June 2009 Newsletter  This is the newsletter

February Newsletter.pdfFebruary Newsletter

 

Did you know Windridge was celebrating its 20th Anniversary?

A small barn. . . six horses. . . five volunteers. . . two students. . . one dream.

Twenty years later, the dream has become a reality and we continue to grow and serve.  The horses bring us their gentleness.  The students bring us joy.  The volunteers bring us their hearts and loyalty.  The community brings us support.  And, as always, God brings us grace, peace, guidance and blessings.

Windridge is a Tribute to East Texans!

As you are viewing our website looking at our pictures of riders participating in our therapeutic horsemanship programs, view the facility and outerlying grounds it is important to know that Windridge exists because of the support of individuals, corporations and private foundations.  Windridge’s state-of-the-art facility, grounds and all equipment are paid for – Windridge does not have any debt.  This has only been possible by good stewardship and the unending support of East Texans.  Thank you for your continuing support to ensure therapeutic horsemanship programs are provided to children and adults with disabilities.

Windridge Wish List

• Welder to help build pipe fences.
• A volunteer to refurbish a wagon that we want one of our horses to pull.
• Back hoe attachment to fit our Kubota tractor – Bagley Kubota dealership in Longview, Texas assisted in the donation of our Kubota tractor.  Please contact Windridge’s office for details.
• Annual rider scholarship – $2,090
• Sponsor the care of a horse for a year – $1,200

Celebrating 20 Years!

A picture from the past, 1989. 

Windridge’s very first civic organization donation was from the Tyler Oilmen’s Assocation.  Presenting the check is Don Hood (left) and Keith McCullough.  Receiving the donation is Margo Dewkett and representing our riders are Danny Ingram (left) on Easy and Bryan McKenzie on Tim. 

A picture from the past, 1994.

Before Windridge developed its Horse & Rider fundraiser we held our fundraisers at Maude Cobb.  The fundraiser was a dinner/theater show.  Each year, more than 40 people would dance and sing to popular themes such as the “Fifties”, “Broadway Hits” or to a ”Western” theme.  Our very first and only choreographer was Mary Ann Collier.

A picture from the past, 2008.   

 Last year, at Horse & Rider 2008, 53 riders demonstrated the skills they had been working on for the past year and over 700 visitors were present to support the riders efforts as well as take part in our silent auction, raffle and hamburger plate lunch.

A check presentation March 20, 2009. 

Pictured above Margo Dewkett (left) receiving a donation for Windridge from Jenzy Sparks (on right) held by her therapist Deborah Monroe. 

Three children, Lamar and Jency Sparks and Ana Olvedra, had a lemonade stand to raise monies to benefit Hospice and Windridge.  Thank you to those who purchased lemonade and thank you Lamar, Jency and Ana for serving East Texans through your donation. 

PICTURES FROM OUR ANNUAL HORSE & RIDER EVENT, CELEBRATING OUR 20th ANNIVERSARY!