Crazy Quilt Raffle Underway to Benefit Therapeutic Riding Program
A beautiful, handmade quilt is up for a raffle prize thanks to the
dedication of Central Vermont family – and proceeds benefit the equine
therapy program, Rhythm of the Rein.
The quilt – an oversized queen “crazy quilt” – was made with love by
Edith Young, her daughters, Susan St. Peter and Katherine Blaisdell
and Katherine’s 8-year-old son, Johnny. The tickets are selling at $1
each or six for $5
This quilt is the second of its kind the family has made. Young’s
granddaughter, Sara St. Peter, is an accomplished horse driver who
uses a special carriage made for a wheelchair-bound person. The first
quilt benefited Sara’s beautiful, unique carriage. The quilt up for
auction now will provide scholarships for other physically, mentally
or emotionally challenged riders and in the future drivers who
participate in Rhythm of the Rein, a program based at Water Tower Farm
in Marshfield.
St. Peter said her family has been working on the quilt every Monday.
“They’ve been working on this for quite a few months,” she said. “It’s
made out of all kinds of people’s donations and leftovers. I think
there’s a piece of my grandmother’s bridesmaid’s dress. It’s all bits
and pieces from all kinds of different occasions.”
The lucky winner of the quilt will be the owner of a handmade work of
art that is full of love.
“I’m proud of them that they’re willing to set aside their time –
which is pretty precious," St. Peter said. "Even Johnny sits down and
puts together pieces – it’s not a typical thing a little boy would
do.”
Raffle ticket sales will support horseback riding lessons for people
with physical, emotional and mental challenges at Rhythm of the Rein,
located at Watertower Farm in Marshfield. Participants in the program
get much out of the program, including confidence, exercise,
strengthening, friendships and more.
Tickets may be purchased by mailing to
Rhythm of the Rein
PO Box 67
Marshfield, Vt 05658
or call 802-426-3781 or email rhythmoftherein@aol.com
Hippotherapy services
While hippotherapy services may be covered under private and state insurance programs, payment for services rarely equals the cost of those services. There is rarely any funding for individuals/families seeking therapeutic riding services that do not fall under the hippotherapy classification. That leaves a large financial void and consequently those individuals/families have to personally pay, if they can, forego such services, or rely upon the generosity of individual donors, of which we hope you are one.
“A society will be judged by how it treats its smallest members.”
-Harry Truman
- If you would like to show your support for our special needs riders, you may do so by printing out our donation form from the link below and sending it in to us with a donation. If you prefer, you may also make an online contribution via Paypal, by following that link, also noted below.Each year we ask the community and area businesses to help support the program. We operate year round, and despite the use of volunteers and the reduced fees for the instructors and therapists, the average cost (including the not insignificant costs associated with the board and upkeep of the primary asset, the horses) to support one rider for a year is just under $2,500.00. Not only does this program offer physical benefits, families note many of their children start doing better at school, in social settings, and generally are more self confident and more willing to try new ventures than previously. Our adults also find great self-esteem and confidence building benefits. As best said by Will Rogers: - “There is nothing as good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse.”
If you would like to show your support for our special needs riders, please e-mail us at RhythmOfTheRein@aol.com and we will e-mail you a printable document which you can use to make a donation. Rhythm of the Rein is a 501©(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
You can demonstrate your generosity as a Supporter with a gift of $15 -$25. A donation of $26 -$50 will show your support as a Friend. A contribution of $51-$100 will identify you as a Good Neighbor. Recognition as a Bronze Sponsor is associated with a gift of $101-$300. An accolade of Silver Sponsor is reserved for you for a donation of $301-$$500. The distinction of Gold Sponsor will be awarded to those who contribute over $500
BEQUEATHS – you may bequeath a gift – for more information please contact us 802-426-3781 or e-mail us at RhythmOfTheRein@aol.com.
ADOPT A HORSE - Some of our mounts have special needs of their own – maybe that is why they are so gracious to their special riders. Some require special supplements to keep them happy and healthy. Let us know if you would like to help with the additional expenses involved in the upkeep of our wonderful mounts. Please contact us at RhythmOfTheRein@aol.com.
HORSE DONATIONS - We periodically need new horses to support our program. If you think you have a good candidate for us contact us – if they sound like a good candidate we will take them on a two-month trial to assess their suitability for this special job. If you think you have such a special mount, please call 802-426-3781 or e-mail us at RhythmOfTheRein@aol.com.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS – Many companies are eager to help their local community members. This is an excellent venue for this. Not only is financial support welcome, many essential goods and services can be utilized as well. If you own or work for a business entity or know of a business that might be interested in becoming a Corporate Partner, please contact us at RhythmOfTheRein@aol.com. We keep a list of Corporate Partners and encourage all we come in contact to support our them as well. We would be more than happy to include you on our website as a Corporate Partner.
IN-KIND DONATIONS - In-kind donations of riding equipment, office supplies, etc. are also welcomed. Currently on our Wish List are:
- Shatterproof mirrors for our arena wall.
- Coolers for our horses after hot workouts.
- Building materials and supplies for an activity room.
- Individual grooming caddies and supplies for each horse.
- Bareback pads and western safety stirrups.
Download : DONATION PAGE
