will be dazzled by the opportunities that await your bidding. Bonefishing at Abaco Island in the Bahamas; dove hunting in Cordoba, Argentina at the outstanding Pica Zuro Lodge; a cozy cabin in Lake City, Colorado; a cottage in Nags Head, NC; a day sailing trip on the Yorktown River; bridles and bar b q for twenty at Dream Catchers; and many more exciting items. We have been thrilled with the many folks who have already agreed to sponsorships and hope you too will consider sponsoring a table. This year as an added thank you to our many table sponsors, we are adding 4 bottles of a premium wine to complement the food being served that evening for each table sponsor. You won’t want to miss this added bonus! There are still table sponsors available. For more information on how to sponsor a table and what that entitles you to, go directly to our website or call 757-566-1775 and someone in the office will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Our goal at Dream Catchers is to provide each and every one of you an evening you will remember and cherish as you reflect on the wonderful things our instructors, staff and volunteers are accomplishing to enrich the lives of our students and their families. By supporting this event you become part of their lives and share in the joys of their accomplishments and victories. You do not want to miss this event of the year!! Invitations will be mailed mid-April, and we at Dream Catchers look forward to entertaining you to a fun night of celebration Raffle Tickets are now available ONLINE[http://www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org] or call Dream Catchers at 757.566.1775. Admission Tickets available Online Soon! Student Spotlight – Patrick Burns We are proud to introduce this month's Student Spotlight: Patrick Burns. Patrick first came to Dream Catchers with his school class almost two years ago. Although initially apprehensive about riding, Patrick began to thoroughly enjoy his time with the horses. His family embraced the Dream Catchers' experience and decided to enroll him as a regular student. Even Patrick's grandfather, Mr. Bill Santoro, became involved and is now one of our favorite regular volunteers. Working first with Ms. Debbie and Nobie, Patrick's sign language began to improve. Ms. Nancy, his speech therapist, was the first person outside of his family to hear Patrick say a word, which was spoken to Nobie- “Woah”. Patrick's current instructor is Ms. Gwen, who along with Ms. Nancy, regularly experiences Patrick's use of small words. Other improvements Patrick has made include being able to sign “help” when its time to clasp on his helmet as well as greeting and bidding farewell to the facilities upon arrival and departure. He knows when its time to ride! His mom, Christine Burns, reports that his family has “noticed at home his core strength has increased and his basic social skills like making eye contact has improved, as well as his ability to focus on a task.” Under saddle, Patrick's riding has also improved by leaps and bounds. He now consistently signs “Walk on” and says “Woah”. Paired with Bonnie, Patrick is able to maintain a trot all the way around the ring, often laughing the whole time. He now rides with his feet in the stirrups-- a great step-- for before he would be upset if the irons even touched his feet. Recently, Patrick has been able to feed Bonnie treats after every lesson. Patrick's experience at Dream Catchers is best described by Christine, who shares, “Dream Catchers has become so much for Patrick and our family. His lack of spoken words and low muscle tone make a lot of recreational activities either difficult or simply out of reach for him, but riding is something that can encourage his confidence and independence. The positive feedback he gets from the staff and volunteers really makes him happy and it does our hearts a world of good for him to have an activity in which he can find success and enjoy in a safe and loving environment. He may never speak a lot or run a marathon but thanks to Dream Catchers Patrick can be just like every other little boy who loves to ride.” Volunteer Spotlight - Our College Students For this issue's volunteer spotlight, we would like to thank all of our wonderful college student volunteers who take time out from rigorous course loads, club memberships, and social activities to help make a difference in the lives of our riders here at Dream Catchers. Approximately 25 students from William and Mary, Christopher Newport University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Thomas Nelson volunteer for an average of 75 hours a week. While every volunteer at Dream Catchers sacrifices their personal time to come out and make a difference, college students face specific challenges in order to volunteer. Many student volunteers do not have cars with them on campus, and have to coordinate with upperclassmen and other volunteers to find their way to Toano. Dependability is one of the most prized characteristics in our volunteers, and our fabulous college students willingly commit to a set weekly schedule, despite the chaotic ebb and flow of the college load. Kaiti Verdone, a sophomore at William and Mary, began volunteering because therapeutic riding combines two of her interests: horses and healing. Despite a busy schedule, Kaiti comments, “I come back to DC every week because I know that I am making a difference. Through the course of just a riding lesson, I see the kids that I work with developing confidence, people skills, verbal skills, and riding skills, and I love knowing that I've had some part in that.” Melissa Woods, also a sophomore at William and Mary, is one of our volunteers who initially struggled finding transportation. However, by sticking with it and communicating her desire to come out and help, she now assists us every Tuesday. Melissa began volunteering at Dream Catchers after hearing about it from a friend. She explains, “I agreed to go because I really missed being