Friday, December 23, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Believe... The Parents and Families of One Heart
Along with believing, they have a distinct element of hope and a remarkable amount of love. We learn from our parents each ride.
The One Heart Parents Believe that we will treat their family with dignity and respect, offer inspired and tailored curriculum, dove-tail into current therapeutic goals and create new opportunities. They hang on the gate, pace the rail, suffer through helmet adjustments, put up with the weather, entertain brothers and sisters outside the arena, remark how BIG the horse is, encourage independence, support new challenges, cheer, high-five and hug.
*Video may take a moment to load. Please be patient.
You may notice different arenas. We have had several wonderful homes over the years.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Believe... The One Heart Contributors
*Video may take a little while to load. Please be patient.
These photos show a small slice of our contributors and what they've done at One Heart. We greatly appreciate them all!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Believe...the Volunteers
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Monday, December 19, 2016
Believe... The Horses
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Believe... Our Riders
And our Riders Believe each time they come to One Heart they will have a meaningful curriculum and a FUN time.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Believe... What do you believe?
Kris has been posting a Believe series on our Facebook page. So for those of you that don't have Facebook, I'll post them here. :)
During this time of year the focus turns to Believing. We at One Heart have focused on making a purchase of a property to become the permanent home for our program. I Believe in this. I Believe we can raise enough money to do it. There are tons of things to Believe in at One Heart. What do you Believe?
During this time of year the focus turns to Believing. We at One Heart have focused on making a purchase of a property to become the permanent home for our program. I Believe in this. I Believe we can raise enough money to do it. There are tons of things to Believe in at One Heart. What do you Believe?
Friday, December 16, 2016
Elves... Don't forget about Amazon Smile
Choose Amazon Smile instead of regular Amazon when you login. Select One Heart Equestrian Therapy as your organization of choice. It's easy and nothing changes for you. One Heart will receive a donation and all you had to do is shop! :)
Walk On: A Brief History of One Heart Equestrian Therapy - The Future
Walk On: A Brief History Continued...
*Photos on this page don't necessarily go with the quotes or stories. They show a slice of One Heart Equestrian Therapy*
One Heart’s reach extends well beyond the time riders and volunteers spend in the arena. Riding can change a person’s life, child or adult. Children as young as two or three have ridden with One Heart. One Heart’s oldest, consistent rider was John, who rode at all three of the first locations, and only quit riding in his early-80s. Volunteers range from teenagers to grandparents, all of whom are committed to keeping One Heart running, rain or shine. There are probably as many “transformation stories” as there are riders and volunteers.
Chloe is a teen with an intellectual disability. She began with the mini horse program, and moved on to riding. According to her mother, riding with One Heart has brought great benefits. She said, Chloe “learned the basics of interacting with, caring for and riding full size horses in a beginner class. The sense of responsibility was important, but so was Chloe’s continued learning about how her behavior and movements impacted the horses. She has come a long way and has since progressed in her skills to the independent rider group and loves that freedom.” The benefits have extended into other areas, too. “Being at One Heart has led to a new social world for Chloe. She is accepted for herself at One Heart by everyone: Kris, Jen, Dani, all the volunteers. She has made many other friends who have introduced us to other activities and more like-minded individuals. It has been a wonderful experience.”
Ricky, who was eleven when he began riding with One Heart, has moderate/severe autism, and a moderate intellectual disability. He generally will not speak with anyone he doesn’t know, and has very limited speech in general. He figured out very quickly, however, that talking in the arena had definite benefits. If he asked his horse to “walk on, please,” he would make the horse move. Sometimes, the horse would even trot! Just as impressive to his parents was the realization that riding the horse had given Ricky greater awareness of his positioning in space, and of the existence of other creatures outside himself. It took a while, but within a few sessions he was voluntarily petting and showing affection to the horse, something that had been difficult for him. Nellie, Bri and especially Shane had captured his attention and his heart. They have captured his parents’ hearts as well, since no other recreational program available in Story County has been so adaptable to Ricky’s needs.
Carson, another youngster with autism and an intellectual disability, has thrived at One Heart. His mother explained what One Heart has meant to Carson. “Our youngest son, Carson, has participated in One Heart Equestrian Therapy program for 3 years. It has been a wonderful program for him. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4 and is moderately intellectually challenged. Initially, Carson was very sensitive to his surroundings and very reluctant to ride. He has made great improvement in his tolerance of the environment. His balance and coordination improved, as well as his ability to verbalize commands to the horse. He is full of laughter and smiles when he rides now and it is apparent that he loves the connection with the horse, which can be challenging for people with autism.”
