December 21, 2009
Windrush Calendar
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Nick and Emma's Story
Nick and Emma’s Story
Contributed by Ellen Davidson, Nick and Emma’s mom
"How do I know that riding will be the thing that makes the difference? It’s simple: I can see it."
Fast forward 20 years. My kids are all grown up. We’re thinking back on our days at Windrush Farm and how it made all the difference to them. In their words, they tell me how the riding counterbalanced some of the more difficult challenges in their lives. They say that this so-called counterbalance was what they needed to face other academic and social demands on them. I listen and smile, because I know how right they are. How they are soaring now.
The truth is that they get a whole lot more at Windrush Farm than instruction. They get the time to better understand themselves. Windrush Farm acknowledges their special needs and honors their right to grow.
For now, I wouldn’t fast forward time for all the horses on the farm. I am overjoyed to hear my seven-year old twins describe how they love their ponies, how it feels to ride, and what they would do differently next time. We are definitely cantering in the right direction.
“I am so good with Guinness. I love Guinness,” says Emma with great self -assurance. “I am really good at whoa-ing,” she says. In contrast, her brother Nick says “I get to tell the horse what to do and nobody else is telling the horse what to do but me.” Nick has no idea how insightful he is about his own needs. Nick does very well when the rules are clear and structure is in place. It strikes me how clearly their comments reflect where they are and what they need to gain from the experience. Windrush Farm is teaching everyone, including me.
December 16, 2009
"Horse Boy" Playing in Newburyport
Horse Boy is going to be playing at the Screening Room, on State St. in Newburyport, Dec 18-23. http://www.newburyportmovies.com
THE HORSE BOY is a ravishing documentary about a Texas couple and their autistic son. When two-year-old Rowan was diagnosed with autism his parents, the father a writer/horse trainer, the mother a psychology professor, try all available therapies to no avail. But the boy is enamored of animals, especially horses. So they begin a trek on horseback to Outer Mongolia in an effort at shamanic tradition. THE HORSE BOY is part travel adventure, part shamanic exploration and part an intimate look into an autistic mind. This film gives voice to those who display extraordinary courage and creativity in the face of heartbreak.
Friday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 & 8:45 pm Saturday, Dec. 19 at 4:15, 6:30 & 8:45 pm Sunday, Dec. 20 at 5:15 & 7:30 pm Mon. through Wed., Dec. 21 23 at 7:30 pm
December 15, 2009
Congrats to Windrush Farm's Very Own Gareth Dudney
Boston Globe's 2009-2010 All Scholastic
Gareth Dudney
Division 2: North Andover, Senior, Midfield
The Cape Ann League MVP tallied 19 goals and 11 assists this season, and was an All-New England selection. He was an All-State selection the past two years, and was the EMass All-Star Game MVP last year. The senior is considering Villanova, Vermont, and UMass for college.
http://www.boston.com/sports/special/schools/2009_fall_all-scholastics/boys_soccer.html
December 14, 2009
December 11, 2009
December 10, 2009
A Student's Riding Journal: Perkins School for the Blind
What is a riding session at Windrush like for a student from the Perkins School for the Blind?
Check out Cullen's Journal:
Cullen
Horseback riding Journal
October – December 2009
- Today in horseback riding I rode Tucker. The first thing I did was groom the horse. I had to use 4 things: the curry, the hard brush, the soft crush, and the pick. Then we finally got to ride. She told us to do lots of things. Next week, I will be riding Judge.
- This week in horseback riding I rode Judge for the first time. I had to put tack on the horse. I had to tighten the girth and I had to fix the stirrups to the right length. I also had to put the reins closer to the saddle. We did some trotting.
- Today I rode indoors. I trott
Continue reading "A Student's Riding Journal: Perkins School for the Blind" »
December 09, 2009
The Holiday Party Is Tonight: Join Us!
Come join us for our holiday party tonight from 5-7pm. There will be lots of delicious snacks and treats. And of course, the Windrush Stars. Check 'em out! And if you haven't, already - become a Windrush Star!
December 03, 2009
December 02, 2009
November 30, 2009
November 20, 2009
November 18, 2009
November 16, 2009
Windrush Horse Hand Puppets: Great Holiday Gift Idea!
Get your very own custom made Windrush Farm Horse Hand Puppet! These sold FAST at the gala. Now, back by popular demand, Barb is offering to make a few more orders!
