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(214 KB)The 2007 Chair Affair & Art Auction Needs Your Support!
Plans are underway for the Three Gaits
6th Annual Chair Affair & Art Auction at Madison's Sheraton Hotel
on John Nolen Drive. The silent auction will take place on Thursday,
May 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Many talented friends of Three Gaits
have donated beautiful, artistically painted chairs and artwork to be
auctioned at this event. All pieces will be on display at Hilldale
Mall in Madison beginning April 13.
As a non-profit organization, we depend on the support of our community. We provide an effective therapeutic horsemanship program for over 250 youth and adults with disabilities and special needs. Each participant has benefited from contact with our special horses.
We need your help to ensure this fun-filled event is a success. We've included an envelope in this newsletter, to further show how your gift specifically supports the Three Gaits mission. We hope you will contribute to our enduring goals and become an honorary "Chairperson" this year. Please consider a sponsorship donation to support the Chair Affair & Art Auction event. Each gift will be acknowledged in our event publicity.
Throughout this newsletter you will see examples of how fundraising events, such as the Chair Affair & Art Auction, support Three Gaits. Your generosity ensures that all Three Gait students are allowed to experience the freedom of movement and the challenges that only a horse can provide. Thank you for your support! Watch our website for more information as the event draws near.
Memories
of Buddy
by Dena Duncan
"He'll never work," was the first thing I heard when Buddy came to Three Gaits. We knew very little about his background. We didn't know how old he was or what training he had. We knew only that he had been donated to a local school's riding program and because of the type of riding they did (jumping) he wasn't a good candidate for them. The school contacted us and asked if we would be interested.
Angela, Sandra, and I went out to look at Buddy. We were instantly struck by his large, soft, brown eyes. He blinked at us and we knew he was special, and that he needed a home. We bent some guidelines we use in selecting horses for Three Gaits and decided that we couldn't possibly say no. Sometimes worried, sometimes even a bit anxious, Buddy's eyes were very much a window to his soul-and to his enormous heart.
Buddy arrived at Three Gaits in July of 1998. One of our volunteers, Lynn Hanus, took him under her care and spent many hours with Buddy working with him to encourage him to enjoy his job here. With a little patience and consistency, Buddy did work after all.
It rapidly became apparent that Buddy's specialty was in classes where he could be lead by a volunteer. Buddy never seemed to mind being surrounded by people. He tolerated side-walkers easily as he patiently awaited riders climbing on his back. He didn't fuss over the thousands of adjustments that his riders needed over the years. Where many horses don't care for people and activity at their flanks, to Buddy it almost seemed like the more, the merrier. He enjoyed all the company, but he knew his job and took it seriously.
We couldn't have asked for a more predictable horse. He was a steady, kind, beautiful friend to so many of our riders-I can't begin to count the number of times I watched him stand quietly for a new rider. Buddy could always be counted on to win over even the most timid of new riders (or apprehensive parents!) with his confident, steady manners and gentle stillness.
Over the years we limited Buddy to our smaller, lighter riders but during the summer and fall we noticed many changes in Buddy's character and activities. He no longer hurried out of his stall in the morning-his arthritis made it difficult for him to move. In classes he was not as willing to stand patiently-if even our lightest riders were unbalanced we noticed that he became worried and pained. We realized that we couldn't ask any more of Buddy than he had already given to our program. The difficult decision to retire him from Three Gaits was made.
Unfortunately, Buddy also became tired. He rapidly lost weight and nothing we tried appealed to his appetite. It became apparent that he no longer was able to enjoy any aspect of his retirement. Buddy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26. This was a difficult process and decision for everyone at Three Gaits, but it was very important that Buddy didn't suffer or have to worry about living in pain or discomfort.
Buddy's work and life here will not be forgotten. I know that I treasure my memories of brushing him-he had a beautiful summer coat and loved to be groomed so that he shone in the sunlight.
I would like to ask for your help in celebrating Buddy's contributions to Three Gaits and to all of us who worked with him and loved him. I would like to put a brick in Three Gaits' patio area in Buddy's honor, but cannot seem to find the right words to remember him by…I am asking anyone who is interested to submit their ideas (send me an email at dena@3gaits.org) by March 17 so that we can honor Buddy permanently here at Three Gaits. The writing can be up to twelve characters per line and up to four lines. I look forward to your ideas and to sharing your special memories of Buddy.
Remember to use www.GoodSearch.com when searching the Internet, and designate Three Gaits (Oregon, WI) as your designated cause.
Sibling Riders: Sisters Share a Special Bond—and Riding Time at Three Gaits
All her life, Suzy Vanderbloemen had
been watching her big sister, Rachel, ride at Three Gaits.
One day she wondered how come she didn’t get to ride too. So Three
Gaits found room for Suzy in Rachel’s class. Now, sisters who have
always been extremely close have another thing they both love in
common—horseback riding.