Kris views part of her role as both director and instructor to assure that the goals and instruction are actually following the therapeutic plan for the rider. She asked Carson’s mother if she could tell if the therapeutic teaching in the arena lingered outside the arena. This story was relayed; Carson was born and raised all of his fourteen years in a rural town which featured a weekend of celebration each summer. Every year Carson attended the parade never showing any emotion or connection to the floats, bands, emergency response vehicles, candy, balloons, or entries. Following a fall session of riding Nellie and participating in the Special Olympics, Carson again attended the summer parade. No response was given to the floats, bands, and other parade entries. However, when the final entry in the parade, the horses, passed by Carson, he stood, and he clapped. The connection had been made and it had been demonstrated.
A young woman who had the use of only one hand wanted to participate in Special Olympics. The best possibility was the Ball Drop, which required the least amount of abrupt motion of the horse. She could hold onto the ball with one hand, but how was she going to carry it to the target? She went home to practice, practice, practice, stretching her fingers around a tennis ball – and won a gold medal.
A partially paralyzed three year old began making significant progress after just three weeks of riding, astonishing the physical therapist who had worked with him since he was six weeks old.
When a young rider had a change of condition that made it impossible for her to either ride or drive, One Heart developed a program that would allow her to work with a miniature horse that she could lead while walking. One Heart adapted to her changing needs, and allowed her to keep challenging herself.
A boy with Angelman’s Syndrome improved his balance, and began to initiate walking on his own, something he had rarely attempted to do previously.
An adult with multiple sclerosis found that the program got her out, and got her moving. The therapy allowed her to improve her strength and range of motion significantly.
One Heart has given a boy with autism a chance to have fun while benefiting from activities that improve his core strength and balance. His mother commented, “One Heart Equestrian Therapy has been such a blessing in my son's life. My son also gets to participate in Special Olympics Equestrian competition, something Kris is very involved in.”
Another adult rider commented: “The program has taught me confidence- not only in myself but in trusting the horses, volunteers and instructors. It has also deepened my love for horses and helped me in so many ways.”
One Heart also changes the lives of others who come in contact with its programs. Students have done necessary research for masters and doctoral degrees, working with One Heart. Home schoolers, pre-vet students, and assorted interns have found projects to do with the organization. Girl Scouts have completed badge requirements and community service projects. Boy Scouts have done their Eagle projects with One Heart.
As the mother of one of these Boy Scouts commented, “Our oldest son, Spencer, has also enjoyed volunteering at One Heart. He developed a Sensory Trail as an Eagle Scout project for One Heart. The Sensory Trail includes 8 stations designed to engage all of the senses. The stations consist of a hanging herb garden, hanging pipes, a ball run, wind chimes, hanging buckets, hanging noodles, a bean bag toss and ball pit. Each station has different activities for the riders to do making it fun and interactive. This was a great opportunity for Spencer to develop his leadership skills and a wonderful contribution to One Heart.”
Volunteers, who have slogged through weather conditions of every kind, have found their lives enriched by One Heart. One volunteer said, “no matter what kind of day I have had, once I get to One Heart, I come away with a perma-grin.” Anna Wolc, a volunteer and Iowa State University student, reflected on the importance of One Heart in an essay she wrote for a composition class. “My shift is over. I sometimes wonder if the volunteers don’t gain more than they give. It seems to be a therapy for me, too. I get home tired but relaxed and happy with strength to get through the next week. `The greatest happiness in the world is lying on the horseback!’ If you don’t believe me, ask our riders. They’ll tell you with their smile, or eye blink, or `Yupi!’, or whatever way they use to communicate.” Volunteers often learn as much as the riders, developing their determination, attentiveness, and relationship skills. Many have never before worked with individuals with disabilities, and volunteering gives them the opportunity to learn about people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. As Kris commented, “It’s a transformation and process that’s always enjoyable.”
As of fall 2016, One Heart is not riding while looking for a new home. With the possibility of buying a “move-in-ready” facility in north Ames, One Heart is looking to raise at least $1.2 million, in order to make the dream a reality. One Heart hopes to continue its Motion, Developmental and Sport riding programs, as well as its driving and mini classes. A new location would make it possible to provide expanded services, including new mental health programs that require the privacy the new facility would allow. If One Heart is able to raise sufficient funds, a heated riding space for the most medically fragile riders will be possible. With a healthy, well-trained herd of therapy horses, and four PATH certified therapeutic riding instructors with Lori Weyhrich‘s recent certification, One Heart is ready to ride into a new era of services to the central Iowa community.