Price is $27.00 includes tax and 25% is donated back to Windrush Farm. There is a $5 S/H charge. Orders must be placed by November 26. If you are interested, please email the artist, Barb Harrold directly at Crefftwr’s Trees: The Puppet Tree-Branch.
November 14, 2009
November 13, 2009
Windrush Stars: Is Your Photo on the Star Wall Yet?
Is your photo on the star wall? Check it out...
November 09, 2009
Dances with Horses - 10th year Anniversary - smashing success
Check out the photos from the event
Windrush Farm in North Andover hosted its Tenth Annual Dances with Horses Gala on Saturday, November 7, 2009 sponsored by William A. Berry & Son, Inc. to benefit the riders with disabilities at Windrush Farm. Susan Tarr of Beverly, parent of Windrush student provided the keynote presentation and Billy Costa, of Kiss 108FM and NECN served as the auctioneer for the event.
315 guests attended the event held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge. The evening included silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing and raised more than $100,000 to benefit the riders with disabilities at Windrush Farm.
“The Dances with Horses Gala is Windrush Farm’s annual opportunity to shine the spotlight on the importance of the unique and life-changing therapy that we provide,” said Amanda Carey Hogan, Executive Director of Windrush Farm. This event generates more than a quarter of the funds it costs annually for us to run the program and provide our services at a discount to those in need.
Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation (W.F.T.E.) is a 200-acre nonprofit horse farm specializing in teaching physically, emotionally, and learning disabled children and adults to ride and work with horses. Each year, Windrush provides an array of equine assisted therapies to more than 300 children and adults – and their families. Founded in 1964, Windrush Farm was one of the first therapeutic equitation centers in the United States.
For more information about Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, please email Jennifer Tartaglia at jennifer@windrushfarm.org or visit www.windrushfarm.org.
Your Photo Wanted: Windrush Star Fund Drive
With winter right around the corner, our horses, the stars of the program desperately need borium shoes. To raise money for those shoes, we have our annual star fund drive.
This year we're trying something new - The Windrush Stars Photo Wall
How does it work?
You make a donation online to the star fund and upload your favorite pic to the photo wall with your special messages to the horses, staff, volunteers, etc.
Then I will hang an ornament on the holiday tree up at the barn in your honor!
The night of the holiday barn party on Wednesday, December 9 at 5pm there will be a poster of this online photo wall and everyone on the wall will be part of the tree blessing ceremony.
Our goal is $3,500 - help us reach the goal! - Become a Windrush Star!
November 05, 2009
Become A Windrush Star
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100% of your donation will go to the Star Fund, which pays for the winter shoes for the Windrush Horses. For as little as $20, you can share your favorite photo with the Windrush Community. These photos will be displayed at our tree-lighting ceremony at our Holiday Barn Party on Wednesday, December 9th at 5pm.
Be sure to check out the photo wall and learn how you can be a Windrush Star! And please join us for the tree-lighting at our Holiday Barn Party. P.S. You can buy Windrush Stars starting now through the end of December, but you must reply before December 8th if you wanr picture on the photo wall in time for our tree-lighting ceremony.
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November 04, 2009
I Heart Windrush and More...
Looking for a Holiday Gift Idea? Check out our store! Sweatpants, sweatshirts, tees, tanks and much more!
www.windrushfarm.spreadshirt.com
Tell friends...
November 02, 2009
November 01, 2009
Annual Appeal Fund Drive Starts Today
Dear Windrush Families and Friends: Donate Now
It’s been a challenging year for all. But thanks to the many kind people who reached deep into their pockets regardless, Windrush Farm has met our Capital Campaign goal.
I’m happy to report we’ve secured our land! We’re breathing a sigh of relief that we will always have a site from which to improve the lives of children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. Their challenges will persist long after the economy recovers.
However, land alone won’t give these deserving people greater physical function, social connection and joy. That’s why we’re appealing to you again, this time to help sustain our Annual Fund.
We don’t normally ask for assistance with two different campaigns in a year. But while our farm is now secure, our programs are not. Without an influx of operating funds, cutbacks in program and financial aid are inevitable...
What Is Our Mission?
- Our mission is to use the horse to expand the personal, emotional, and physical boundaries of all who ride and work with us.
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