Announcements

Instructors-in-Training

As many of you already know, Melinda Bartlett has joined our team as an instructor-in-training. Melinda has been a dedicated volunteer and has decided to pursue her NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Instructor Certification.

Our current instructors-in-training include Jaime Baird, Melinda Bartlett, and Charlene Doll.

Permission for Photography

We all like having pictures of all of the fun we have during class. However, it is Special Equestrians' policy to respect the privacy of all participants, volunteers, and staff unless specific permission has been given for photography. Therefore, before taking pictures of any rider, volunteer, or staff, please make sure you first receive permission from the instructor and also the permission of those being photographed.

If your pictures are planned to be used for any public purpose, we request that you respect those photographed by explaining where and how the photographs will be used.

Riders' Info

Fall is here and there will be a couple of things to keep in mind as we approach the colder weather. Please dress appropriately for the cold. Riders should wear jackets and gloves on cold days. Gloves should just be flexible enough to allow them to close their fingers around the reins and not too slippery.

Time Change for Tuesday and Thursday Afternoon Classes

Due to Daylight Savings Time, the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon classes will need to be adjusted after the time changes. Keep your eyes open for an email in the next week letting you know the adjusted time.

2008 Student Ride-a-thon

The 2008 Student Ride-a-thon is quickly approaching. On the last day of class from November 11-16, students will take their last ride of the fall through the trails of Indian Springs School. Don't forget to pick up your form to recruit sponsors at the stable, or you can set up your own online fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/specialequest. This event provides a significant portion of the funds that support our programs, so make sure you ask everyone you know to sponsor your ride!

2008 Volunteer Walk-a-thon

Walk So They Can Ride

While our riders are recruiting sponsors to support them during the Student Ride-a-thon, please do your part to help them out. During our last week of class our riders will enjoy the trails of Indian Spring School, and you will be leading and side-walking for the last time this fall. Show them how much you appreciate their impact on your life by recruiting sponsors for your final walk of the fall.

The Student Ride-a-thon and the Volunteer Walk-a-thon go hand-in-hand to support the programs of Special Equestrians. You are welcome to pick up a sponsor form at the stable, or you can set up your own online fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/specialequest.org. Remember that together we are Helping Disabilities Disappear!

Support Us

Make sure you tell all of your horsey friends about our annual T.H.R.I.L.L. (Therapeutic Horseback Riding Is a Labor of Love) Ride, public ride-a-thon. Tell them to bring their horse and join us at Shel-Clair Farm & Ranch on Saturday, November 8 for a day of relaxing trail rides. $35 minimum donation. We are encouraging all participants to set up their own fundraising web page at www.firstgiving.com/specialequest. Check out all of the details by clicking here.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the trails!

Fore the Children Golf Tournament was a success!

On October 2, 2008, more than 80 golfers and 13 local celebrities joined us to support the mission of Special Equestrians. The Dr. Lauren Bourgeois Memorial, Fore the Children Golf Tournament, presented by Fi-Plan Partners and Stanley Steemer, was held at Timberline Golf Club in Calera.
Special Equestrians would also like to extend special thanks to Alabama Power Company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Burr & Forman, Carino's Italian Grill, Compass Bank, EGS Commercial Real Estate, Kewaunee Scientific, and Regions Bank.

Welcome to Sketch!

We would like for everyone to make sure they say hello to our newest family member, Sketch. "Etch-a-Sketch," nicknamed Sketch, is a Quarterhorse Paint who is trying out for a position in the Special Equestrians herd. If you are not sure how to spot him, just look for the horse that looks like a big Oreo.

Don't forget that you can support any of our horses through the sponsor-a-horse program!

Instructors

Congratulations to Emily Levine for receiving certification as our newest Registered Riding Instructor through NARHA (the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association).