*Photos on this page don't necessarily go with the quotes or stories. They show a slice of One Heart Equestrian Therapy*
What One Heart means to riders and volunteers
One Heart’s reach extends well beyond the time riders and volunteers spend in the arena. Riding can change a person’s life, child or adult. Children as young as two or three have ridden with One Heart. One Heart’s oldest, consistent rider was John, who rode at all three of the first locations, and only quit riding in his early-80s. Volunteers range from teenagers to grandparents, all of whom are committed to keeping One Heart running, rain or shine. There are probably as many “transformation stories” as there are riders and volunteers.
Chloe is a teen with an intellectual disability. She began with the mini horse program, and moved on to riding. According to her mother, riding with One Heart has brought great benefits. She said, Chloe “learned the basics of interacting with, caring for and riding full size horses in a beginner class. The sense of responsibility was important, but so was Chloe’s continued learning about how her behavior and movements impacted the horses. She has come a long way and has since progressed in her skills to the independent rider group and loves that freedom.” The benefits have extended into other areas, too. “Being at One Heart has led to a new social world for Chloe. She is accepted for herself at One Heart by everyone: Kris, Jen, Dani, all the volunteers. She has made many other friends who have introduced us to other activities and more like-minded individuals. It has been a wonderful experience.”
Ricky, who was eleven when he began riding with One Heart, has moderate/severe autism, and a moderate intellectual disability. He generally will not speak with anyone he doesn’t know, and has very limited speech in general. He figured out very quickly, however, that talking in the arena had definite benefits. If he asked his horse to “walk on, please,” he would make the horse move. Sometimes, the horse would even trot! Just as impressive to his parents was the realization that riding the horse had given Ricky greater awareness of his positioning in space, and of the existence of other creatures outside himself. It took a while, but within a few sessions he was voluntarily petting and showing affection to the horse, something that had been difficult for him. Nellie, Bri and especially Shane had captured his attention and his heart. They have captured his parents’ hearts as well, since no other recreational program available in Story County has been so adaptable to Ricky’s needs.
Carson, another youngster with autism and an intellectual disability, has thrived at One Heart. His mother explained what One Heart has meant to Carson. “Our youngest son, Carson, has participated in One Heart Equestrian Therapy program for 3 years. It has been a wonderful program for him. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4 and is moderately intellectually challenged. Initially, Carson was very sensitive to his surroundings and very reluctant to ride. He has made great improvement in his tolerance of the environment. His balance and coordination improved, as well as his ability to verbalize commands to the horse. He is full of laughter and smiles when he rides now and it is apparent that he loves the connection with the horse, which can be challenging for people with autism.”
Kris views part of her role as both director and instructor to assure that the goals and instruction are actually following the therapeutic plan for the rider. She asked Carson’s mother if she could tell if the therapeutic teaching in the arena lingered outside the arena. This story was relayed; Carson was born and raised all of his fourteen years in a rural town which featured a weekend of celebration each summer. Every year Carson attended the parade never showing any emotion or connection to the floats, bands, emergency response vehicles, candy, balloons, or entries. Following a fall session of riding Nellie and participating in the Special Olympics, Carson again attended the summer parade. No response was given to the floats, bands, and other parade entries. However, when the final entry in the parade, the horses, passed by Carson, he stood, and he clapped. The connection had been made and it had been demonstrated.
There are so many One Heart success stories.
A young woman who had the use of only one hand wanted to participate in Special Olympics. The best possibility was the Ball Drop, which required the least amount of abrupt motion of the horse. She could hold onto the ball with one hand, but how was she going to carry it to the target? She went home to practice, practice, practice, stretching her fingers around a tennis ball – and won a gold medal.
 |
| Rosie says HAPPY HALLOWEEN! |
A partially paralyzed three year old began making significant progress after just three weeks of riding, astonishing the physical therapist who had worked with him since he was six weeks old.
When a young rider had a change of condition that made it impossible for her to either ride or drive, One Heart developed a program that would allow her to work with a miniature horse that she could lead while walking. One Heart adapted to her changing needs, and allowed her to keep challenging herself.
A boy with Angelman’s Syndrome improved his balance, and began to initiate walking on his own, something he had rarely attempted to do previously.
An adult with multiple sclerosis found that the program got her out, and got her moving. The therapy allowed her to improve her strength and range of motion significantly.