Rachel, age 9, started riding at Three
Gaits when she was about 3 or 4 years old. And she’s ridden
in just about every session since. Her parents, Anne and Brian
Vanderbloemen of Madison, learned about Three Gaits through the Birth
to Three Connections Program.
Rachel was born with CHARGE syndrome, a genetic condition of complex birth defects involving extensive medical and physical difficulties. Many with CHARGE syndrome, including Rachel, have hearing and vision loss, as well as balance problems. Anne feels that Three Gaits has done a lot for Rachel. “Riding has helped her with her trunk control, confidence, and willingness to try things,” Anne says. “At first she was scared to trot, but now she loves it. Rachel has come such a long way—she started walking when she was 8 and riding helped her balance, posture and ‘prewalking’ skills.”
Despite the challenges Rachel faces, she excels in many areas. Rachel is legally blind and uses large-print books, but the books she reads are above her grade level. Another accomplishment of Rachel’s is to represent her class in the all-school spelling bee.
Besides riding horses together, the girls also love to give them apples for a treat. Suzy, age 6, also loves trotting, and petting the barn cats at Three Gaits.
The girls have very definite—and
very different—opinions about their favorite horses though. Suzy’s
favorite is Jam. However Rachel, who has ridden almost all the Three
Gaits program horses as her skills developed over the years, prefers
Dusty.
The girls read a lot, enjoy watching movies, and playing “Barbies,” “make-believe,” and computer games. Both are also learning to play the piano. According to Anne, “They are great sisters; they do everything together. Suzy understands Rachel really well. They are the best of friends.”
What do you want for your birthday? When someone asks that question of Lauren and Madeline Ace, their answer is “donations for Three Gaits.”
Over the past three years, the Ace sisters have received monetary birthday gifts from friends and family, which they have generously passed on to us. In December, the girls presented us with a gift totaling over $250.00 from their 2006 birthday gifts.
Thanks again, Lauren and Madeline, for remembering your friends at Three Gaits.
Minnesota
Resident Wins MoonDance Prize
by Teri Shore
When Kriss Timpe attended MoonDance
last October, she was more than happy to make the trek from
Minnesota to support a cause that’s “near and dear” her heart.
“Therapeutic riding programs are wonderful,” says Timpe. “They
offer challenges and rewards, not only for the participants, but for
the
volunteers… and the horses!”
Timpe volunteers as a driver at the We Can Ride therapeutic program. She learned about Three Gaits and the MoonDance benefit through the Central States Dressage and Eventing Association (CSDEA).
MoonDance proved to be extra special for Timpe--winner of the Grand Prize raffle of $5,000 in RedLine Garage Gear. “I couldn’t believe I won,” remarked Timpe. She and her family are thoroughly enjoying prize. “The RedLine equipment is great! I never thought I’d love my garage this much!”
Besides volunteering, Timpe runs her own master gardener business, spends time with her husband and three children, and enjoys practicing dressage on one of her three horses. Sounds like her prize helped organize a busy life.
Hundreds of horse enthusiasts from
around the Midwest came together at Bristol Equestrian Estates in Sun
Prairie to take part in MoonDance 2006. The October weekend featured
dressage champion Debbie McDonald. She offered a two-day dressage clinic.
Saturday evening offered the highlight—a Gala complete with wine, food and a silent auction under a huge tent. The Gala was capped off with a dozen horses and riders performing to music under the stars.
Tickets, sponsorships, and proceeds from the raffle of a RedLine Garage system and the many silent auction items resulted in $43,000 raised for Three Gaits. Special thanks to the Marti Coursin and Madison Area Recreational Equestrian Sisters (MARES) Club for all the expertise and time given to help make the MoonDance 2006 such a successful event enjoyed by all.
Thanks also to all those participating in this event. You made it a great success!
Many companies help Three Gaits
through workplace campaigns such as the annual United Way drive.
However, reflecting upon last year, we’re reminded how some
organizations have gotten creative with their fundraising ideas.
In August 2006, managers at Capitol Indemnity Corporation were asked to volunteer for “dunk tank” duty at the company picnic. Employees paid a few dollars for the chance to dunk their favorite organizational leader. Proceeds totaling $400 were presented to Three Gaits as a donation.
The State Bank of Cross Plains and their employees recently hosted a Bake / Craft Sale at their branches. Their proceeds were used to purchase a few items from our wish list, and a gift card from Mounds Pet Food Warehouse. Three Gaits was happy to receive the donation.
We appreciate all the wonderfully creative ways these groups have helped our students and horses. Thank you for your support!
Remind your friends who are interested in horse items that we are hosting an upcoming tack sale:
Sunday, April 1,
2007
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
An assortment of new, slightly used, and well-used tack will be offered. Vendors are welcome. Bring your own table and join us for a small fee.
