The Journey to Sun Valley

We never seem to become accustomed to the speed at which a year goes by, and as always, find ourselves wondering how January has come again so soon.  This past year at NCEFT has been monumental, including a host of improvements to the facility and continued expansion of our therapeutic programs.

January 2011 saw the completion of our stall renovation project.  Funded by our 2010 Heroes and Horses Gala, stalls were outfitted with state of the art flooring by Equine Comfort Systems.  The new system has allowed us to cut down on our use of wood shavings and has noticeably improved the lives of our older horses.

“Bits and Pieces” opened its doors for the first time in mid-February, selling gently used donated tack at reduced prices.  Housed in a refurbished outbuilding, the small store has raised roughly $5,000 in support of NCEFT.

NCEFT jumped on the social media bandwagon in early June, launching this very blog in hopes of bringing awareness to equine-facilitated therapy and our facility.  NCEFTspeaks now has over 400 followers, reaching hundreds of people every day.

The equine community was hit hard in May and June as the EHV-1 virus ran its course throughout the Western United States.  In an effort to keep local horses as safe as possible, NCEFT made the difficult decision to turn our annual Poker Ride into a Poker Walk.  In a huge show of support, nearly all of the entries turned down their refunds and opted to continue on foot. 

In July we took down the pop-up covers that had long provided protection in the crossties from the sun and rain, installing a beautiful shade sail by Home-Teck.  Donated by a pair of volunteers, the awning was a much needed contribution.

Our herd increased by three in August with the additions of Honey, Buddy, and Janie.  All three horses are doing fantastic and working their way into our therapy programs.

September was a busy month with two large events benefitting NCEFT.  The Wounded Warriors Polo Benefit once again chose us as one of their beneficiaries.  Friends, family, and staff all turned out on a beautiful Sunday to watch the ponies and help raise money in support of veterans.  Two weeks later we hosted our yearly Heroes and Horses Gala.  A record setting number of guests and wonderful fund-a-need auction allowed us to raise nearly $190,000.

We kicked off the party season with our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in November.  The party was a welcome opportunity to reconnect with friends and get to know fellow volunteers and staff. 

Our Holiday Party for NCEFT Families was the final event of the year, and the one most looked forward to by our younger patients.  From carriage rides, to fire trucks, and even a visit from the Santa, there was no shortage of activities (or food!). 

As 2011 drew to a close we made one last improvement, replacing the roof over the barn stalls.  The project was funded by this year’s Gala, and comes just in time for the winter rainy season.

On the horizon for this year is the introduction of a new veteran’s program aimed at preparing small groups of injured vets for a ranch experience in Idaho.  NCEFT will be the first stop for the group, teaching basic horsemanship and helping to develop their strength and riding skills.  At the end of the 8 week program we’ll hand the group over to the ranch where they’ll hit the open trails.  The addition of these 10 students each week highlights the continued growth of our therapeutic programs.  Now operating six days a week, NCEFT is excited to be seeing more patients than ever.  With the new year stretching brightly before us, and personal resolutions yet to be broken (exercise more, eat healthier…), NCEFT would like to wish everyone a very happy new year and all the best in 2012.