One Heart has given a boy with autism a chance to have fun while benefiting from activities that improve his core strength and balance. His mother commented, “One Heart Equestrian Therapy has been such a blessing in my son's life. My son also gets to participate in Special Olympics Equestrian competition, something Kris is very involved in.”
Another adult rider commented: “The program has taught me confidence- not only in myself but in trusting the horses, volunteers and instructors. It has also deepened my love for horses and helped me in so many ways.”
One Heart also changes the lives of others who come in contact with its programs. Students have done necessary research for masters and doctoral degrees, working with One Heart. Home schoolers, pre-vet students, and assorted interns have found projects to do with the organization. Girl Scouts have completed badge requirements and community service projects. Boy Scouts have done their Eagle projects with One Heart.
 |
| Spencer with Sensory Trail |
Volunteers, who have slogged through weather conditions of every kind, have found their lives enriched by One Heart. One volunteer said, “no matter what kind of day I have had, once I get to One Heart, I come away with a perma-grin.” Anna Wolc, a volunteer and Iowa State University student, reflected on the importance of One Heart in an essay she wrote for a composition class. “My shift is over. I sometimes wonder if the volunteers don’t gain more than they give. It seems to be a therapy for me, too. I get home tired but relaxed and happy with strength to get through the next week. `The greatest happiness in the world is lying on the horseback!’ If you don’t believe me, ask our riders. They’ll tell you with their smile, or eye blink, or `Yupi!’, or whatever way they use to communicate.” Volunteers often learn as much as the riders, developing their determination, attentiveness, and relationship skills. Many have never before worked with individuals with disabilities, and volunteering gives them the opportunity to learn about people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. As Kris commented, “It’s a transformation and process that’s always enjoyable.”
Looking toward the future
As of fall 2016, One Heart is not riding while looking for a new home. With the possibility of buying a “move-in-ready” facility in north Ames, One Heart is looking to raise at least $1.2 million, in order to make the dream a reality. One Heart hopes to continue its Motion, Developmental and Sport riding programs, as well as its driving and mini classes. A new location would make it possible to provide expanded services, including new mental health programs that require the privacy the new facility would allow. If One Heart is able to raise sufficient funds, a heated riding space for the most medically fragile riders will be possible. With a healthy, well-trained herd of therapy horses, and four PATH certified therapeutic riding instructors with Lori Weyhrich‘s recent certification, One Heart is ready to ride into a new era of services to the central Iowa community.
The story of One Heart Equestrian Therapy is continuously developing, even if this series of updates is over. Keep up with our progress here, on our website, and on our Facebook page.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Walk On: A Brief History of One Heart Equestrian Therapy - Part 3
Walk On: A Brief History Continued...
In the spring of 2007, Kris was in the hospital again, causing a burden for the volunteers to get the program stated on week 1. On the scheduled week 2 the fairgrounds flooded, making it impossible for One Heart to ride. The time had come for a change in location. Kris knew of a stable in Ames that was empty, and between managers. Kris had approached the owner previously, but this time it was
urgent. She told the owner of Stagecoach Stables that if his facility wasn’t available, then One Heart wouldn’t be riding. They met, and wrote a lease for a dollar a year, with a clause stating that if the stable hired new management, they would honor the riding schedule, which included evenings and weekends. The new location was ideal. As Kris remembered, “We had grass, we had stalling, we had an indoor enclosed arena that was insulated. He paid for the water, he paid for the lights. And we paid him a dollar a year. This was heaven for us.”
The new location brought other new opportunities. In 2008, One Heart held its first day camp for low vision and blind riders. A year later, One Heart purchased its first lift. This was made possible with a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and allowed riders to mount more easily, and with greater dignity. One Heart continued to enjoy a positive relationship with volunteers, as an Eagle Scout project brought a “helmet hauler” to the program. The United Way Day of Caring also brought much needed resources. A new instructor, Dani Koski, earned PATH certification.
In 2010, One Heart experimented with new activities, sponsoring a field trip for riders at Wild Wood Hills Ranch, and hosting its first Ride and Tie. Ride and Tie is a competition that combines cross country running with riding, to get a team of two people and one horse across a course of at least twenty miles. The first team member starts out on foot, while the second team member rides to the point to which the partner will run, leaving the horse tied there for the runner. The rider then begins to run. The Benefit Ride and Tie for One Heart brought in teams from all over the country. One Heart continued to ride because members of the community were willing to contribute their time and their resources.