around horses, but as the weeks went on I realized it was the people I was the most excited to see every time I came.” Katie Crocker is one our student interns who not only helps with lessons, but also with office and administration work. She comments, “It can be overwhelming during midterms or exams to know that you've committed to spend a few hours at Dream Catchers which would otherwise be spent studying (or sleeping!). But since I began volunteering I've found that the program seems to provide just as much a positive experience for its volunteers as it does for its riders. After being around the wonderful horses, inspiring students, and encouraging staff I feel mentally recharged and ready to conquer whatever task I must face back on campus.” Kaiti, Melissa, and Katie are only a small fraction of our invaluable college-aged team. We are very grateful for all the effort put forth by every one of our student volunteers. We couldn't do it without you! Are you interested in volunteering? If so, please check out the volunteer page on our website to find our application and the schedule of orientations and trainings for 2010. The next New Volunteer Orientation will be held on Saturday, April 17th from 2 – 3:30 pm. Day Camp At Dream Catchers It's not too late to register for our amazing 2010 Spring Break Day Camp, April 6th-8th, from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Lots of fun, lots of mucking, and LOTS of memories! We are also now accepting applications for our Summer Day Camps. 5 different weeks of nothin' but Horses!! Please visit the CAMP PAGE[http://dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org/index.php/programs/camps] on our website for more info and applications; GiddyUp! BRIDLES AND BOW TIES 2010 Friends & Family....... Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center has and AMAZING RAFFLE this year for our Bridles & Bow Ties Event - May 22, 2010 CHECK IT OUT....... First Place is a weeks stay in a GORGEOUS villa in BERMUDA go to www.Tuckerspoint.com[http://www.tuckerspoint.com/] to see for yourself!! Second Place is a four-course private dinner for six at the FAT CANARY (only the best restaurant in Williamsburg, maybe Virginia!!). Third Place is a $400 VISA GIFT CARD.....who couldn't use the cash these days?? Tickets are $10 each or a "book" of ten tickets for $80!! WHAT A DEAL!! There is a limited supply, which of course increases your chances.....SO DON"T PUT OFF THIS OPPORTUNITY!!!! Tickets are available online at www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org[http://www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org/] or call Dream Catchers at 757.566.1775. Thank you, in advance, for your support of our program, which "provides therapeutic riding and other horse-related activities for special needs individuals in a caring and safe environment". Spring Brings Showers & Philanthropic Gifts Spring is always a busy time of year. We’re all eager to get out of the house and enjoy the warmer weather; eager to see new and old friends and excited to celebrate the milestone events for our friends and families. At Dream Catchers, we’re no less busy. We are hard at work making sure the May 22nd Bridles and Bow Ties event will be a successful and enjoyable evening for our Dream Catchers family. (And I promise this year will be the best yet!) We are gearing up to welcome our spring session students, not to mention our spring break campers and counselors. And all the horses are busy shedding their winter coats and eager to meet new students. But as all our schedules fill up, we hope you won’t forget how important your support is to Dream Catchers. As you shop for the marathon of gifts to be given this spring, consider gifting a donation in honor of the intended recipient to Dream Catchers. Your donation is one way to show your friend or relative how much you believe in and support Dream Catchers. And who knows, you may be introducing your friend for the very first time to Dream Catchers. By giving a donation to Dream Catchers you are helping us change the lives of children and adults with disabilities each and every day. But you are doing even more than this. You are helping to instill the values of charity and philanthropy in your children and friends. You are showing that ‘material things’ are not nearly as important as hope and independence and freedom. Gifts that can be found on the back of a horse; gifts that create miracles out at Dream Catchers each and every day. So we hope that with the hustle and bustle of birthdays, graduations, weddings and parties you will remember Dream Catchers and what even a small donation can do for one of our students. Thank you as always for your support, Whitney Nida Donor Relations Coordinator P.S. Raffle Tickets can make a great gift! Dream Catchers on FACEBOOK! We want you! Click the Link and BECOME A FAN[http://facebook.com/] Stop & Shop Show your support for Dream Catchers with your purchase of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, travel mugs, coffee mugs, water bottles and more. Stop by the Admin building to say hello and do a little shopping. Please send comments or questions about this newsletter to info@dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org[mailto:info@dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org] Need a printed copy, call us we'd be happy to oblige Need a Grant? Follow the link for the United Healthcare Children's Foundation[http://www.uhccf.org/apply.html] for more information! This Issue of The "Neigh"-Borhood News sponsored by: The Williamsburg Winery 5800 Wessex Hundred Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 757-229-0999 www.williamsburgwinery.com[http://www.williamsburgwinery.com] Thank you for Supporting Dream Catchers! Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center, 10120 Fire Tower Road, Toano, VA 23168 www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org[http://www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org]