Attention Horsetopia Family

[Bonanza]

I just wanted to share with you something that has been on my heart, and I am hoping to share with our Horsetopia family. As you know, it is a wonderful thing to bring folks out to get to ride a horse and spend some time in the country. I would like to try to challenge Horsetopia volunteers to choose one day a month and give of our time and share the horses that God has blessed us with, with others who would benefit by a "Day at the Barn." I envision a Saturday or Sunday, since that is when most folks would be available, but it could be any day that works for you. We would invite those folks that God has brought our attention to (it could be a stressed out friend or the little kid next door who is neglected due to parental circumstances) or perhaps a group that one of us has been volunteering with. We invite them to the barn for a morning of horse rides (for horses like Rosie we would lead them around, kidsafe horses we would supervise) and perhaps have a picnic and just enjoy being at the barn.

I think that this would be such a blessing for some folks - and of course it is an opportunity for us to serve others. We did something similiar with my Even Start Family Literacy students a while back - you can see the smiles that it brought on this thread:

Rosie ministers to our community

It would be fun to post pictures of our events so that everyone in our HT fanily could share the joy of sharing our horses with others...

If you need any help in organizing your event, feel free to pm me

[tallyho]

That is a great idea........however, insurance must be had by everyone who has horses on their property to cover having others there and using the animals.........around here, that runs about 4-5 thousand a year. It's great to have good intentions, but soemtimes it doesn't work out for the best.
Sorry to be a wet blanket........I tried to do something similar years ago, and was shot down for this reason.

[DappleGrayMyWay]

I kind of do this when I can, but in a very linited sense, with people I know. I've found that some time spent with horses is very therapeutic. Just being with them, grooming them, getting to learn each horse's personality, and the non-judging way horses deal with people is good for the heart and mind. If I could invite others I would but sadly due to insurance and saefty issues, I have to stick to inviting my non-horsey friends to the barn, and can't offer this more widely.

But as someone's signature line says, There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a person. I'll keep doing my part!

[equine.trailrider]

Already doing it!

[thumpersgirl]

I do this somewhat with people I know. Due to liability issues, I am very picky about who goes near or gets on one of my horses. I wish I could do more and help people out but I also wish people weren't so sue happy.

[enelson]

I've kind of done something similar. We are having a family get together on the 6th and I have family coming in from the city, where they only see horses driving down the road or on tv. I have offered up pony rides on our two girls. I have printed some signs that say we aren't responsible for accidents and ride at own risk. Also am going to print a sheet for the parents to sign saying we aren't responsible for accidents.

[Bonanza]

I understand liability concerns - however keep in mind it could be something very simple, such as inviting a friend or co-worker to destress with you and your horse. At our barn, the person who invites guests are responsible for their own guests. Perhaps you could do a simple waiver form?

So good to hear some of you are doing it already! And just remember - it diesn't have to be a huge deal or something widely offered. If you just touch one person's life in a positive way, it could have a huge impact and be a memory that they carry with them forever

[ahlihaff]

bonanza, that is a thoughtful, generous, caring idea you have. I have invited people to do this on occasion, and will continue to.

[Hideaway]

Maybe they don't have to ride but an open house/picnic and some fuzzy, friendly noses that can reach over a fence would be fun and relaxing.

[BornToRide]

Originally Posted by DappleGrayMyWay

But as someone's signature line says, There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a person. I'll keep doing my part!

That would be me lol


And what a wonderful, loving idea!!!!!
I try to do that with all my good friends who need time to relax.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Hideaway

Maybe they don't have to ride but an open house/picnic and some fuzzy, friendly noses that can reach over a fence would be fun and relaxing.

That's exactly right! Some of my students were afraid to ride but enjoyed being able to pet the horses. Others were thrilled to just sit on Rosie and get their picture taken...

[reiningfan]

A few years ago our neighbors daughter wanted to learn to ride, but had no horse. I gave her lessons (for free) and got her to join 4-H, where she used my son's horse for a few years. Great kid. She still calls and comes riding with me now & then.
Since then I've loaned serveral other kids horses to use in 4-H when they either don't have their own horse, or their own horse is too dangerous for them. It gets them involved in horses, plus it shows them that people are actually willing to give of themselves to help out.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by reiningfan

A few years ago our neighbors daughter wanted to learn to ride, but had no horse. I gave her lessons (for free) and got her to join 4-H, where she used my son's horse for a few years. Great kid. She still calls and comes riding with me now & then.
Since then I've loaned serveral other kids horses to use in 4-H when they either don't have their own horse, or their own horse is too dangerous for them. It gets them involved in horses, plus it shows them that people are actually willing to give of themselves to help out.

That is wonderful - please keep sharing folks, because it's a blessing to hear about and it gives others ideas they may not have thought about for what they can do to help...

[paso_lover]

Did it twice this week

My parents old friend called and asked it I could take her out. She's soon to be 60 and has had the worst life of anyone I have every met. Raped as a teen and had a son. Beat by her first husband, met a wonderful man and had 3 kids, 21 yr old son was tragically killed the summer my son was born (95), 32 yr old son was killed in big rig wreck 4 yrs ago (and now his wife won't let her see the kids). Countless car crashes and family troubles and now I was told the last child, a daughter, gives her attitude if she doesn't get what she wants (like witholding her kids). We went out for 2 hours and she's been talking to everyone ever since at how great of a time she had. Not a doubt that horses can be the best therapy. Maya was a little too peppy for her in my eyes so I'm hoping the next time she's out Reyna will be ready.

Had someone volunteer my farm for a friend in need since he is having issues with his ex and wanted to something special for his kid. Took Tucker out and gave the kid a pony ride.