EVENTS AT RHYTHM OF THE REIN

SURE HANDS LIFT PRESS RELEASE

January 5, 2012

Rhythm of the Rein is very excited to say that today we watched the experts from ALL WAYS ACCESSIBLE install a SURE HANDS mechanical lift to help mount non ambulatory clients on horses for therapeutic riding and hippotherapy (physical therapy on horseback). With the lift now in operation, our programs will be safer and more broadly available to potential clients.

Acquisition of the lift was assisted by a Fundraising effort involving many members of the community, headed by the efforts of John Primmer and his former law firm, Primmer Piper Eggeleston and Cramer PC of St. Johnsbury, Montpelier, Burlington, VT and Littleton, NH. This donation was done in memory of John’s departed wife, Donna Holmberg Primmer, who was an avid horseperson, artist, and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Rhythm of the Rein is a non-profit therapeutic riding program in Marshfield, Vermont that has been providing Equine Assisted Activities for youth and adults with disabilities for 12 years at its host site Water Tower Farm. This program is accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). Rhythm of the Rein also conducts a PATH/DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) program for wounded and disabled veterans, called HORSES FOR HEROES.

An internal fund has been established by Rhythm of the Rein called the DONNA HOLMBERG PRIMMER FUND. This fund is dedicated to the continued support of therapeutic riding programs to be held by our program. The law firm of Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC (where Donna had worked for many years as an accounting manager and paralegal) has made a seed contribution of $5000 to the Fund. Additional contributions of $5300 have also been committed. A matching challenge has been made to match any additional funds up to $7,500.00. This funding will help provide scholarships to riders who have no other access to funding for these immensely beneficial activities.

RHYTHM OF THE REIN, a 501(c)(3)non-profit program, will hold an open house in the spring to officially commemorate the donation of the lift in Donna Holmberg Primmer’s memory.

3RD ANNUAL RHYTHM OF THE REIN TRAIL RIDE

We rescheduled the ride from Oct 1st, which was a cold, windy and rainy day to Oct 15th which was a good decision in the end because the weather was perfect for our ride - 50's, overcast but the breeze was not bad in the forest, perfect to keep the horses and riders comfortable. 8 riders brought in over $1000.00, with Dick Chase on his first ever trail ride bringing in high point adult pledge earner and Kayla Kew in her first fundraiser ride bringing in top youth pledge earner award. Many thanks to our sponsors, Guy's Farm and Yard, Agway, Morrison Feeds, Wayside Restaurant, Tractor Supply, and Grandview Winery for their contributions to our prize packages.

2011 has been a hard year for Vermonters, with the floods and disruption to lives and towns. Vermonters are challenged to spread their donations where the need is greatest and we appreciate all who were able to step up and help support our program. We appreciate everyone's challenges and efforts.

Photos from the trail ride are below.

YOGA AND HORSEBACK RIDING EVENT

On Oct 23rd Cathy Reynolds did a demonstration of WHOAGA at Rhythm of the Rein's host site, Water Tower Farm. This is an innovative way of "crosstraining" the rider, where skills learned and practiced in the yoga studio can be brought to horseback and amazing communication betweeen rider and horse was seen almost immediately, and with riders who had never met the horses they were mounted on in the clinic! Similarities were seen to Centered Riding techniques, but with more comprehensive body awareness focus. Cathy is presenting at the PATH National Conference this November, We plan to have a full clinic scheduled for next year.

You can learn more about Whoa-Ga! and Cathy Reynolds at the Whoa-Ga! website.

Rhythm of the Rein Press Release - First Annual Wine Tasting Benefit

July 15th could not have been a more perfect day for our first annual MIDSUMMER’S EVE WINE TASTING AND SILENT AUCTION at Lakeview Inn overlooking Caspian Lake in Greensboro, Vt. Couples strolled throughout the expansive gardens and bid on a wide range of silent auction donations while sampling Grandview Winery local wines and enjoying a variety of Cabot Cheeses with Manghi’s French bread, fresh and dried fruits. Pianist Mary Cobb played piano on the newest resident Steinway piano at the Inn. All proceeds from this event will help support the Rhythm of the Rein Therapeutic Riding Program in Marshfield, Vermont that serves children and adults with disabilities, veterans from all branches of the military, and their families with our new affiliation with Operation Military Kids (OMK).

Our thanks to the Donnelly’s who provided use of the Inn, Charlie Hayes caterer and his staff, Grandview Winery, Cabot Cheese, Manghi’s Bakery, local markets – Shaw’s, Hannaford’s, and Price Chopper. Also thanks to our silent auction item donors – Burrel Roofing, Jeneane Lunn Pet Portraits, Artistic Stone, Blackthorne Forge, Wobby Jewelers, Goodfellows Jewelers, Greensboro Barn, Connie’s Kitchen, Galaria Catharina, Linck Farm, Rainbow Sweets, Mary Cobb, Sara Beth St.Peter, Water Tower Farm, and Dorothy Day.

Those in attendance were enthusiastic about future events, so a second annual wine tasting event will definitely be planned for 2012!

Rhythm of the Rein 2010 2nd annual trail ride fundraiser

After days of torrential rains our final fundraiser event was greeted by a sunny and perfectly crisp autumn day with peak foliage for our second sponsored trail ride. Our riders gathered over $1500.00 in donations, with our high pledge adult winner Stephanie Davis bringing in over $750.00 herself and again winning the prize Bouquet of Gift Certificates worth over $350.00 – all donated by local merchants – Guys Farm and Yard, Comfort Inn and Suites, Appleby’s , Sarducci’s, Goodfella’s Restaurant, and Morrison Feeds. Youth rider Tiffany Schunk won the gift grooming tote filled with items from Guy’s Farm and Yard, worth over $100.00

After the magnificent ride through the Groton State Forest all returned to the host site, the Groton Forest Road Campground who donated use of their facilities to us. Our tag sale we ran there all day and the evening barbeque and live music compliments of Ben Salls and friends were well attended.

The addition of the barbeque and band was very well received and will be added to our ride next year. This site has overnight camping for horses, pavilion with barbeque grill, and hot showers. We hope to get the word out and double our number of riders next year, so get on our contact list!