Hoofbeats is happy to announce that we will be participating in the VMI Games again this year by hosting the Equestrian Venue. These games are part of the Special Olympics of Virginia and hosted the Virginia Military Institute and will be held on March 31. VMI adds a unique feel to the games and the cadets make everything so wonderful for the athletes and the volunteers. Hoofbeats needs volunteers to prepare for the event and fill the rolls as horse helpers, hospitality, cheering squads and grooms. If this sounds like fun to you, contact Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center and become a volunteer! We need you!
Special Olympics 2012! Volunteers needed!
January 12, 2012Sprinkles at rest
November 11, 2011
Sprinkles came to us this year and did amazing things in a short amount of time. He was careful under saddle and on the ground and he took several of our riders from the spotter division at level 2 to independent riding at level 3. He had a hard life before coming to Hoofbeats and his last year was a happy one. He approached every new thing with an open and happy heart and heaved a contented sigh as he approached each meal. He is buried with Caboose and Licky at Maria’s farm. He is in good company.
TRAV Riders compete!
November 11, 2011
Hoofbeats competed in the 18 th annual Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV) Regional Competition on Oct.8th and 9th at the Virginia Horse Center. Lynda McGarry was the awesome show manager and she put on a great show! Judges were Jan Fessler, Gabrielle Hooten, Hamlin Rainey, and Anthony Huff and Mary Jo Beckman was the behind the scenes master Secretary.
Hoofbeats took 44 riders and 9 horses to compete in Equitation, Dressage, Musical Kur, Trail, and Poles. Everyone had a great time and came home tired, loaded with ribbons, and with dreams of next year! Thank you to all of the Volunteers and Fabulous Families that went with us and made it so much fun! Thanks also to Tamara Hattersley who took all of the pictures!
Highlights of the weekend included a Pas De Duex with Jill and Betsy Dawson in honor of deployed soldiers. Many Hoofbeats riders performed Musical Kur Freestyles that they helped to create. Cody Robinson, Betsy Dawson, and Sebastian Dawson won Championship in their divisions. Hannah Beard and Kayla McCoy won Reserved Championships. SHERMAN was voted TRAV THERAPY HORSE OF THE YEAR 2011
Show Team Pictures!
November 10, 2011
- Diane and Willie the Great!Michaela and Sherman
Hoofbeats Show Teams have a blast in 2011!
November 10, 2011
Cronies on Ponies Drill Team
Hoofbeats riders competed in Dinner Theaters, Games Rallies, Drill Teams, Local and Regional shows in 2011! The Hear the Beat Horse Show Series and the Dressage with a View Shows were extremely popular and our riders learned so much about teamwork, preparation, and goal setting as well as getting so much experience! Thank you to everyone who shared themselves and made it such a lovely experience for everyone!
Hoofbeats Holds Games Rally!
August 17, 2011
Blueberry in Kisses and Curlers!
Goodbye Dear Friend
August 17, 2011
- Caboose and friend
Hoofbeats lost a dear friend yesterday. Caboose came to our program in 1998 to partner with Kirk for Special Olympics. Kirk refered to him as his “Chick Magnet” as Caboose had groupies all along his show circuit. I think of him as my Masterpiece of Therapeutic horses. He taught me so much about what a therapy horse really is. He was soft enough for the smallest rider and patient enough for the most disorganized one. He taught a generation of riders the fine points of Equitation, Dressage, and friendship. Caboose was recognized for excellence regionally and nationally as TRAV horse of the year and NARHA Region 3 horse of the year. He was a gentleman, a talented Musical Kur Dressage horse, and one of the finest Therapy horses I have ever known. He is buried with his long time friend, Licorice.
Very Sad News
July 8, 2011In March, we lost our very dear little Licky Pony.
He had been with us for 16 years, teaching children about the wonders of horses and the natural world. We were honored to know him. He was truly a blessing. We love you, Licky.
Dinner Theater Battle of the Instructors 2011
July 6, 2011Hoofbeats hosted the Battle of the Instructors on May 28th.
Riders rode musical kurs and quadrilles to music that the instructors, Carol, Maria, and Jill spent the winter putting together. (Thanks to Weby for her infinite patience in showing us how to play that computer game!) 
Volunteer writes about her Hoofbeats experience
November 13, 2010Washington and Lee volunteer Alex Fernandez writes about her Hoofbeats experience and how the barn has made a difference in her life.
Check it out at:
http://wlubonnerleaders.wordpress.com/2010/11/07/bonner-leader-finds-a-home/