One of the challenges of working in borrowed facilities is that they change management, and sometimes the new management cannot easily meet the needs of the borrower. This is what happened at Stagecoach Stables. One Heart was at Stagecoach Stables from 2007 to 2011, during which time there were two changes of management. Because of the terms of One Heart’s lease with the owner, the managers were bound to honor the therapy program’s use of evenings and weekends, which were prime hours for a riding stable. The other users of the facility had to conform themselves to One Heart’s schedule, while One Heart took prime riding hours when others wanted to ride and give lessons. The management at Stage Coach did its best to honor One Heart’s needs, but eventually asked Kris if she could give up Saturdays. This was not going to work. As Kris said, “We had riders from nine counties by this time, and my moms were not going to be able to drive kids from two hours away in the middle of a school night, so we had to have Saturdays. And I said, well, no, it looks like we need to find another home.”
Another home turned out to be the Strum farm, on the south edge of Roland. The Strums had raised a large family, but the children were now on their own, and their riding barn was empty. Kris picked up the phone, and asked them if they would be willing to host One Heart. The answer was yes, and again, One Heart wrote a dollar-a-year lease with a central Iowa family. This riding facility, however, had been built with separate water and electric service, as well as its own propane tank. One Heart assumed these bills, and learned how to manage this side of the business. One Heart also continued to build its herd in its new location. As Kris has commented, “We restructured the herd so they are younger, vibrant, easy keepers, that don’t cost anything to keep, and rebuilding the herd has helped us get some financial stability.”
During the years at the Strum farm, One Heart, both people and horses, won a number of awards. In 2011, ARC named Kris its Professional of the Year. In the same year, Jen became PATH’s Region 7 instructor of the year. It wasn’t just the people who were winning awards, the horses were, too. In 2013, Rosie became the American Morgan Horse Association Therapy Horse of the Year. Two years later, Shane would win the same honor. They were also able to add carts for the mini horses, increasing their services yet again. One Heart had gone from a struggling, shoestring operation, to an award-winning therapy program with a fine stable of exceptional horses – even if that stable was still a rugged pasture near Colo most of the year.
One Heart continued to connect with the community. Local churches would send vacation Bible school classes to learn about ministering to others while helping clean the barn. The Girl Scouts held a “snore ‘n chore,” (camping and horse badge work) and also donated their time to make therapy trees and an activity center. A Boy Scout constructed a sensory trail for One Heart, as his Eagle project. More teams went to compete in Special Olympics.
In 2014, Special Olympics had to be cancelled because of a disease outbreak, and One Heart created their own competition complete with a judge and medals. For the first time One Heart hosted an open barn open barn and ice cream social using the theme, “Frozen in August”. Inspired by the popularity of the movie, “Frozen”, the Fjord horses of One Heart were a big attraction. One Heart encouraged visitors to dress up as their favorite characters from “Frozen.” As the Story County Sun reported it, “Volunteers decorated several stalls in book and movie themes featuring therapy horses and as the stars.” The volunteers came from Girl Scout Troop 610 of Roland-Story, and the Lutheran Livewires 4-H. All of the horses had a role to play in the open barn. Although missing out on Special Olympics was a disappointment, the party was a success, and brought more of the community to the barn to meet riders, horses and volunteers.
In the end, the same concerns arose at the Strum farm as at Stagecoach Stables. The family wanted to be able to use the barn for boarding, and people boarding their horses need and want to be able to spend time with them on evenings and weekends. One Heart left the Strum farm, a move that required a semi- truck, four pick-up trucks and three stock trailers, as well as an army of volunteers. One Heart was faced with a big decision. It was concluded that it was time for One Heart to find a permanent home.
To meet the goals for the 15th year of offering services two shortened sessions of limited classes were arranged with a short-term lease at a facilities in Nevada. One specific goal was met with this plan; to qualify the team to compete at the state Special Olympics competition in the fall.
To be continued....
