April 17, 2010
Cadence Volunteer Orientation
On a rather blustery day that included a few snowflakes from a passing cloud, about 25 new and returning volunteers arrived at the Cadence facility for orientation on all manner of tasks and responsibilities associated with working with horses and our clients.
Ron Tyner and Ken Crowe headed up the instruction of working with horses, aided by board members Burt Coleman, Jerri Lincoln and Dave Ohman. New volunteer, Cristin has become an invaluable addition to the Cadence team owing to her own military background with the USAF, horse training experience and arena competition. Following her exit from the Air Force, Cristin studied at Arizona State University and received a BFA degree in photography. In this section of our Cadence news, some of her photographs from the orientation day are on exhibit.
During the course of the afternoon, volunteers were shown how to approach horses in the corral, put the halter on a horse and lead them in a safe manner to the area for grooming a tacking up. From the corrals, the horses were tied up to the area where they were groomed and tacked up. Returning volunteers assisted in the instruction process on grooming.
After a horse is groomed, the next step is tacking up, that is, getting the saddle and bridle on the horse in a way that is comfortable for the horse and safe for the rider. Ron demonstrated the proper methods for placing the saddle into position and how to get the horse to accept the bit and headstall.
Following the tacking demonstration, volunteers were shown how to be side-walkers and how to lead the horse and rider to, and around, the arena.
Overall, it was a beautiful day and we are looking forward to having this fine team of volunteers on the Cadence team. Welcome aboard, everyone!
January 2, 2010
The Competitive Trail Challenge Returns in 2010!
This year, we are planning to hold two Competitive Trail Challenges: June 19th and September 25th.
When we held our First Annual Competitive Trail Challenge last September, we were not sure what to expect. Where could we hold the event? Had we done the marketing needed to get the riders to attend? How many riders would attend?
Well, we are thrilled and delighted that the response, especially from the 66 riders who came to The Lost Canyon Ranch (near Dolores). And one of the big questions often asked that we had not expected was, “Why don’t you do TWO of these events in 2010?” The Board of Directors of Cadence Therapeutic Riding, after much deliberation, concluded
that there was enough public interest to schedule two events this year.
For those of us who worked at the 2009 event, it was a great experience. Now begins the task of recruiting more volunteers for the 2010 events. There will be points along the trail route were we will need judges, and those who can keep track of the riders and the scores for each trail challenge. Photographers, in particular, are invited to join us along the trail as the riders proceed from point to point. So if you have a special gift with a digital SLR camera and the experience for post-production in Photoshop, we want to meet you. Everyone had fun at the last trail challenge and this year’s events promise to be even better.
As you can see by these photos, everyone had a great time while supporting a great cause. We hope to see you at our Competitive Trail Challenge events for 2010. If you would like information on how you can be a volunteer or a trail rider, please call RonTyner at 970.749.RIDE. And, of course, if you, or someone you know could benefit from the equine therapeutic experience, do call us at the same number or email to:
info@cadenceriding.org.
Throughout the winter and spring, we will be keeping you posted on the details. Just send us your email address and you’ll be added to our eBlast listing.
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