Proceeds will benefit Three Gaits. For more information, or to RSVP as a vendor, contact: Sandra Faust at (608) 877-9086 or 3gaits@3gaits.org
This summer, Three Gaits will host 2 different types of day camps.
Youth Volunteer Day Camp is
designed to promote youth volunteerism (for children ages 9-13) and
equip participants with the skills they need to volunteer at Three
Gaits when they reach the age of 14.
Campers spend the day doing projects around the facility (e.g.,
cleaning water tanks, painting jumps, indoor arena maintenance, etc.)
and practicing horse skills such as leading, grooming, and tacking.
There is NO riding involved in this camp.
Session “F”: June 25 - 29, 2007
Session “G”: July 30 - Aug. 3, 2007
Riding Day Camp allows participants to ride horses and practice horsemanship skills in a fun, safe environment. Along with daily riding lessons, participants learn about grooming, tacking, horse care/feeds, horse breeds/colors, and riding disciplines through instruction and games.
There are currently three types of Riding Day Camps.
Youngins Camp gives riders age 6-9 the opportunity to learn about horses.
Session “A”: June 11 - 15, 2007
Beginners Camp offers an introduction to horses for riders age 10-13 with little or no prior experience.
Session “B”: June 18 - 22, 2007
Session “C”: July 9 - 13, 2007
Intermediate Camp is designed to challenge and increase the independence of participants, ages 10-13, who already have horseback riding experience.
Session “D”: July 16 - 27, 2007
Session “E”: August 6 - 17, 2007
Camps are open to participants with and without special needs. Appropriate camp candidates exhibit self-monitoring behaviors. If campers require an aide at school, they must provide an aide for camp as well.
For more information on camp
schedules, fees, and registration, please visit our website:
http://www.3gaits.org/daycamp.htm
Session I (Spring)
Rider Registration Deadline - January 15, 2007
Lessons Begin week of February 12-17, 2007
Lessons End week of April 30-May 5, 2007
(12 week session)
Here is the schedule for each day of Session 1:
Mondays 2:00 to 7:45 p.m. (Feb. 12 - Apr. 30)
Tuesdays 4:30 to 7:45 p.m. (Feb. 13 - May 1)
Wednesdays 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Feb. 14 - May 2)
Thursdays 4:15 to 7:45 p.m. (Feb. 15 - May 3)
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (Feb. 17 - May 5)Reminder to volunteers: Call 877-9086 if you are not signed up
and would like to help during one of these times.
Session II (Summer)
Rider Registration Deadline - May 7, 2007
Lessons Begin week of June 4, 2007
Lessons End week of August 25, 2007
(12 week session)
Summer Horse Show: Sunday, August 19, 2007
Day Camps
June 11-15, 2007 Youngins Camp (Age 6-9)
June 18-22, 2007 Beginners Camp (Age 10-13)
June 25-29, 2007 Youth Volunteer Camp
July 9-13, 2007 Beginners Camp (Age 10-13)
July 16-27, 2007 Intermediate Camp (Age 10-13)
July 30-August 3, 2007 Youth Volunteer Camp
August 6-17, 2007 Intermediate Camp (10-13)
Session III (Fall)
Rider Registration Deadline - August 20, 2007
Lessons Begin week of September 17, 2007
Lessons End week of December 15, 2007
(12 week session over span of 13 weeks - no classes during week
of Thanksgiving)
Three Gaits Mission, Board Members, and Staff
Three Gaits, Inc., is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to provide a safe and effective therapeutic horsemanship program for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and special needs. Therapeutic horsemanship uses equine-oriented activities to promote and enhance the development of each participant's cognitive, physical, and communicative abilities, and positive self-esteem. Three Gaits strives to serve interested individuals within Dane County and the surrounding area. It is the policy of Three Gaits, Inc., to promote equal service and employment opportunities for employees, clients, board members, and applicants to the agency. Equal service and employment opportunity means the treatment of those categories of people mentioned above without regard to their age, race, sex, creed or religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, color, disability, ancestry, or political affiliation.
Board members:
- President: Cindy Frank
- Treasurer: Rob Gooze
- Secretary: Lynn Hanus
- Directors: Jay Gunderson, Steve
Link, Michelle Lonergan, Linda Wells,
Mary Ann Zwaska, and Pam Moen
Staff:
- Executive director: Chris Ziemba
- Program director: Dena Duncan
- Farm manager: Missy Landphier
- Barn maintenance: Roger Hanson
- Instructors: Sandra Faust, Angela Frank, and Betsy Kelley
- Apprentice instructor: Rudi Meyer
- Occupational therapist: Stephanie Bruschi and Karen Petrow
- Office assistant: Stephanie Haney
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