A New Home: On to Stagecoach Stables
In the spring of 2007, Kris was in the hospital again, causing a burden for the volunteers to get the program stated on week 1. On the scheduled week 2 the fairgrounds flooded, making it impossible for One Heart to ride. The time had come for a change in location. Kris knew of a stable in Ames that was empty, and between managers. Kris had approached the owner previously, but this time it was
 |
| The lift allows rides to mount more easily and with greater dignity. |
The new location brought other new opportunities. In 2008, One Heart held its first day camp for low vision and blind riders. A year later, One Heart purchased its first lift. This was made possible with a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and allowed riders to mount more easily, and with greater dignity. One Heart continued to enjoy a positive relationship with volunteers, as an Eagle Scout project brought a “helmet hauler” to the program. The United Way Day of Caring also brought much needed resources. A new instructor, Dani Koski, earned PATH certification.
 |
| The first Benefit Ride and Tie for One Heart |
New Challenges: Moving One Heart to the Strum Farm
One of the challenges of working in borrowed facilities is that they change management, and sometimes the new management cannot easily meet the needs of the borrower. This is what happened at Stagecoach Stables. One Heart was at Stagecoach Stables from 2007 to 2011, during which time there were two changes of management. Because of the terms of One Heart’s lease with the owner, the managers were bound to honor the therapy program’s use of evenings and weekends, which were prime hours for a riding stable. The other users of the facility had to conform themselves to One Heart’s schedule, while One Heart took prime riding hours when others wanted to ride and give lessons. The management at Stage Coach did its best to honor One Heart’s needs, but eventually asked Kris if she could give up Saturdays. This was not going to work. As Kris said, “We had riders from nine counties by this time, and my moms were not going to be able to drive kids from two hours away in the middle of a school night, so we had to have Saturdays. And I said, well, no, it looks like we need to find another home.”
 |
| Jen giving a ground lesson at Strum Farm |
Another home turned out to be the Strum farm, on the south edge of Roland. The Strums had raised a large family, but the children were now on their own, and their riding barn was empty. Kris picked up the phone, and asked them if they would be willing to host One Heart. The answer was yes, and again, One Heart wrote a dollar-a-year lease with a central Iowa family. This riding facility, however, had been built with separate water and electric service, as well as its own propane tank. One Heart assumed these bills, and learned how to manage this side of the business. One Heart also continued to build its herd in its new location. As Kris has commented, “We restructured the herd so they are younger, vibrant, easy keepers, that don’t cost anything to keep, and rebuilding the herd has helped us get some financial stability.”
During the years at the Strum farm, One Heart, both people and horses, won a number of awards. In 2011, ARC named Kris its Professional of the Year. In the same year, Jen became PATH’s Region 7 instructor of the year. It wasn’t just the people who were winning awards, the horses were, too. In 2013, Rosie became the American Morgan Horse Association Therapy Horse of the Year. Two years later, Shane would win the same honor. They were also able to add carts for the mini horses, increasing their services yet again. One Heart had gone from a struggling, shoestring operation, to an award-winning therapy program with a fine stable of exceptional horses – even if that stable was still a rugged pasture near Colo most of the year.
 |
| Sensory Trail |
One Heart continued to connect with the community. Local churches would send vacation Bible school classes to learn about ministering to others while helping clean the barn. The Girl Scouts held a “snore ‘n chore,” (camping and horse badge work) and also donated their time to make therapy trees and an activity center. A Boy Scout constructed a sensory trail for One Heart, as his Eagle project. More teams went to compete in Special Olympics.
In 2014, Special Olympics had to be cancelled because of a disease outbreak, and One Heart created their own competition complete with a judge and medals. For the first time One Heart hosted an open barn open barn and ice cream social using the theme, “Frozen in August”. Inspired by the popularity of the movie, “Frozen”, the Fjord horses of One Heart were a big attraction. One Heart encouraged visitors to dress up as their favorite characters from “Frozen.” As the Story County Sun reported it, “Volunteers decorated several stalls in book and movie themes featuring therapy horses and as the stars.” The volunteers came from Girl Scout Troop 610 of Roland-Story, and the Lutheran Livewires 4-H. All of the horses had a role to play in the open barn. Although missing out on Special Olympics was a disappointment, the party was a success, and brought more of the community to the barn to meet riders, horses and volunteers.
 |
| Bri showing therapy horse nerves of steel. Olaf the snowman didn't bother her at all. |
In the end, the same concerns arose at the Strum farm as at Stagecoach Stables. The family wanted to be able to use the barn for boarding, and people boarding their horses need and want to be able to spend time with them on evenings and weekends. One Heart left the Strum farm, a move that required a semi- truck, four pick-up trucks and three stock trailers, as well as an army of volunteers. One Heart was faced with a big decision. It was concluded that it was time for One Heart to find a permanent home.
To meet the goals for the 15th year of offering services two shortened sessions of limited classes were arranged with a short-term lease at a facilities in Nevada. One specific goal was met with this plan; to qualify the team to compete at the state Special Olympics competition in the fall.
To be continued....
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